Back in October we booked a trip to Aruba. It was not our first trip, but the first that we planned not to stay in the usual location. Having searched an online travel site we found Club Arias — a peaceful and relaxing looking resort located in the opposite direction from what we were accustomed to driving. Everything about it seemed to be ideal and much more intimate than the average resort.

We boarded our plane in Charlotte happy that we were on our way. As our plane pushed back from the gate, the pilot announced a mechanical problem so we had to return to the gate. Then, the flight was cancelled. Imagine our disappointment, no Aruba, no relaxation, and to boot, the loss of our payment towards a resort that we were not going to be able to see! We immediately made contact with Arias, the resort’s owner, who by this time we had spoken to several times, as, unlike your big resort Arias had reached out to us prior to our trip to offer suggestions and assistance to assure that our trip would be a pleasant one. We explained the situation and his reply was “Do not worry. You paid for your room and it will be here for you whenever you choose to visit.”

January approached and we found the time to make another attempt to reach Aruba. We contacted Arias and he told us that a room would be ready for us. And, sure enough, it was — a beautiful room, wonderful amenities, fabulous breakfasts, and all the relaxation that one could ever ask for. Both Arias and his wife, Flory, made us very welcome and told us where to go on the island to eat and site-see. We had an excellent time and saw things and dined at places that we never would have had we stayed up on the other side.

Club Arias is Aruba’s best-kept secret. Their hospitality makes you feel as if you are part of their family — they even found time to dine with whatever guests wanted to go, and took us to a local establishment where we enjoyed a beautiful and affordable meal.

I highly recommend Club Arias and look forward to my next visit there.

Just got back from our 2nd time Arias and his wife are awsome what a nice place feel like I,m at a friends house Next time He better be good enough at kite surfing to give me lessons See you next year Also Gabrielles breakfasts are awsome Thanks for a great time again.

club arias made our visit the best thing ever - they made us very welcome and comfortable - relaxing,quiet, but with all the great things available - owners gave us all the HOT tips on where to go and what to see , and where to eat - and the rhino tour gave us a real inside view of the island - loved it. the food here from chef gabriel was excellent - and we can't wait to go back - planning already - this is the SPOT mon - loved it - cheri and jim

If you want room service, bed turn down, high priced drinks at the bar and a casino, this is not the place for you. if you want quiet, comfortable and away from the high tourist areas then reserve a room at Club Arias.

We spent our Christmas holiday in Aruba at Club Arias and had a very nice time. It is quiet, the rooms are spacious and breakfast by Chef Gabby is wonderful.

If you are staying more than a few days you will need a car to trek around the island. There is plenty of room to park.

Grounds are beautifully maintained by Gloria, who also does all the cleaning and laundry. Pools are lovely and there are ample chairs though the "umbrellas" need some new palms to fill in the gaps for when there is a passing shower. Towels are plentiful in your room and easily replaced when you hang out your sign. Same for room cleaning - not done every day.
This all goes towards the "green" theme. Showers in the room are not hot as they are heated by solar panels. Outdoor showers have hot water on a timer. Shampoo, soap and conditioner are all supplied by dispenser vs the typical little bottles.

Location is good - close to the airport, Mangel Hato Beach, Baby Beach and lots of other smaller remote beaches. Good local food close by as well. Chef Gabby also runs a pizza shop in case you don't want to trek out for dinner. It's pretty close to NY style pizza as you can get.

There is a small library of books and DVDs to borrow as well as board games. Outside in the common area there is always cold water and lemonade, a foosball table and pool table and plenty of places to gather or just hang out.

What is nice is you get to know the other guests and make friends. Then there's Arias who is beyond friendly and just wants everyone to have a nice time. He and his staff go out of their way to make your stay so wonderful that you return.