Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is a Dutch Colonial-style resort that was designed by the famous Dutch architect, Jan Hubert. It’s been managed by the same family since 1989. The delightfully charming beachfront resort has a welcoming, homelike feel and rental bikes offer the perfect finishing touch. Recline next to the outdoor pool with a drink from the poolside bar, mesmerized by the serene sound of the waterfall and keep an eye on the kids splashing in the children’s pool – that is, until it’s time to dress up for the Weekly Cocktail Party. Festive themed dinners range from Mariachi-band Mexican to laid-back Caribbean BBQs. Don’t miss the weekly movie night on the beach, an Amsterdam Manor tradition. Theme nights at the on-site restaurant will be a big hit. Dine by tiki torchlight; the restaurant is right on the sand – but plan ahead, it’s an Aruba list-topper for guests of other resorts as well.

Air-conditioned studio condos sleep two guests and have kitchenettes allowing you to prepare the basics. For more space, upgrade to a superior studio. One- to two-bedroom condos sleep four to six guests. All condos have been decorated in a warm Dutch Caribbean palette. Stop by the on-site convenience store or take a family field trip to the Super Food Grocery Store, just a short drive from the resort, for all of the essentials to stock your full kitchen (Ben & Jerry’s definitely counts as an essential on vacation!). Back at the resort, enjoy the ice cream while you catch a Friends rerun on the cable TV. Don’t worry if the kids end up covered in Cherry Garcia; there’s an on-site laundry facility.

Test your luck at the Alhambra Casino. It features more than four-hundred and fifty multi-game, slot machines, and video poker games. Table games include Mississippi Stud, craps, roulette, blackjack and three-card poker. Gather the family and head to Paseo Herencia Mall for a day of fun. Browse the selection of jewelry at Pearl Gems or Bijoux Terner. Treat yourself to a new pair of shades at the Sunset Shack. Take a mid-afternoon break and catch a flick at the cinema, it has first-run movies. Check out the apparel at Tommy Hilfiger or DLG. Dine at TGI Fridays or the Iguana Cantina Mexican Grill. If you are visiting in the evening, the little ones will love pony rides, the kiddie train, the carousel and bumper cars.