ArubaBakval
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
High-energy casino resort
Bakval Aruba
Renovated
2025
Price
$$$
Rated for
Resort Wellness SocialOutside the door
The house
MarriottHigh-energy casino resort
Life here moves at full volume, running from beachfront watersports and outdoor bars straight into 24-hour table games.
What it’s good at
What they say
Also in AFAR.
Superlatives reign at this massive Palm Beach resort. Among the outsize offerings? The biggest casino in Aruba, with more than 500 slot machines and 26 gaming tables, as well as the island’s largest spa.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
On Palm Beach's bustling high-rise strip, steps from beachfront bars, water sports, and casino nightlife.
The rooms
Rooms have walk-in closets and double sinks, and each opens onto a private balcony facing the gardens or sea.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
The resort pool curves through palm trees, and the adults-only H2Oasis pool is lined with private cabanas.
The spa
An outdoor thermal oasis has experiential showers and a whirlpool. Inside, cushioned daybeds line the curtained relaxation lounge.
The gym and sauna
The 24-hour health club looks out toward the ocean, and a wood-paneled sauna sits beside a whirlpool.
At the table
Ruth's Chris Steak House serves custom-aged steaks, and open-air Waves Bar & Grill pours cocktails beside the beach.
How it began
Coleman Partners designed the building around an eight-story atrium of tropical greenery, angling the rooms diagonally toward the sea.
Aruba
More like this
The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
“Secluded beachfront roost”
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino
“Breezy beachfront playground”
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.