Planning a Destination Wedding in 2026? The Hilton Aruba Might Be the Perfect Match

Kristy Trieu • June 2, 2025

Sunset Wedding on Beautiful Palm Beach

If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean destination wedding filled with natural beauty, modern luxury, and that laid-back island magic - it might be time to take a serious look at the soon-to-be fully reimagined Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino. I just spent a week at this beautiful property and had the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and see what’s coming. And let me tell you: if you’re planning to say “I do” in 2026, you’re going to want to keep reading.


A Beloved Classic, Thoughtfully Reimagined

For years, Hilton Aruba has been a favorite on Palm Beach - known for its timeless charm, white sand beaches, and unforgettable sunsets. But what’s coming next adds a whole new layer of luxury and sophistication.


During my visit, I toured several of the resort’s new and soon-to-open spaces. The goal is clear: preserve the relaxed, tropical atmosphere the resort is known for, while introducing elegant, boutique-style upgrades that are perfect for weddings, milestone celebrations, and romantic escapes.


The Westerly: A Boutique Hotel Experience Within the Resort

Set to debut in late 2025, The Westerly will bring a boutique hotel-within-a-hotel concept to the Hilton Aruba, and it’s shaping up to be an ideal option for wedding couples and their guests who want something a bit more exclusive and elevated.  The lower level will feature swim-out pools, while the Terrace on Ten rooftop will feature an exclusive experience available only to adult guests of The Westerly.


Which brings me to my next point.  The Westerly, and the Hilton Aruba as a whole, gives couples a great amount of flexibility. If you’re planning an adults-only celebration, this new tower will feature dedicated adults-only areas, offering a more serene and refined experience. On the other hand, if your vision includes children or multi-generational guests, the resort as a whole remains wonderfully family-friendly, with something for everyone to enjoy.


The Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao Towers: Beautifully Updated

If you’re already familiar with the property, you’ll be pleased to know the Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao towers have all been fully remodeled. These guest rooms now feature a soft, coastal-luxe design that feels fresh, stylish, and comfortable - ideal for hosting your wedding party or out-of-town guests in relaxed elegance.


Coming Soon: The Shore Club

One of the most exciting additions to the resort is The Shore Club, scheduled to open by the end of summer 2025. Designed with celebrations in mind, this new area is going to be a standout space for weddings and events.


Here’s what you can expect:

  • A new pool area with modern, stylish lounging options (think beach-club vibe)
  • A brand-new restaurant with a menu blending Caribbean flavors and international flair
  • And most notably - a rooftop deck designed specifically for private events, from welcome parties to sunset wedding receptions


The views from the rooftop are expected to be breathtaking - the perfect setting for an intimate gathering or a memorable evening of celebration under the stars.


Why 2026 is the Time to Book

With The Westerly and The Shore Club both opening just in time, couples planning for 2026 will be among the first to experience everything Hilton Aruba has to offer in its newest form. Whether your style leans toward an upscale, adults-only affair or a joyful, family-inclusive event, the resort offers the flexibility, and the setting, to make it unforgettable.


Add in the beautiful beach ceremony locations, top-tier hospitality, and that classic Caribbean warmth, and it’s easy to see why this resort is poised to be one of the top destination wedding venues in the region.


Thinking about a wedding in Aruba?
Let TRU Vacations help you bring it to life. From the newest venues at Hilton Aruba to customized planning for your guests, we’ll guide you every step of the way - so you can focus on what matters most.


Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. 

By Kristy Trieu May 18, 2025
You’re engaged - congratulations! You’ve probably got a Pinterest board full of wedding ideas, a group chat buzzing with venue links, and a to-do list that keeps mysteriously growing overnight. Amid all of this, someone (maybe even you) says: “We should start planning the honeymoon.” And suddenly, you're 27 tabs deep into travel blogs, trying to figure out whether the Maldives is too far, whether Greece is too hot in July, or whether that “luxury beachfront resort” is actually luxurious - or just really good at photo editing. Take a deep breath. You're not alone, and you're in the right place. As a Travel Advisor who specializes in honeymoons, I'm here to help you cut through the chaos and design a trip that's as exciting and effortless as it should be. Here’s how to plan the perfect honeymoon – without the stress. 1. Start With the Feeling, Not the Destination Before you get stuck comparing flight prices and resort photos, ask yourselves: What kind of honeymoon do we actually want? Do you want to unplug and relax after months of wedding planning? Are you dreaming of adventure , with zip lines and volcano hikes? Do you crave culture and cuisine , wandering charming towns or eating your way through the countryside? Or maybe it’s a little of everything? Nailing down the vibe helps narrow your focus - and sets the tone for a trip that feels like you, not just a pretty location. 2. Set a Realistic Budget Your honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and you want it to be the trip that all future vacations are compared against. Honeymoons come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges - and you don’t need a Hollywood budget to have a magical experience, but you do need to be honest about your comfort zone. What you don’t want is to spend every penny you have just getting to the destination, then get stuck eating the local equivalent of $.99 pre-packaged ramen noodles the whole time. Sure, there are deals to be had, but there are no guarantees those deals are available at the destination, resort, or time you want. So, make sure your budget is realistic for your dreams and your destination – and make sure you know your must-haves vs your nice-to-haves in advance. 3. Stop Drowning in Research - Ask a Travel Advisor Here’s a secret: you don’t have to DIY everything. There’s a fine line between “informed” and “overwhelmed,” and if your honeymoon planning has started to feel like a second job (on top of wedding planning), it’s time to bring in a Travel Advisor. I do the heavy lifting - like finding the perfect accommodations, coordinating flights and transfers, and recommending unforgettable (but realistic) activities - so you can stay excited instead of exhausted. 4. Leave Room for Relaxing One of the biggest mistakes couples can make is overbooking their honeymoon. Yes, it’s tempting to squeeze in everything. But the perfect honeymoon includes space for spontaneity - sleeping in, a surprise beach picnic, or just doing absolutely nothing together. There should be a balance between experiencing and relaxing, so you return home refreshed and glowing – not needing a vacation from your vacation! 5. Protect the Investment Studies show that most couples spend a good bit more on their honeymoon than they do on other vacations, so it’s important to protect your investment. One of the best pieces of advice I offer to all my clients – is buy the travel insurance. On my honeymoon, the airline lost my luggage for 3 days. THREE DAYS! I had a small carry-on bag with my swimsuit and a change of clothes. I don’t remember the exact amount the airline paid me, but it was minimal – and barely covered the new bottles of sunscreen and souvenir shirts I had to buy (and wear to dinner, and the beach, and hiking, and everywhere in between!). If I had travel insurance back then, there would have been coverage for the lost luggage. And it covers a whole lot of other things as well and I highly recommend you buy it – just in case. Planning Your Honeymoon Should Be Fun - Let’s Make Sure It Stays That Way This isn’t just another vacation. It’s the celebration of the beginning of your life together. It should feel exciting, personal, and completely stress-free - and with the right planning (and the right Travel Advisor…hint hint), it absolutely can. If you're ready to stop scrolling and start dreaming, I’d love to help you plan a honeymoon that’s unforgettable for all the right reasons. My contact info is conveniently located in the "Contact Us" section!
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