Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa
A Heavenly Health & Wellness Oasis
by Susan Campbell
Due to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026, I wonder if the original owners, KLM pilots Mense and Fokker Hamminga, realized what a choice location they picked for their tiny two-story hotel they built back in 1966. The sprawling carpet of snow-white sand cresting impossibly aqua surf is the broadest swatch of beach on Aruba. And though this is often referred to as Manchebo Beach, it's officially part of the impressive 4mile expanse of Eagle Beach which consistently ranks among the top three beaches on the planet!
Though the island has seen massive development since its inception, this little boutique hotel has managed to remain timeless in its unassuming charm and warm Caribbean welcome. But when they built a magnificent mahogany alfresco beach pavilion out front to serve as a “shala”- a space to practice yoga- as part of their for-
ward-thinking pivot to become a dedicated health and wellness resort, it began attracting a whole new style of traveler.
A shift to mindful healthy holidays…
Guests can now enjoy over a dozen choices of complimentary Yoga and Pilates classes offered each week, and there is also an airconditioned fitness centre, and personally curated full week retreats with all kinds of wellness add-ons can be requested yearround. They also mindfully skewed their culinary offerings to include health-conscious offerings like organic smoothies and juices with energy-boosting superfoods and created dedicated plant-based menus alongside their regular fare. They are now known as having some of the best vegan fare on the island. But there’s far more to enjoy than green cuisine here; they also have a surprisingly eclectic range of culinary choices on site.
The Chophouse, their signature formal indoor restaurant (think crisp white linens, fine wines, and classic cuts of premium meat,) shares its space with Omakase Japanese Sushi Bar, a sleek, modern bamboo-bedecked spot under the same roof. Ike’s Bistro, their alfresco poolside enclave, leans toward Mediterranean influences, but they also host regular special nights featuring local Aruban fare or lobster and shrimp combos. And now, they also offer guests a premium all-inclusive option that includes all restaurants plus great drinks at their Pega-Pega Beach Bar, cocktail and lunch service on the beach, and room service. They also set out to employ environmentally friendly operating programs which garnered them the status of becoming a Green Globe Platinum Certified Resort, and their oceanfront Spa del Sol is an enchanting Balinese style eco-oasis where you can enjoy soothing seaside treatments.
A sweet stay for night and day…
I’ve stayed here often over the years, and though the 71 rooms are modern and comfortable with first rate amenities with a choice of garden or ocean views, they are a tad on the small side. Except for one. I've been coveting a stay at their one and only ‘Deluxe One Bedroom Suite’ for ages. It’s usually booked. But on my last visit, I lucked out! It boasts a large, private furnished corner wrap-around sea view balcony; a spacious living/dining room dining area with a table that seats four, a well-equipped kitchenette including a wine refrigerator, and a luxurious spa-like bathroom with an inviting rainfall shower. I hated to leave it…. but electric nightlife was waiting!
Although this resort exudes the ultimate Zen vibe throughout, if you’re seeking to get out and about at night for live music, hot casino action, and a vast choice of cool bars and trendy, lively eateries, head to Alhambra Casino’s big alfresco mall right across the street from their front lobby! That’s another reason that their location is the best of all possible worlds.
www.manchebo.com
