WHAT: A new — and true — five-star resort on the southern Caribbean’s most relaxed island, with 320 spacious rooms, all with private balconies and cinematic views of the gin-clear, turquoise sea.
WHERE: On Palm Beach, Aruba’s choicest real estate on the Caribbean, directly facing a beigy-white beach filled with relax-ready cabanas, luxurious loungers and clusters of native mangroves.
WHEN: This past weekend, just in time for the hotel’s grand opening and — coincidentally — a pomp-filled Aruba visit by Holland’s newly crowned King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima.
WHY: Aruba’s relatively rain-free skies and reliably balmy temps have made it a favorite of American timeshare owners and package-tourist types. Now, with the Ritz-Carlton, the island has a resort with world-class service and style.
WORKING WELL: The rooms are big, bright and sun-filled, with Asprey bath products and supremely comfortable beds. The resort’s restaurant quartet is also top-notch, particularly the French-inspired seafood dishes (and unexpectedly high-design chandelier) at Les Crustaces.
NEEDS WORK: The eager-to-please staff can feel a bit too eager — occasionally clamoring to refill glasses, clear plates or deliver restaurant checks.
MUST-TRY: The Spa. Sprawling over 13,000 square feet, the 13-room spa offers signature treatments such as the coconut oil-infused Divi Divi massage, so expertly executed that guests were already booking appointments for return visits next year.
DON’T MISS: The thrilling JETLEV experience from local water-sports operator Red Sail Aruba (from $150), a short stroll down the beach. Part-Jetsons and part-Aquaman, this scary-cool endeavor features a water-powered jetpack that propels users up to 30 feet above the sea. Make sure to bring your camera.
COMPETITIVE EDGE: The Arubans themselves. Some 90 percent of the Ritz-Carlton’s 450 staffers are locals and offer levels of warmth, generosity and — most important — efficiency rarely seen in the region. Aruba’s mix of Latin charm and Dutch ingenuity are a hard-to-beat combination.
DETAILS: From $649, ritzcarlton.com.