If you are turned off by mega all-inclusive beach resorts, where thousands of people in their swimsuits wander from the breakfast buffet to the pool bar and back like vacationing zombies, you have come to the right blog site! When I travel, I look for places to stay that offer a peaceful atmosphere without sacrificing luxury. Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa is a gem I recently discovered on the island of Aruba, which is often brushed off as being too commercial.
Located away from the row of chain resorts, Manchebo is one of the oldest hotels in Aruba on the picturesque Eagle Beach, only 2.5 miles from downtown Oranjestad.
It was created by Dutch entrepreneur, Izaak “Ike” Cohen 50+ years ago, but looks almost brand new!
Wellness Focus
The oceanfront oasis promotes wellbeing through its daily offering of yoga and Pilates classes (by the beach) that are free for hotel guests. There is a beautifully designed spa constructed with teakwood imported from Bali. You can get a massage in one of the private cabanas overlooking the ocean and feel the sea breeze in your hair (it gets quite windy in Aruba).
Manchebo is one of the few resorts I have been to that offers carefully designed vegan menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I tried several vegan dishes during my stay and loved how flavorful, fresh and well incorporated they were. Vegan food here is not an afterthought to accommodate special dietary requests, rather a culinary lifestyle.
Instead of cocktails on the beach, you can enjoy fresh fruit smoothies throughout the day. Made with local fruits like aloe, pineapple, papaya and mango, the blended drinks will keep you hydrated and healthy through your vacation.
Environment Consciousness
From the hotel’s electric cars (you can request airport transfers and drop offs in town), to using local products and Green Natura bathroom amenities, Manchebo is committed to operating in an eco-friendly manner and recipient of Green Globe’s Platinum Award. They also employ locals and track environmental impact as their sustainable tourism practice.
The resort’s Green Team continues to support the environment and the community through means of sponsorship, supporting of local musical scholarships (there’s live music at the hotel almost every night), charitable fundraising, local school support, contributions to the Aruba Reef Care Project and Annual Coastal Clean-ups. Don’t be surprised to find nesting sea turtles on the hotel’s beach!
Boutique Structure
There are only 72 rooms across 2-stories at Manchebo, which offers more privacy and great views of the Caribbean from practically everywhere. The rooms are modern and comfortable, yet also practical. Each room comes equipped with a microwave, mini refrigerator, beach towels and a picnic cooler so you can enjoy time on your balcony or the beach. Did I mention its pooch friendly too?
As if there weren’t enough reasons to book a stay at Manchebo, it also boasts the broadest beach in Aruba! Dushi, ha?
Make better choices when you travel. Stay at family-owner, sustainable and eco friendly resorts such as Manchebo Aruba.
