Name: American Express® Gold Card
Brand: American Express

Quick summary

The St. Regis Aruba Resort, opened in January 2025, is a new luxury property on Palm Beach offering 152 rooms and 48 suites with ocean-inspired design.
Guests can enjoy six dining venues, a spa, fitness center, family and adults-only pools, a kids club and the brand's first on-property casino.
Award stays are available through Marriott Bonvoy, with points rates varying by demand and the option to maximize value with the "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" benefit.
Accessibility features include mobility-accessible rooms, wheelchair-accessible common areas and pool lifts.

What to consider

Nightly cash rates are high, reflecting the luxury positioning, but points redemptions may offer better value depending on season and availability.
Eligible loyalty program members can use points or certificates and may receive additional benefits through select booking channels.
The property is smoke-free indoors, including the casino, and offers complimentary amenities like Wi-Fi, beach chairs and butler service.

What you'll miss from the article

A detailed walkthrough of the resort's dining options, suite layouts, spa experiences and personalized service touches.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

The St. Regis Aruba Resort provided TPG with a complimentary three-night stay so that we could get an inside look at the hotel and its amenities. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren't subject to review by the hotel or any external entity.

One look at the bright blue waters and sugary beaches of Aruba and it's easy to understand why this Caribbean island is the first place The Beach Boys mention they'd like to take you in their iconic song "Kokomo." And the new St. Regis Aruba, which opened its doors in January 2025, only adds to the destination's allure.

I recently spent three nights at the brand-new resort as part of my first trip outside of the U.S., and it's safe to say it lives up to the St. Regis hype — and then some. Perched on the quieter end of Palm Beach, the property is a significant addition to Marriott Bonvoy’s luxury portfolio in the Caribbean, which means it easily earned a spot on TPG's list of the most exciting hotel openings of 2025.

Here's a first look at the new St. Regis Aruba — including how you can use Marriott Bonvoy points to make this luxury destination an accessible stay.

First impressions

The welcoming, airy entrance of The St. Regis Aruba Resort was serene and reflected the tropical surroundings, and the lobby was framed by palm trees and lush greenery inside and out. Natural light flooded the interior through the floor-to-ceiling windows, which looked directly out into the crystal blue Caribbean water.

True to form, the St. Regis staff immediately offered to trade my luggage for a chilled glass of Champagne, which I sipped during check-in while admiring the warm-wood finishes and ocean-inspired art.

The rooms

st regis aruba room — LAUREN WASSUM/THE POINTS GUY

The St. Regis Aruba offers 152 guest rooms and 48 suites across several categories, each designed with a sophisticated island aesthetic. Think: sand-colored tones, dark wood accents and floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize the Caribbean light.

Room types include standard guest rooms with garden or ocean views, as well as larger options like the Junior Suite, Oceanfront Suite and top-tier Presidential Suite.

I had the opportunity to stay in the Executive Suite, which gave me a breathtaking front-row seat to Palm Beach's turquoise waters. My room had a plush king-size bed with crisp Frette linens, a separate living area, and a large balcony with loungers and an outdoor table perfect for in-room dining with a view.

The marble bathroom included a dual vanity, rainfall shower and luxe amenities.

Complimentary water bottles were provided, and there was a Nespresso machine alongside an assortment of complimentary coffees and tea. Overall, the suite was private, comfortable and thoughtfully designed for anyone looking for a luxurious stay.

Dining at the St. Regis Aruba

st regis aruba food — LAUREN WASSUM/THE POINTS GUY

The St. Regis Aruba is home to six dining venues, each offering a distinctive culinary experience.

Akira Back

This rooftop restaurant — the only one of its kind in Aruba, believe it or not — is a fusion of Japanese and Korean flavors crafted by chef Akira Back. Guests can enjoy dishes like Back's acclaimed AB Cucumber Salad ($18), braised short rib sushi known as the Cow Wow ($32) and jumbo prawns ($52) while taking in panoramic ocean views.

Eskama

Serving coastal Mediterranean cuisine, Eskama is on the ground floor near the pool and overlooking Palm Beach. The restaurant offers both buffet service ($42 per person) and a la carte breakfast options. The dinner menu features fresh seafood and locally inspired dishes, like Patarascha ($55) — a red snapper dish made with escabeche and aji oil.

Nuba

The poolside restaurant Nuba serves an Aruban-inspired menu with light fare and tropical cocktails — just the ticket for a relaxed lunch or afternoon snack.

Grano Cafe

This cafe serves premium coffee, artisanal pastries and light bites throughout the day, so it's ideal for quick breakfast or snack.

The St. Regis Bar

The St. Regis Bar is a sophisticated setting offering handcrafted cocktails, sushi and light bites. Be sure to try the signature Bon Bini Mary ($23), which puts a local Aruban twist on the classic bloody mary. Resort guests can also partake in their complimentary bloody mary masterclass with a St. Regis bartender. Private sessions are $60 per person.

Room service

In-room dining is also available, allowing guests to enjoy meals in the comfort of their rooms.

Amenities and service

Service: To no one's surprise, the service at the St. Regis is top-notch. The staff was warm and attentive from the moment I arrived, and everything felt personalized. Staff members remembered my name, offered thoughtful touches throughout my stay and truly made my experience special. After mentioning how much I enjoyed their Papaya hot sauce, I found a small bottle of it gift-wrapped and waiting for me in my room to take home.
Fitness center: This spacious and modern facility features Technogym equipment, free weights and ocean views. Complimentary beach yoga classes are also offered.
Spa: The St. Regis Spa features serene treatment rooms, plunge pools and locally inspired therapies using island botanicals.
Casino: The St. Regis casino is a first for the brand and offers table games, slots, and a sleek bar with live entertainment.
Pools: The resort offers both family and adult-only pools surrounded by loungers and private cabanas available for rent. Guests also have direct and easy oceanfront access on Palm Beach, and the poolside service is prompt and friendly.
Kids club: If you are traveling with little ones, there’s a supervised kids club offering activities for kids ages 4 to 12.
Nightly rate: It includes complimentary Wi-Fi, beach chairs, butler service and daily bottled water.

The St. Regis Spa

st regis aruba spa — LAUREN WASSUM/THE POINTS GUY

The renowned St. Regis Spa features private treatment rooms, hydrotherapy areas, a relaxation lounge and a small boutique with items from your treatment available for purchase. I loved that the spa was so close to the pool area, so when it came time for my 60-minute relaxation massage ($215), it was only a two-minute walk away. Staff gave me a plush robe and slippers to change into, and I left feeling completely restored thanks to my incredible massage therapist, Natalia.

The first-ever St. Regis casino

The St. Regis Aruba has the brand's first-ever on-property casino. It’s a sleek, stylish space where guests can enjoy a range of slot machines and table games, along with a marble bar and live entertainment. When I stopped by during my visit, I was impressed by how the vibes felt energetic with upbeat music but still polished in a way that felt characteristically St. Regis.

It's important to note that smoking is generally prohibited in indoor spaces in Aruba, and this includes casinos. This is great news for those who typically have to avoid the casino due to irritants from the smoke.

What it costs to stay at the St. Regis Aruba and how to book

Nightly cash rates at The St. Regis Aruba Resort typically range from $731 to $1,308 for standard rooms, depending on the season and room type. For Marriott Bonvoy members, award redemptions start at approximately 88,000 points per night, with rates varying based on demand and availability. You can book directly through Marriott, and members can also apply points or use certificates. For those looking to maximize value, consider using the Marriott Bonvoy “Stay for 5, Pay for 4” benefit, which offers a complimentary fifth night when redeeming points for a five-night stay.

Additionally, the property is available through the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program, offering eligible cardholders benefits like a $425 property credit for bookings made by June 9.

When booking the St. Regis Aruba, you’ll want to use one of the credit cards that earn the most points for Marriott stays, as well as one that possibly offers automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status for value-added benefits. These include:

: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Platinum Elite status; and 25 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Gold Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Gold Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Gold Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
(see rates and fees): Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Silver Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
(see rates and fees): Earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Silver Elite status; and 5 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.

The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Accessibility

The St. Regis Aruba Resort offers a range of accessibility features to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests. The resort provides mobility-accessible rooms equipped with roll-in showers, bathtub grab rails and non-slip bathroom surfaces. Common areas — including the spa, fitness center, restaurants and pools — are wheelchair-accessible, and there are elevators and ramps throughout the property.

Additionally, the pools feature self-operating lifts or sloped entries to accommodate guests with mobility needs. Service animals are also welcome at the St. Regis.

Bottom line

Aruba waterfront — LAUREN WASSUM/THE POINTS GUY

My stay at the St. Regis Aruba felt like an indulgent blend of luxury and relaxation. Every detail, from the personalized service to the oceanfront views, made it feel like a welcome escape from day-to-day life.

The resort has plenty to offer on-site, from stylish rooftop dining to peaceful mornings by the infinity pool and even a casino if you’re feeling lucky. A stay here is a splurge, yes, but it's one that feels worth it — especially if you’re booking with points. If you’re after a Caribbean getaway with all the perks and none of the pretense, this is a spot that really delivers.

Related reading:

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American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor's Rating

4/5

TPG Editor's Rating

4/5

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Rewards rate

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual fee

$325

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Recommended credit

Excellent to Good

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Points are transferable
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Difficult credit redemption

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
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Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
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Annual Fee is $325.
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