You’re staring at a map of the Caribbean, wondering if Aruba is just one big tourist trap. Honestly? Parts of it are. But then you start looking at the low-rise district, away from the skyscraper hotels of Palm Beach, and you see the Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort. If you've been searching for a divi dutch all inclusive aruba vacation, you've probably noticed it looks a bit different from its neighbors. It’s quieter. It’s smaller. It feels less like a corporate hotel and more like a collection of condos where people actually live.
But here is the thing: the "all-inclusive" part of the Dutch Village is actually a bit of a shared secret.
While the Dutch Village itself is often sold as a room-only or bed-and-breakfast spot, you can opt into the all-inclusive program that links you with its sister properties. This gives you a weirdly expansive footprint. You aren't just staying at one resort; you’re effectively gaining access to the Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort and the Divi Tamarijn/Divi Aruba mega-complex down the road. It’s a lot of ground to cover.
The Weird, Wonderful Layout of the Dutch Village
Most people expect an all-inclusive to be a single building with a lobby that smells like coconut air freshener. The Divi Dutch Village isn't that. It’s tucked behind the Divi Tamarijn, set back from the ocean just enough to keep the noise down. The buildings have this Dutch colonial architectural vibe—lots of soft yellows and whites, surrounded by gardens that are, frankly, much more lush than the desert landscape of the rest of the island.
You have to be okay with walking. Or taking the shuttle. The resort is spread out, and if you're on the all-inclusive plan, you’ll be heading over to the other Divi properties for most of your heavy-hitting meals.
Is it beachfront? Technically, no. But it’s "beach-adjacent." You walk about three minutes, cross a small access road, and you’re on Druif Beach. This is arguably one of the best stretches of sand on the island because it isn’t crowded with the thousands of people staying at the high-rise Marriotts and Hyatts further north. It’s wide. It’s windy. The water is that absurd shade of electric blue that looks photoshopped even when you’re standing right in front of it.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
If you want ultra-modern, glass-walled minimalism, you’re in the wrong place. The rooms here are massive compared to standard hotel rooms. We are talking full kitchens, dining areas, and separate bedrooms. Even the studios feel big. This is because these units were designed as timeshares.
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They’ve been renovated recently, so you’ll find granite countertops and decent appliances, but the vibe is still "tropical home" rather than "luxury boutique." It’s comfortable. It’s the kind of place where you don't feel bad bringing a bit of sand in on your flip-flops.
Cracking the All-Inclusive Code at Divi
This is where people get confused. When you book the divi dutch all inclusive aruba package, you are buying into a massive ecosystem. You get access to something like 13 different restaurants and 11 bars across the Divi properties.
- Sea Breeze Café: This is right on-site at the Dutch Village. It’s casual. Great for a breakfast where you don't want to see a single person you know.
- Mulligan’s Golf Cafe: Located over at the Village Golf across the street. It overlooks the greens. The pizzas are surprisingly legit.
- Windows on Aruba: Okay, listen. This is the fine-dining spot. If you’re on the standard all-inclusive, you usually have to pay a surcharge here, but for a special night, it’s worth it for the view alone. It’s a circular building with floor-to-ceiling glass.
- The Tamarijn/Divi Aruba Side: This is where the party is. You can hop on the golf cart shuttle and head over to the Red Parrot for a more formal dinner or the buffet spots for a quick hit of food.
The drink situation is straightforward. It’s an open bar with plenty of local Balashi beer and plenty of rum-based cocktails that will definitely give you a headache if you don't hydrate. The "Aruba Ariba" is the signature drink. Drink one. Maybe two. Don't drink five.
The "Hidden" Benefits of the Dutch Village Location
Why stay here instead of the more expensive Divi Aruba All-Inclusive? Peace.
The main all-inclusive resorts can get loud. There are kids everywhere. There’s poolside bingo. There are people competing for lounge chairs at 7:00 AM like it’s an Olympic sport. The Dutch Village is a sanctuary. You can spend your morning in the quiet pools at the Dutch Village, reading a book, and then whenever you feel like you need "energy" or a professional buffet, you just wander over to the sister resorts.
It is the best of both worlds. You get the amenities of a massive resort with the quiet of a private condo.
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Navigating the Logistics: What No One Tells You
Aruba is windy. Not just a breeze, but a consistent, 20-knot trade wind. This is great because it keeps the mosquitoes away and ensures you don't melt in the 90-degree heat. However, it means the ocean at Druif Beach can sometimes be a bit "choppy." If you want dead-calm water, you’ll need to take a taxi to Baby Beach on the south end of the island.
Transportation: The shuttle system between the Divi resorts is pretty reliable. You'll see these long golf carts buzzing around. Just flag one down. If you’re feeling active, it’s a 10-minute walk between most points.
Groceries: Even if you’re on the all-inclusive plan, you have a full kitchen. Use it. There is a massive grocery store called Super Food Plaza about five minutes away by taxi. Go there. Buy some stroopwafels (it’s a Dutch island, after all) and some local hot sauce (Pica di Papaya). Having a fridge stocked with your own snacks and drinks makes the room feel way more like a home base.
The "Palapa" Struggle: On Aruba, you don't just get an umbrella; you get a palapa (a permanent shade structure with a thatched roof). At the Dutch Village/Tamarijn area, these are first-come, first-served. You don't usually have to wake up at dawn like you do at the high-rises, but if you want one right on the water, get your towel out there by 8:30 AM.
Is the All-Inclusive Worth the Extra Cash?
This is a math problem.
Aruba is expensive. A casual lunch for two with a couple of drinks at a beach bar will easily run you $60 to $80. Dinner? You're looking at $100+ without trying hard. If you are the type of person who likes to have four or five cocktails by the pool, a big breakfast, a steady lunch, and a three-course dinner, the divi dutch all inclusive aruba package will absolutely save you money.
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However, if you're the type of traveler who wants to explore the restaurant scene in Oranjestad or try the "fine dining" spots in the high-rise area every night, the all-inclusive is a waste. Aruba has one of the best culinary scenes in the Caribbean. Papiamento, Flying Fishbone, and Madame Janette are legendary. If you stay all-inclusive, you’ll feel "guilty" leaving the resort for dinner because you’ve already paid for the food there.
The smart move? Do the all-inclusive for the convenience and the drinks, but plan to eat out at least one or two nights to actually experience the island.
Exploring Beyond the Resort
Don't just stay in the Divi bubble.
- Rent a Jeep: Not a car, a Jeep. Take it to Arikok National Park. It's like a lunar landscape. Visit the Natural Pool (Conchi). It's a rugged, bumpy ride that will make your kidneys hurt, but the view is incredible.
- Downtown Oranjestad: The Dutch Village is very close to the capital. Take the local bus (Arubus)—it’s cheap and efficient. The architecture is bright pink and lime green, very photogenic.
- The Donkey Sanctuary: It’s exactly what it sounds like. You can feed the wild donkeys. It’s a great way to see the "other" side of the island.
Realities and Nuances
Let's be honest: the Divi properties are older. They are well-maintained, but they don't have that "ultra-sleek" vibe of a newly built Ritz-Carlton. You might find a loose tile or a slow-draining sink. The staff, however, are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. There is a reason Aruba has the highest repeat-visitor rate in the Caribbean.
The Dutch Village specifically attracts a slightly older crowd and families who want more space. If you are looking for a wild spring-break vibe, this isn't it. If you want to actually hear the ocean and sleep in a quiet room, it is.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a stay at the Divi Dutch Village, here is how you should actually execute it:
- Check the "All-In" vs. "Room Only" pricing carefully. Sometimes booking the room and the all-inclusive separately (or via different sites) can save you a few hundred dollars.
- Request a room near the "King’s Pool." It’s generally the most updated area and puts you in a good spot for both the beach and the amenities.
- Pack a filtered water bottle. The tap water in Aruba is literally some of the best in the world (it comes from a massive desalination plant), but having a cold bottle to carry between the sister resorts is a lifesaver.
- Download the Divi Resorts app. It sounds corporate, but it’s actually how you book your specialty dining reservations, which you should do the moment you check in. If you wait until Thursday to book a Friday dinner at the Paparazzi Restaurant, you’re going to be disappointed.
- Plan for the wind. Bring clips for your beach towels so they don't fly away, and if you wear a hat, make sure it has a chin strap. You will thank me later.
Aruba is known as "One Happy Island," and while that’s a marketing slogan, there is some truth to it. Staying at the Dutch Village gives you a version of that happiness that is a bit more grounded, a bit quieter, and a lot more spacious than the crowded resorts further up the coast. It’s about finding that balance between the total laziness of an all-inclusive and the freedom of a condo-style stay.