The latest addition to one of Aruba’s most storied resorts is now open. Earlier this spring, The Westerly at Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino opened as a boutique hotel-within-a-hotel concept. This new-build tower shares a lot of the main facilities with the rest of the property, but also has its own amenities reserved for guests of The Westerly. These are our five favorite reasons for booking a room at this upscale tower within the larger Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino complex.
The top floor
Terrace on 10 (T10) is an add-on, adults-only perk that guests at The Westerly can choose for a per-person, nightly fee. In exchange, they receive extra pampering with an all-day menu, open bar and range of special wellness and entertainment programming. All of this is on the top floor with amazing views.
Think of it like a club lounge in a way because of its exclusive food and beverage perks, but it is not a free benefit for elite status members. As such, it offers even more than a standard club lounge and can really pack in the value. Made-to-order breakfast, lunch and evening appetizers with an open bar are available. The panoramic terrace on the tenth floor (as its name obviously suggests) has the perfect position for sunset viewing, and the all-day scenery is spectacular.
Each evening as you are enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail, different local musicians, from guitarists to saxophonists, serenade you. Aside from the main terrace, there is also an indoor, air conditioning dining space. All-day coffee, tea and soft drinks are also on offer.
Best of all, the service is second to none. Arubans are already known for their friendly hospitality, but Terrace on 10 is designed to go a step above, remember personal preferences and address guests by name.
Since this is a new concept for the hotel, you can add on “T10” access at an excellent rate and get great value. As more people learn about it, the price is bound to go up since the value for what you get is so high.
Even if not booking the Terrace on 10 experience, guests of The Westerly have upgraded guest rooms with wellness amenities (like cooling sun gel, Aruba Aloe toiletries and reef-safe sunscreen). Rooms on the ground level have swim-out pools with semi-private plunges.
The dining
While T10 is fabulous, you don’t want to miss the rest of the resort’s food and beverage venues. Completely redesigned is Sunset Grille, the island-famous steakhouse with fine cuts of meat and both indoor and outdoor seating. The interiors showcase a blend of Art Deco and contemporary accents that are lighter than before.
I highly recommend ordering the Argentine provoleta as a starter with crisp sourdough slices that you can dip into piping hot, melted provolone cheese with chimichurri topping. It pairs perfectly with the wedge or Caesar Salad (I had the latter) and any of the fantastic steak dishes.
Non meat eaters will also find appealing options. The roving gin cocktail cart is a pleasant distraction as people order colorful cocktails prepared tableside.
The beachfront restaurant got a makeover, too. Now known as Shore Club, it has impressive sushi rolls as well as a full roster of salads, tacos and other contemporary island fare. The sushi chef hails from Nobu Malibu, and her talents will not go unnoticed here. I actually loved my crunchy tuna roll so much that I ordered it as a starter and a main dish. Yes, it was that good.
The resort also has a pair of grab-and-go market options where you can get barista coffee, sandwiches, salads as well as gelato.
The pools and beach
Fronting the three main buildings of the Hilton and The Westerly are the main resort pools. Crisscrossed by bridges and sandy edges with plenty of lounge chairs and shaded cabanas, the pools are the main gathering spot. They are huge and rarely feel crowded. Guests of The Westerly have premium seating by the beach and pool.
In the late afternoon hours, live music plays at one end of the pool. A daily calendar of activities fills the gaps between pool and beach time. The variety is impressive including arts and crafts, Aruba Aloe scrub making, aromatherapy scent workshops, yoga, sandcastle making, birdlife activities (the resort is home to a half rescued parrots that guests can meet) and floating sound baths.
While many resorts here have thatched palapas on the beach, Hilton invested in upgrading theirs making them of better quality and structure. They are also positioned in a way with an alternating pattern so that the view is not blocked by the seats immediately in front of you. Beach and pool service from roving servers only adds to the convenience. Guests can also borrow bikes to cycle around the area; kids have access to supervised activities.
The spa
Eforea Spa, which is the branded spa concept found in many global Hiltons, is especially impressive here. In its own building, the main relaxation area centers around a fountained courtyard and patio. There, guests sip wellness teas and elixirs while waiting for a treatment; when they finish, the offer for a glass of Champagne or mimosa adds to the fun.
A long roster of massage and beauty treatments is available, and spa goers can also use the saunas, steam rooms and whirlpools in the men’s and women’s relaxation areas. Guests of The Westerly have access to this premium space even without a treatment. My customized facial was the perfect way to round out a couple of days in the sun. There is also a full fitness center with great views of the water.
The history
This is one of the oldest resorts in Aruba and is actually owned by an Aruban. As a result, the price and attention to detail that goes into maintaining and preserving the service culture is high. Black and white photos of the hotel’s history line the public areas. It’s fascinating to see how the island and its tourism infrastructure have developed over the years. Guest rooms in all towers have been renovated, in addition to the new digs at The Westerly (pictured below).
The Hilton is an island staple and often where locals go to celebrate important occasions. And when The Westerly opened, Hilton President and CEO Chris Nassetta was in attendance. That’s a big indication of how important this resort is to the regional portfolio.
Coming soon is a beautiful new history book telling the story of the resort’s past, present and future. It will be available in the resort’s guest rooms when released. And the entire resort, including The Westerly, is part of the global Hilton Honors program. Earning or redeeming points for a stay at this new Caribbean getaway only adds to the excitement.
