The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba opened on November 22, 2013, on Palm Beach, and the island itself is its first advantage. Aruba lies outside the hurricane belt and has not taken a direct hit since records began in 1851, which makes it a rare year-round Caribbean choice for families tied to school holidays. All 320 rooms, 55 of them suites, have private balconies, and a top-floor Club Level lounge suits groups of several generations. Ritz Kids takes children aged four to 12, with a pyjama party on Friday evenings, and a family pool and a separate adults-only pool keep everyone content. Snorkel gear, paddleboards and kayaks are free to use. Six restaurants and bars range from BLT Steak and Casa Nonna to Solanio, Madero, Noori and Ritual, and the 15,000-square-foot spa draws on Aruba's traditional health and beauty rituals. For celebrations, a ballroom of 7,282 square feet seats 380 for a banquet and divides into three, and the outdoor Eternity Bridge makes a memorable place to marry. There is a 24-hour casino, and staff greet every guest with bon bini, welcome in Papiamento.