Frommer's Review

This elegant oasis provides Aruba's most adult ambience. Set on one of the Caribbean's best beaches, a serene 14-acre expanse of sugary white sand, it's a favored retreat for sophisticated couples of all ages, especially honeymooners. About half are from Europe, and most are independent and well traveled.  Carnival and West Indian-plantation motifs enliven the spacious rooms. The stylish drapes and bedspreads blaze with colors like mango, lemon yellow, and cobalt blue, but the taupe-tile floors, pastel area rugs, and warm cherrywood louvered furniture have a calming effect. The bathrooms feature plenty of counter space, and the large balconies overlook gardens or the beach. Suites have kitchenettes. Because the Bucuti's owner-manager is the driving force behind many environmental initiatives, the hotel is one of Aruba's greenest. Recycling bins, water-conservation measures, and beachwide clean-ups are part of the effort. Beach lovers appreciate the Bucuti's palapa-to-guest ratio -- it's the highest on the island (you'll always have shade if you want it). Once the sun sets, you can dine intimately at a torch-lit table on the beach. At the breezy, open-air fitness center, nature and exercise go hand in hand. Built in 1987, the three-story Spanish mission-style resort was comprehensively refurbished in 1998. The new wing of 39 oceanfront suites scheduled to open in March 2004 promises to raise the comfort level to stratospheric levels, with in-room Internet connections and a separate concierge lounge.

Facilities: Restaurant; bar; outdoor landscaped pool; 18-hole championship golf course nearby; open-air health club; bike rental; concierge; tour/activities desk; car-rental desk; 24-hr. business center; coin-op laundry; laundry/valet service; same-day dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms.