Gold Coast Aruba Luxury Condo

The gated community at Gold Coast looks like a serene suburban haven in the Caribbean. Early-morning joggers wave at their neighbors as they lap the complex of condos, each with tidy green shrubs and tropical flowers decorating its entranceway. Add the young children splashing around in the community pools while parents look on from the shade of tiki huts, and the picture-perfect scene is almost complete --  all that’s missing are white picket fences.  

These individually owned vacation rentals range from condos to town houses and villas, and all are tastefully decorated and feature a generous range of facilities, including fully equipped kitchens and spacious living and dining rooms. There aren't any features beyond the pools and tennis courts, though, so this isn't the right choice for anyone looking for a lively party scene. The pleasant, secluded vibe and kid-friendly perks make this a popular choice for families wanting an independent vacation, as well as large groups looking for an alternative to the high-rise hotel zone.

Gold Coast, like most resorts and hotels in Aruba, requires a car rental or shuttling around via taxi to get to most of the island's sights. It’s in the Malmok region of the island, and it faces Tierra del Sol Golf course, which is about a 13-minute walk away, depending on where one is staying in the village. Boca Catalina Beach is a three-minute drive from the property, as is Malmok Beach, which is great for snorkeling. Popular Palm Beach is an eight-minute drive from the property, and Eagle Beach is just under 15 minutes away, both of which feature a ton of options for waterfront dining. The California Lighthouse is relatively close, just a 10-minute drive north. The restaurants, nightlife, and shopping of Oranjestad, the capital, are about a 20-minute drive, and it will take up to 25 minutes to reach Queen Beatrix International Airport.

Of the 300 individually-owned units, guests can choose between villas, condos, or town houses, all of which have similar facilities, including two or more bathrooms, fully-equipped kitchens, and between one and four bedrooms. Some also offer backyards with terraces, private pools, and barbecue areas. These are sunny homes, personally decorated by their owners, and while they range in terms of decor, the general look is sophisticated and chic. Expect creamy hues and soft lighting. Sparingly used details like vibrant abstract wall art or handsomely patterned textiles give the rooms a sharp finish, and furniture all has the look of -- well -- a suburban home, which makes sense given the gated-community setting. We saw plush couches and chairs, lots of dark wood, and details like granite surfaces on our visit. 

The washer/dryer units that come standard are convenient for families, as well as the towel service and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, but there’s little more than bars of soap and toilet paper supplied. While units generally offer plenty of space, especially in comparison to a typical hotel (they can fit between two and eight people), some bathrooms are a bit small and bedrooms can feel cramped as well, with just enough space for the king-size beds. There are, however, private balconies, walk-in closets, and sofa beds in the living rooms. Housekeeping is included and comes every other day. 

The hotel features two on-site pools and a kiddie pool, which are pretty calm and don't get too crowded. They’re shielded from the street by high bushes and some palm trees offering a bit of shade, while a few tiki huts and daybeds provide a place to lounge and relax. Grills are also available here for guests' use. The property has four tennis courts. Other services include babysitting, in-house massages, and a personal trainer for hire. While there is Wi-Fi, it’s only available for purchase and is sometimes considered a separate fee from the rentals themselves.