Aruba Cunucu Residence

There’s a refreshing lack of formality here that begins at the entrance to this single-story, sunny yellow building. A side gate leads to the backyard and reception area, which sits between two of the apartments available for rent. The delightful aqua infinity pool takes center stage, with clusters of Adirondack chairs and palapa shades at either end, giving the place a fitting island vibe. A gas barbecue is neatly tucked in one corner, and a row of cacti separate the area from the arid, succulents-strewn landscape. While the view past it is nothing special -- just an open expanse of cleared land -- it adds to the peace and privacy for which Cunucu is prized. Cunucu is owned by John and Eleanor, a Canadian-based English couple, however they’re only in Aruba for limited annual stretches, so local manager, Henk, is at the helm during their absence. The hotel tends to draw vacationing singles, couples, and families.

The property resides in a peaceful residential pocket in the island’s north, about 23 minutes’ drive from Queen Beatrix International Airport. It's situated slightly inland from the west coast -- essentially a long stretch of Aruba’s famed white-sand beaches. All require a drive to reach; the closest are Malmok Beach (five minutes), Boca Catalina Beach (five minutes), and Hadicurari Beach (six minutes), although there are plenty more to choose from depending on the vibe beachgoers seek. The Palm Beach strip in Aruba’s high-rise resort area, teeming with restaurants, bars, and nightlife, is about a six-minute drive from the property. Cunucu is also a five-minute drive from the island’s only 18-hole golf course, Tierra del Sol, and a supermarket is located just around the corner -- about a five-minute walk away. 

The Residence has six uniquely decorated apartments in a choice of three layouts: Studio (sleeps one to two); One-Bedroom (sleeps two to four); and Two-Bedroom (sleeps four to six). Decor and color palettes differ between units, and while interiors, furniture, and decorative touches are basic and terribly dated (the modern flat-screen TVs seem out of place), apartments are tidy and equipped with everything required for a home-like stay. Even the Studio is huge, and the One- and Two-Bedrooms feel like private cottages with separate living areas, large eat-in kitchens, and sizable bathrooms. Units open onto sunny patio areas that overlook the pool at the rear. Outdoor seating is provided, but patios are wide open, so privacy is limited to indoors. Other features include air-conditioning, dining tables, and practical touches like portable beach chairs and coolers. Kitchens have microwaves, toasters, kettles, plus cookware and cutlery. Bathrooms offer large walk-in showers, fresh towels, and bar soap.

Given the small-scale nature of the property, on-site features are far more limited than in a traditional hotel. Aside from the capability to self-cater (there's no on-site dining), the beautiful and well-kept pool is Cunucu’s main highlight -- big enough for laps, with a choice of colorful rafts on offer and plenty of palapa seating at either side. There’s a communal barbecue available for guest use, and a simply furnished rooftop patio with panoramic views of the area. The manager, Henk, runs an on-site car rental business, and he’s also a wealth of local insight, which guests appreciate. Housekeeping is provided and beach towels are replaced daily. On-site parking is free, as is Wi-Fi throughout.