Our home away from home was always a haven to escape the bitterly cold weather in Massachusetts each February.
For two wonderful weeks, we traded our snow shovels for sand pails and blizzards for beaches.
As I got older, my love affair with the country continued.
Exterior view of the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba.Credit:Courtesy of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
Ironically, I had a trip toArubaplanned just days after my grandmother passed away.
For years, I had heard countless visitors rave about howBucuti & Tarais the crown jewel of the island.
It’s the sole adults-only property in the islands more laid-backEagle Beach area, operating since 1987.
Private cabanas are available for guests.Jacqueline Dole/Travel + Leisure
The boutique resort is like nowhere else on the island, balancing classic Aruban charm with luxury level amenities.
However, as the island continues to surge in popularity, some challenges befall guests at many popular resorts.
The palapas include a small table and chairs, plus two loungers.
Interior of a Deluxe Ocean View guest room.JOHN MCKINNON/Courtesy of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
The rooms are bright with dark wood tones and tile flooring that’s ubiquitous in classic Aruba hotels.
The property is not all-inclusive and encourages guests to explore the culinary scene around the island.
One area where the property’s focus on sustainability shines is its bar program.
Ocean views from the Elements Restaurant terrace.Kenny Theysen/Courtesy of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
In addition to the beach, the resort has one pool and a solar-heated Jacuzzi.
Unlike many resorts on the island, the pool is open 24 hours.
Spa services are available inside, as well as on the beach in an outdoor cabana.
Accessibility and Sustainability
The property has accessible parking, ramps, elevators, and restrooms.
Elements Restaurant and the SandBar are accessible via an entry-level ramp.
Since 2018, the property has been theCaribbean’s first and only certified carbon-neutral hotel.
Location
The property is in the heart of the low-rise district alongside Eagle Beach.
Both rental cars and taxis can be booked directly with the hotels concierge.
In other words, this property is wildly popular.
Because of this, youre not likely to find any sales or promotions at a discounted rate.
The lowest room rates can be found throughout the late spring and summer, which is Arubas off-peak season.
A guest enjoying a beachfront massage treatment.David Troeger/Courtesy of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort