Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort

The property belongs to Divi Resorts -- a small group of Caribbean properties scattered throughout Aruba, Bonaire, Barbados, St. Maarten and St. Croix. In 1969, Divi Aruba was the first Divi property to open on the island, and since then, the company has steadily expanded the brand with four additional properties, a nine-hole golf course, and a casino. Completed in 1995, Divi Aruba Phoenix is the most recent Aruba property, and is the only one situated in the High-Rise district.Divi Aruba Phoenix, with its two wide, neutral-toned towers, appeals to many types of travelers. The units in the older wing beckons families and couples watching their budgets, while the more modern suites and penthouses in the newer tower attract a more discerning crowd. The hub of the resort is not the lobby (which is somewhat sterile and remains quiet), but rather the main outdoor pool area, situated next to the Pure Beach Bar, where guests tend to congregate most hours of the afternoon and evening. The lagoon-style pool consists of a series of rounded turquoise pools separated by walkways and palms trees like a big blue oasis with lots of sunbeds on offer. Pure Beach aptly sits right on the beach, and has a casual vibe. By night, couples appreciate the romantic dinner atmosphere at Pure Ocean dinner restaurant, with open-air seating that spills out onto the beach beneath paper lanterns and fairy lights, while communal barbecue areas invite laid-back DIY dining. Waves are calm and water is shallow making it a great swimming spot for all ages. On shore, straw huts and tall palms provide shade -- although the main beach area can get crowded with guests, especially in peak season. In which case guests should head south where the beach population becomes more sparse. Guests are a mix of couples, families, and multi-generational groups on beach vacations. 

Unless guests are planning to remain at the resort, a rental car is recommended -- there is a desk in the lobby and free parking is provided, or taxis are readily available. The Divi Aruba Phoenix is situated at the southern end of Palm Beach in the High-Rise hotel district, just 13 minutes from Aruba's capital of Oranjestad and the Queen Beatrix International Airport. (The Low-Rise and High-Rise Districts are exactly what they sound like, with low- and high-rise hotels, respectively.) The High-Rise section fronts Palm Beach and has close proximity to shopping, restaurant, and bars, but the Low-Rise section to the south tends to feel less crowded. From Divi, it’s a five-minute drive north to The Strip in Palm Beach -- a hub of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Other nearby highlights include popular Eagle Beach (five minutes), California Lighthouse (eight minutes), and Alto Vista Chapel (10 minutes). Farther flung sites worth a visit include Arikok National Park (21 minutes) and Baby Beach (34 minutes).

Divi Aruba Phoenix offers eight Suite types (consisting of studio, one- or two-bedroom units) in two separate elevator buildings. The original block, built in 1995, is showing its age. Caribbean decor in yellow and blue is slightly dated, but units have been updated with the occasional modern touch like flat-screen TVs for instance. All of these units offer full ocean views with private balconies. The Beach Tower suites are located in the newest resort section and come with a similar color scheme of yellow and blue, though interiors are more contemporary, and stylishly appointed with upgraded accents like granite countertop surfaces, stainless steel appliances, and washer/dryer combos. All of these suites open onto private balconies with partial or full ocean views and at night, the area is lit in bright colors for a spectacular outlook. Each unit has a fully-equipped kitchen with large fridges, coffeemakers, and microwaves. Amenities common to all suites include air-conditioning. flat-screen TVs with DVD players, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Bathrooms offer stand-up showers and toiletries, while higher categories have big spa baths. 

Features are focuses on beach vacations and food. The property features two pool areas -- there’s the huge main lagoon-style pool surrounded by deck chairs and shade palapas. On the other side of the original tower is a smaller, quieter pool area. Palm Beach unfolds across the rear of the property and provides easy access to other High-Rise resorts, reached simply by strolling along the beach. For those looking to play in the water, an activities coordinator is situated on the beach and can arrange a number of non-motorized water sports and tours at extra cost. Deck chairs and shade palapas line the beachfront, although it can get crowded in peak times. Both restaurants are beachfront. The more casual Pure Beach is open for lunch and dinner, and features daily happy hour and an attached swim-up bar. Pure Ocean is open for breakfast and dinner, also with daily happy hour, and a romantic night time ambience especially suited to couples. Chefs bring their own Caribbean flair to classic favorites, and there’s always plenty of fresh local seafood on offer. There are a couple of barbecue areas set up within the resort, with outdoor dining settings for those keen to DIY grilling. Room service is also available.The huge fitness center has separate cardio and weights areas, and plenty of modern equipment that should keep fitness buffs happy. Pure Indulgence Spa is operated by an outside vendor, with beautifully presented interiors and a range of indulgent treatments on offer. The nail service stations peek through wall-to-wall glass across the main pool to the sea. Children 12 and under stay free, and there’s a kids’ club with activities like sandcastle building and scavenger hunts. Tours, activities, and car rentals can be arranged at dedicated desks in the lobby. Free shuttle transportation is provided to the Divi-owned Alhambra Casino. There’s an upmarket boutique located near the deli, and a sundries shop is in the lobby for snacks, booze, souvenirs, and basic necessities. A laundry and dry cleaning service is available at extra cost. Free Wi-Fi is provided.