First look: The St. Regis Aruba is home to the island's only rooftop restaurant, luxe oceanfront suites and the first-ever St. Regis casino

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

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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.

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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

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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

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• 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

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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:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: 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.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® 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.
• 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.
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® 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.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (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.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (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

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:

• My heavenly stay at The Westin Bora Bora, where you can book an overwater bungalow from 67,000 points
• An art hotel with breathtaking views: My stay at the iconic St. Regis Venice
• A 500,000-gallon snorkeling lagoon and Champagne at the press of a button: A review of the new St. Regis Longboat Key Resort
• The best Marriott all-inclusive resorts for a worry-free vacation
• 30 best Marriott hotels in the world