Aruba…

Manchebo

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I would not do AI in Aruba, too many options and it's easy and safe to get out. We've always have stayed at either Marriott Surf Club or Marriott Stellaris. My favorite beach vacation, relax and tons of places to walk to for lunch and or dinner (all depending on where you stay).

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This. All-inclusive is for places where it isn't all that safe to go out and about. Aruba isn't that place. My experience with A-I in Aruba is, the drinks are made with really cheap liquor and just a splash of it. The restaurants are average, at best. The service is probably worse than non-AI.

Eat at Flying Fishbone and Faro Blanco (at the lighthouse on the northern tip). Both are slightly expensive but wholly worth it both for the food and views. Try to go at sunset but you’ll need reservations at least a couple weeks in advance.

Rent a car and drive the island. There are a few beaches that are amazing if you get out of the hotel zone, particularly Mangel Halto and Baby Beach. Both are on the southwest side of the island.

The east side is the “wild” side. There are ATV tours that will traverse that side and I highly recommend it if you get tired of just hanging on the beach and want something different.