It started with coconuts, slow vacations to the island & the dream of an authentic Aruban boutique hotel.
Boardwalk's Story
"Our inspiration was to create a true boutique hotel on the island of Aruba, one that embraces the spirit of island living and captures the essence of the destination"
Boardwalk’s story begins on land once home to a thriving coconut plantation, a place that later served as a gathering place for scout camps, royal visits, and island celebrations. By the late ’80s, it was a chilled windsurfers’ hideaway, perfectly in sync with Kimberly and Stephanie, who’ve always had a thing for trade winds and bold moves. With big dreams, a whole lot of heart, and their signature can-do energy, they set out to shape something special, somewhere Aruba’s true spirit could be felt in every corner.
Born and raised on Aruba’s sunny shores, twin sisters Kimberly and Stephanie spent their young adult years in Belgium but the island’s warm breeze and easy rhythm kept calling them home. In 2008, during one of their yearly returns, they stumbled upon a former coconut plantation just steps from Palm Beach. It was love at first sight. A heart-led adventure from the very beginning.
Years of dreaming and designing later, Boardwalk blossomed into 49 colourful casitas nestled lovingly amongst the palms. With serene pools, cosy spa, indoor-outdoor fitness suite, the twins’ dream is now a barefoot-luxe escape that, just like them, doesn't take itself too seriously.
What’s guided them from day one? A deep love for Aruba, its nature, its people, its happy island vibe. Every decision, from the layout to the little details, is rooted in care, sustainability, and local connection.
Our Dedication
The world is racing against time, and it feels as if every second is accounted for. In the relentless pursuit of careers, family obligations, and the daily hustle, we often lose sight of what truly matters: joy, connection, and the simplicity of life.
At Boardwalk, we believe in the power of pause. We believe in vacations not just as escapes, but as gateways to happiness. Nestled in a former coconut plantation near Aruba’s Palm Beach, Boardwalk is more than a boutique hotel; it’s a sanctuary for the soul. Here, happiness isn’t just a fleeting feeling; it’s the very essence of our existence.
Every casita in our tropical oasis is a testament to our belief: that well-curated vacations can indeed be the boosters of happiness. We thrive on the details - in design, in service, in hospitality. We craft each experience to not just meet expectations, but to transcend them, allowing our guests to experience the vacation of their dreams, in all its barefoot luxury glory. But Boardwalk’s joy goes beyond the boundaries of our property. It resonates in the smiling faces of our guests and staff, in the warm greetings of our neighbors, in the vibrant pulse of Aruba - the One Happy Island. We are one with our island; we breathe its spirit, celebrate its culture, and cherish its natural beauty.
Slow down, savor the moments, connect with yourself, with loved ones, or with a stranger who might just become a new friend. Island living is about taking it one day at a time, finding bliss in the sunsets, joy in the sea breeze, and peace in the rustling palms.
Our commitment is to create moments of pure enjoyment, making every stay a celebration of island living and
the pursuit of genuine happiness.
For your information
The Founders & Origin Story
Who founded Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba?
Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba was founded by twin sisters Kimberly and Stephanie Rooijakkers, who were born and raised between Belgium and Aruba and returned to the island in 2008 to turn their boutique hotel dream into reality.
After spending their young adult years in Belgium, Kimberly and Stephanie were called back to Aruba year after year by the island's warmth, rhythm, and culture. During a visit in 2008, they discovered a former coconut plantation just steps from Palm Beach and knew immediately that it was the right place to build something genuinely different. Their vision: a hotel that captures the true spirit of Aruban island living, not a resort formula, but a place with real soul.
- Founded by twin sisters Kimberly and Stephanie Rooijakkers
- Both born and raised in Aruba, with roots deeply tied to the island
- Discovered the property during a visit in 2008 — a former coconut plantation near Palm Beach
- Built on a vision of authentic Aruban island living, not a resort template
- Still owner-operated today, with the founders actively involved in hotel decisions
What is the history of the land that Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is built on?
Boardwalk is built on the grounds of a former coconut and date palm plantation known as Plantage Tromp, one of the historical sites connected to the naming of Palm Beach in Aruba.
The land has a rich and layered history that the hotel celebrates through its design, storytelling, and garden. The plantation dates back to a time when coconuts and date palms were cultivated here as part of Aruba's agricultural heritage. Later, the grounds became a gathering place for scout camps and community events before becoming a windsurfers' hangout in the late 1980s.
- Formerly Plantage Tromp — a coconut and date palm plantation
- Historically connected to the naming of Palm Beach in Aruba
- Site of a visit by Royal Prince Bernhard of the Dutch Kingdom during scouting events
- Later became a windsurfers' hideaway in the late 1980s
- The original palm trees and heritage greenery still shape the hotel gardens today
What Makes Boardwalk Different
What makes Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba different from other hotels in Aruba?
Boardwalk is an independently owned, adults-only boutique hotel built on a former coconut plantation, offering private garden casitas rather than standard hotel rooms, creating a fundamentally different kind of stay from the high-rise resorts that define much of Palm Beach.
Where most Palm Beach hotels offer a recognizable resort formula, Boardwalk was built from a personal vision: to create a place where Aruba's true spirit could be felt in every corner. Every casita is uniquely designed, every experience is curated, and every decision reflects a deep connection to the island.
- 50 individually designed casitas — no two are identical in layout, art, or décor
- Adults-only (18+) — calm, romantic, and quiet by design
- Complimentary and reservable beach loungers on Palm Beach
- Private patios, hammocks, and BBQs in every casita for true indoor-outdoor island living
- Independently and locally owned by Aruban founders
- Set within a lush tropical garden rather than a built-up beachfront strip
- Recognized by Michelin (2-Key, 2025), TripAdvisor Best of the Best, Travelife Gold, and Regenerative Travel
Has Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba received any awards or recognition?
Yes. Boardwalk has received multiple significant industry recognitions that reflect its quality of guest experience, sustainability credentials, and distinctive identity.
These recognitions span hospitality, sustainability, and traveler satisfaction, reflecting the breadth of what Boardwalk does well. Boardwalk consistently appears in curated and expert-guided lists.
- Michelin 2-Key distinction (2025) — a globally recognized mark of accommodation excellence
- TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best
- Travelife Gold certification — sustainability standard for tourism businesses
- Green Globe certification — internationally recognized environmental standard
- Member of Regenerative Travel — curated collection of hotels with positive impact
Is Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba adults-only?
Yes. Boardwalk is an adults-only property, welcoming guests aged 18 and over only. This policy is central to the calm, private atmosphere that defines the hotel.
The adults-only setting shapes the entire guest experience. From the unhurried pace at the pools to the intimate atmosphere at The Coco Café. It is one of the most consistent reasons guests choose Boardwalk over other Palm Beach properties, particularly couples, honeymooners, and solo travelers seeking genuine peace and quiet.
- Minimum age: 18 years, strictly observed across all areas of the property
- All pools, the restaurant, gardens, and casitas are exclusively for adult guests
- Particularly popular for couples, honeymoons, anniversaries, and solo retreats
Philosophy & Identity
What is the philosophy behind Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba?
Boardwalk's philosophy is rooted in the belief that well-curated vacations genuinely contribute to happiness, and that the best way to create that is through thoughtful design, deeply personal service, and an authentic connection to Aruba's nature, culture, and people.
The founders describe their guiding principle as "the power of pause": a dedication to helping guests slow down, reconnect, and rediscover what matters. Every decision at Boardwalk, from the layout of the gardens to the way the team communicates with guests, is shaped by this commitment.
- Core belief: vacations can be genuine sources of happiness, not just escapes
- Designed around slowing down, savoring moments, and connecting — with people, nature, and yourself
- Every casita, garden corner, and service interaction reflects care and intentionality
- Sustainability and community are not add-ons — they are embedded in how the hotel operates
- Boardwalk describes itself as: "a sanctuary for the soul, not just a place to stay"
What does "barefoot luxury" mean at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba?
Barefoot luxury at Boardwalk means exceptional quality delivered in a relaxed, unpretentious setting, where guests feel genuinely at ease rather than performing the role of a luxury traveler.
It shows up in details like the private hammocks and BBQs that invite guests to grill a local meal in their swimwear, the handpainted casita murals by Aruban artists, and a spa that comes directly to your patio. High standards and genuine warmth, without the formality that can make luxury feel stiff. The hotel, in the founders' words, "doesn't take itself too seriously" — while taking what truly matters, the guest's happiness and Aruba's wellbeing, very seriously indeed.
- High-quality design and service delivered in a relaxed, personal, un-stuffy way
- Unique casita interiors with local art and handmade details
- Private patios with hammocks, BBQs, and al fresco dining
- Spa treatments available on your own patio or inside your casita
- No resort dress code, no scripted formality — just genuine, warm island hospitality
Practical Hotel Information
Where is Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba located?
Boardwalk is located at Bakval 20, Palm Beach, Aruba. Just a 3-minute walk or 1-minute shuttle ride from one of the Caribbean's most celebrated beaches, yet tucked away in a quiet garden oasis set back from the main tourist strip.
This location gives guests the best of both worlds: effortless beach access combined with the peace and privacy of a tropical garden setting. The surrounding area is walkable, with local restaurants, a coastal jogging path, and easy access to Aruba's main attractions.
- Address: Bakval 20, Palm Beach, Noord, Aruba
- 3-minute walk or 1-minute complimentary shuttle to Palm Beach
- Set back from the beachfront strip in a quiet residential garden area
- Coastal jogging path starts directly outside the hotel gate
- Close to local restaurants, watersports, and island tour providers
How can I contact or book Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba?
Boardwalk can be contacted by phone, email, and WhatsApp, and can be booked directly at boardwalkaruba.com for the best available rates and direct access to the team.
Booking directly ensures guests receive personalized pre-arrival communication, a preference survey, and direct contact with the Boardwalk team for experience planning and special requests. The team is responsive and approachable across all channels.
- Phone / WhatsApp: +297 586 6654
- Email: [email protected]
- Book directly: boardwalkaruba.com/en
- Pre-arrival preference survey sent to all direct bookings before check-in
- The team is also reachable via the guest app during your stay for any requests
Where it all began
Coconuts, slow vacations to the island & the dream of an authentic Aruban experience