Discovering the ABC islands in the Southern Caribbean is an experience beyond luxurious hotels, tropical sun-kissed beaches and vibrant cultures. Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are making significant strides in sustainability, eco-friendly accommodations and initiatives, with very ambitious goals, especially for Aruba in renewable energy and more!
This Caribbean island is committed to preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage. While sustainability gains importance worldwide, Aruba stands as a responsible development model for many other islands already through the following examples:
Aruba's sustainable initiatives
With the 'Aruba 2020' initiative the island has set the goal to use renewable sources, such as wind and solar projects to generate 100% of the island's electricity by the end of 2020. Currently already generating up to 20% like this.
The island excels in waste management, with recycling, reusing and reducing. Already banning single-use plastics since 2017.
Is actively preserving marine biodiversity through coral reef conservation and keeps promoting local agriculture.
Aruba's climate also emphasizes water conservation, utilizing desalination plants, rainwater harvesting, and public awareness campaigns.
Sustainable tourism practices
Aruba actively promotes sustainable tourism practices, emphasizing eco-friendly accommodations and nature preservation initiatives. Visitors can enjoy a responsible cultural experience, enhancing the overall quality of tourism on this 'One Happy Island'.
Find out more about unique and sustainable things to do on Aruba in this blog: Exploring Aruba like a local.
As sustainability continues to gain importance, choosing such accommodations ensures a positive impact on the planet and supports businesses committed to responsible practices.
How to find eco-friendly accommodations
Choosing a sustainable hotel or accommodation supports global efforts to reduce the impact of tourism on the environment. If you want to contribute to this you can look for accommodations with key characteristics, such as:
Energy efficiency, for example through energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and HVAC systems.
Or generating their own renewable energy through solar panels or wind turbines.
Water conservation, waste reduction and recycling,
use of local and organic products and green building design,
biodiversity and conservation initiatives,
community engagement, this may involve employing locals, supporting community projects, or contributing to the overall well-being of the community
and certifications from recognized organizations, such as EarthCheck, Green Key, or LEED.
Aruba's top eco-friendly accommodations & hotels
Bucuti & Tara adults-only Beach Resort
While I stayed at 7 other unique luxury hotels and accommodations on Aruba already, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort was still high on my list.
Not only because it's quite renowned and classy, but moreover because of its sustainable character and location, for which it won several awards.
It’s the world’s greenest hotel since 1987 and was voted no.1 hotel in the Caribbean and top 18 hotel in the world in the Travelers’ Choice Awards of Tripadvisor for 2023.
As well as being chosen the most romantic resort in the Caribbean, mostly catering to couples and not to big group of over 4 persons, or children under 18.
What makes this resort sustainable is the fact that it:
implements eco-friendly practices, including energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction and uses local products.
Is the Caribbean’s only certified carbon neutral hotel.
Engages in coral reef protection, organizes beach-clean ups and actively contributes to the local environment and community.
Holds many eco-friendly certifications, such as LEED Gold, Green Globe Platinum and the Travelife Gold label.
And so much more, you can read all about that on: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort-eco-friendly.
This resort is often fully booked, however this year I got lucky and was able to stay here for 3 nights to test 2 different room types.
Spacious rooms & suites
The first 2 nights we stayed at the Bungalow Beachview with our own living room with spacious corner couch and small kitchen with minibar, fridge, microwave, Nespresso and tea maker.
And of course all other luxury amenities you can expect from a 4-star hotel. These are also included in all other room types at the Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort.
Our bungalow was very convenient and exclusive, as there are only a few available on the resort.
They come with a nice outdoor terrace including spacious lounge bed and table with 2 chairs facing the wide beach and ocean.
Get at impression in this gallery:
For the last night we stayed at the Tara Ocean-front Suite, which is quite spacious as well, including a balcony, directly facing Eagle beach.
And like the Bungalow Beachview, this room also has eco-friendly amenities, such as an air dehumidifier, air purifier and a spacious bathroom with walk-in shower and TV built in the mirror.
Unique features Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is the most sustainable adults-only and non-smoking accommodation on the island, recognized through numerous awards. Also known for its high level of hospitality, creating a friendly, relaxed and romantic atmosphere. The serene beachfront location on the award-winning Eagle Beach, offers a tranquil setting.
You will be provided with your own I-pad throughout your stay, with a clever app for the beach chairs, making 1 set with umbrella always available for each room. Also set quite far apart from the other beds, ensuring privacy and comfort.
The personalized service of both the staff and the owners, is exceptional. And the culinary excellence of both the buffets and à-la-carte dinners, at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort’s beachfront restaurant really enhanced our overall experience.
These are all unique features which make this resort excel in my opinion!
See for yourself in this picture gallery of our stay:
Elements beachfront restaurant
We had a 3-course dinner at the resort's adults-only restaurant with one of the most stunning and colorful sunsets of our trip, which is already a bestselling feature.
However the food, with healthy European-sized portions, is also very good, making dinner here a must in my book! Even if you’re not staying overnight, as it’s also open all day to non-guests.
You can even book a romantic beach cabana for a unique 6-course private dinner. And don’t forget to sample their cocktail- and wine-list, which is excellent as well.
Read all about this super sustainable resort and book directly on: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort.com.
Aruba Airstream Experience
One of the most unique glamping experiences and sustainable accommodations, not only on Aruba, but in the Caribbean, is Aruba Airstream. So nice that I had to come back for more after my first 3 nights' stay last year.
The eco-friendly 30' feet RV, in a hidden location on the rugged east-side of the island, is located on a huge plot of unspoiled land filled with cacti, attracting rare birds, surrounding your private oasis. Including all the luxury and comfort you might need.
While you sleep inside the authentic airstream van with 1 queen and 1 double bed, catering up to 4 people, with 3 flatscreen TVs, a small living room, kitchen and bathroom with shower and toilet.
It also includes a very spacious and completely private outdoor area where you'll spend most of your time enjoying the breathtaking views and bird sightings.
Get an impression through this picture gallery:
This private area has another toilet, big tropical outdoor bathroom with shower and sink and a spacious outdoor kitchen. Besides the large outdoor saltwater pool with your own (non heated) jacuzzi. As well as a spacious patio deck with plenty of lounge chairs, a hammock and covered dining table with space for up to 6 people.
Find more details and my full review on last year’s blog about my stay here: Aruba-4 unique accommodations.
The location of this accommodation is truly unique, however you will need a rental car or taxi to get there. But don't worry, cause during your stay you will not have to leave at all, as the super helpful and friendly owners Katrin and Jacobo will be at your disposal any time.
They are happy to book many extra’s for you, such as a private chef, a freshly prepared on-site paella dinner, massages, yoga sessions and so much more. All exclusively for your party on the premises.
From the airstream there are several hiking and MTB trails leading into the rugged nature of Aruba’s east-coast, near Arikok NP. They even go on all the way to the sea and lead to some interesting sites like the Natural Bridge and Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins. Some of my favourite sites on One Happy Island.
What makes this accommodation sustainable is the fact that they:
Prioritize energy efficiency and focus on waste reduction and recycling, contributing to sustainable tourism.
Redirect all grey water from the RV, washing machine and outdoor bathroom to the surrounding flora.
Support local suppliers, mainly use local products and hypoallergenic laundry detergent as well.
Contribute to environmental conservation, actively protecting their local ecosystems, birds and wildlife through their foundation.
Use sustainable products, avoid single use plastics, and so much more.
Find even more details for your stay at this unique RV experience and remember to book directly via their website for the best package rates: ArubaAirstream.com.
Holiday Homes Aruba
If you’re looking for even more privacy and space you can also stay at a holiday home, like we did At Monchi.
They offer 2 private pool villas with solar panels and are in the process of building 2 more. Staying at a holiday home is very convenient, especially when you travel with a family or bigger group, and can be much more affordable like this too.
The sustainable aspects of a rental home are that:
You can save water more actively, also because you will have less frequent room and towel cleaning.
These houses are self-sufficient and will give you more control over your waste management.
Generally less food will be wasted than when eating out
and because the villas of At Monchi are owned by locals and located in authentic Aruban neighborhoods, they provide that true local experience, while staying in complete privacy with your own private pool.
Get an impression in this gallery of the 2 villas available currently, catering to different group sizes, swipe to see all pictures:
Casa Palmitas for 4 p.
Casa Cadushi for 10 p.
Find all details, info and prizes per period of your stay on the website of Atmonchi.com.
Transportation on Aruba
Getting to these accommodations and around the island is most convenient and easy by rental car, as public transport on Aruba is still a bit limited.
If you want to rent a car like we did, I can highly recommend Amigo Car Rental for the friendliest and smoothest service.
Their prices are sharp and their office is located right outside the terminal, in front of the arrivals gate, with another office in Oranjestad.
This is the best and most affordable way to get around on the island if you also want to do some local sightseeing, instead of using more polluting vehicles like quads or ATVs on expensive tours.
Sustainable accommodations, like Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort and the Aruba Airstream Experience, offer comfortable and sustainable options for travelers that are not only interested in a luxurious stay, but also to contributing to environmentally conscious tourism on Aruba.
This makes these eco-friendly accommodations the perfect choice if you want to practice responsible tourism, contribute to the island’s future and at the same time compensate for your flight to this beautiful Caribbean destination, which I keep coming back to for a reason!
Read all my tips and even more blogs for your own visit to Aruba and the Caribbean here!
