Wonders Boutique Hotel

Popular with vacationing couples, the adults-only Wonders Boutique Hotel is an intimate and laid-back property housed in a former family home, and it exudes the kind of warmth you would expect for such a setting. Exotic-looking sculptures and other art pieces add an element of sophistication, which is balanced by homey touches such as hammocks and comfy cushions. The ground floor of the hotel is mainly taken up by an inviting common area, which is dominated by a long, cozy sofa. Beautifully carved wooden tables are stacked with magazines and coffee-table books. A burnt orange accent wall and vivid artwork pop against the room’s beige and brown color scheme.

The common area opens up on both sides, connecting to terraces at the front and back of the building. The back terrace serves as the breakfast area, with a few tables facing toward the garden and pool. Overhanging leaves in the back garden create a sense of privacy, perfect for couples seeking alone time. The garden is surrounded by a lap pool, which is fed by a natural spring. Seating around the pool is offered on cushioned lounge chairs, shaded by canvas beach umbrellas. A large gazebo at the back of the garden shelters two hammocks. The garden design shows the same attention to detail as the rest of the property, with thoughtfully chosen statues, lanterns, and wrought-iron tables adding interest throughout.

Tucked on a back road and surrounded by family homes, Wonders Boutique Hotel feels isolated despite being only a 15-minute walk to Oranjestad's downtown area. Oranjestad offers a wide variety of entertainment, dining, and nightlife options, including shopping at the Royal Plaza Mall. The city is also home to attractions such as the Archaeological Museum of Aruba and the Fort Zoutman Historical Museum, which can be reached in less than 20 minutes on foot from the hotel.

The nearest beaches are a little more far-flung, and both Surfside Beach and popular Eagle Beach are a bit too far away to walk to (although both can be reached in around 10 minutes by car). For guests without their own transportation, the hotel is within walking distance of several bus stops and also provides a beach drop-off service in the morning. Queen Beatrix International Airport is a 10-minute drive away.

Guest rooms at Wonders Boutique Hotel are large and colorful. The design of each room is unique, but all feature tasteful art ranging from bold abstract paintings to charming wall decals of recipes. All rooms offer king-size beds, some of which are set on beautiful wooden canopy frames. Bedside tables are topped with cute lamps bearing the hotel's logo. Seating comes in the form of wicker chairs and couches softened with big white cushions. Flat-screen TVs, safes, mini-fridges, and kettles come standard. Some also have kitchenettes with hot plates, toasters, microwaves, and cookware. In many rooms, French doors lead outside to balconies or terraces. Some ground-floor rooms connect directly to the pool and garden, offering a private seating area with lounge chairs and a patio table. Bathrooms are plain, with white tiling, simple wooden shelving, and walk-in rainfall showers, but no tubs. 

The hotel's main attraction is its large pool inside a lovely garden. Wi-Fi is free, as is parking. There's a small breakfast menu, though it's not included in room rates and there's no full restaurant for other meals. The hotel provides a free beach drop-off service each morning, along with chairs, towels, and snorkeling gear. Shuttle service to/from the airport can be arranged for an extra fee.