Playa Linda Beach Resort

Nothing like six miles of stunning Caribbean coastline greeting you upon arrival. Perched on one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand, Playa Linda Beach Resort delights in keeping guests not just entertained, but thoroughly enthralled. For some, all it takes is an umbrella and lounge chair, while others need a little more razzle-dazzle. Weekly activity calendars grouped by adults, teens, and kids, invite you to branch slightly out of your comfort zone with things like karaoke and Papiamento lessons. (Go for it!) The fitness center’s open around the clock and the tennis courts are lighted for late-evening matches. Both outdoor pools have plenty of shady areas, so you can move your crew when you start seeing too much pink glow on shoulders and noses. Grab a drink from the poolside beach bar and relax in the hot tub, it has a waterfall! Sneak off to the Indonesian-style bamboo and teak full-service spa when you have a few hours to yourself. Or go all out and reserve the open-air gazebo with incredible ocean views.

Air-conditioned studio and one-bedroom condos sleep four to five guests. Take a quick gander at what you have in the cabinets and fridge to decide if it’s a dine-in or dine-out night. Dining out? Choose from either French or Italian, both open-air. Dining in? Make a quick mini-mart run and pick up fixings for a picnic on your private balcony or patio. Or put your group grillmaster in charge and make a beeline for the BBQs. Did the kids get ketchup or barbecue sauce on their clothes? No problem! There’s an on-site laundry facility. After dinner, take advantage of your flat screen TV with premium cable and watch the latest episode of your favorite show, or a sitcom rerun.

Visit Paseo Herencia Shopping Mall for some serious retail therapy. Grab a latte or mocha at Starbucks, and ask about coffee-free options for the kids. You’ll find apparel at 98 Coast Ave, DLG, and Tommy Hilfiger. Treat yourself to a new piece of jewelry from Pandora or a pair of shades from Kok Optica. Hungry? Dine at Aki Sushi, TGI Fridays, or Juanchi’s. Check out a first-run movie at the cinema. If you’re visiting in the evening, little ones will love pony rides, the kiddie train, or the carousel. Feeling lucky? Check out the Excelsior Casino Aruba, located in the Holiday Inn. This ticket-in, ticket-out casino features slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, Texas hold ‘em, and a large poker room. Surprise the kids with a trip to the Butterfly Farm. It features hundreds of exotic butterflies from South America, South East Asia, the Philippines, Australia, and China.