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 of Bucuti & Tara Resort

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.

Cabana at Bucuti & Tara Resort

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.

Guest room at Bucuti & Tara Resort

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.

Restaurant at Bucuti & Tara Resort

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.

Pool at Bucuti & Tara Resort

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.

Beach at Bucuti & Tara Resort

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.

Boat at Bucuti & Tara Resort

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.

Pool at Bucuti & Tara Resort

Beach at Bucuti & Tara Resort

Boat at Bucuti & Tara Resort

Spa at Bucuti & Tara Resort

A guest enjoying a beachfront massage treatment.David Troeger/Courtesy of Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort