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If you want to experience a vacation of serenity and romance, look no further than the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba. This adults-only beachfront property welcomes guests 18 years and older who seek tranquility. You won’t find weddings on the beach or even ambient music here. No speakers are allowed at the pool or at the beach.
What you will discover are well-appointed guestrooms, suites, and penthouses, padded sunbeds and shade for every guest on the powder sands of Eagle Beach. Bask in their fresh water infinity pool and enjoy complimentary iPads.
The property was named the number one hotel for Romance in the Caribbean from 2004 to 2019 by TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards and number eight for Romance in the World and has its own “Romance Concierges.” They can assist visitors with planning amorous activities from a side-by-side couples massage at the onsite Purun Spa to a sunset horseback ride on the beach. Or, have a moonlit dinner in a private cabana on the beach.
Climate Action Award Winner
But Bucuti and Tara is more than love and calmness. In 2019, it won the Climate Action Award by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) for achieving climate carbon neutrality/net zero certification.
The Climate Action Award seeks to recognize innovative actions through either a behavior change of guests and employees, policy changes, or the introduction of technology, to reduce the scale and impacts of climate change. It’s awarded to organizations undertaking significant and measurable work to reduce the scale and impact of climate change.
Resort owner, environmentalist, and CEO Ewald Biemans says that being the first hotel in the Caribbean to become certified carbon neutral/net zero was many years in the making. He was even told that it would be an impossible task.
Rather than rely on carbon offsets, the team at Bucuti & Tara took a meticulous approach towards reducing emissions. Since 2016, the resort’s 618 photovoltaic solar panels combined with local wind and solar sources, has been producing 40% of its energy needs. Other sustainable efforts at the hotel include installing an in-room energy management system, low-flow shower heads and toilets, and using an ozone-based laundry system.
According to Ewald, one of the key features of the resort is that the Bucuti & Tara provides a carbon neutral/net zero vacation without impacting the comfort and laidback luxury that guests have come to experience. “This guilt free experience shows guests that sustainability and a memorable vacation can go hand in hand.”
Elements Restaurant Goes Eco-friendly
In 2016, the resort also introduced healthy portion sizes to reduce food waste. “On average, 30% of plated meals were left unconsumed, destined for disposal,” says Ewald. “We revised the entrée sizes going from American portions to European sizes for more sensible portions. We have never once received negative comments from guests and in fact, this initiative has had a positive effect on our Elements restaurant.”
The restaurant is also part of the burgeoning vegan and vegetarian culinary scene in Aruba. It offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options and gluten-free meals, and has an extensive appetizer, soup, and salad bar for those who prefer a meat-free diet.
One of the standout dishes at Elements, Ewald explains, is a sustainably sourced Lionfish Ceviche. “It takes a menace (lionfish) and turns it into a mouthwatering appetizer best paired with a stunning Aruba sunset on our beach.”
Community Eco-efforts
Bucuti and Tara is also proud to support community eco-efforts like the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, a volunteer-run foundation that takes in sick and injured donkeys and Turtugaruba, a local foundation that protects giant sea turtles. They’re also involved in another local program.
Ewald explains how, in 2016, the resort took on Aruba’s issue of pet overpopulation by launching the successful Stimami, Sterilisami (Love me. Sterilize me.) program. Since then 12,000 island dogs and cats have been registered for the spay/neutering and micro-chipping program.
One of his first projects in the early 1990’s was to create Aruba’s Environmental Committee within the Hotel Association. The third Wednesday of the month continues to be Bucuti’s “Beach Cleaning” day and hundreds of Aruba’s visitors have participated along the way in partnership with resort staff.
What Else Is There to Do At Bucuti and Tara?
Of course you can lie on the gorgeous beach, but there’s a lot more going on. Every day of the week there are free wellness events like tai chi and yoga on the beach, or a sunrise beach walk. Visitors can also have a session with a personal trainer or get some nutrition coaching. Or, head to the kitchen for a cooking demonstration of the local cuisine.
At Elements Restaurant try an Authentic Aruban Dinner on Monday nights and a healthy happy hour everyday at the outdoor SandBar. There’s also Movie Night on the beach under the stars.
Rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit at Purun Spa with an Anti-stress Massage or an Aromatic Caribbean Facial or a wrap of Tropical Flowers. There’s also a Beach Hut with special treatments that take place outdoors like a Coconut Milk & Aloe Wrap.
A hotel is usually known for one thing, but with awards for romance and for sustainability, the Bucuti & Tara has crafted an experience that cares for the wellbeing of the guests, Aruba itself, as well as the planet.
