My husband and I went to Aruba for the first time this summer and stayed for 10 days in the Large Garden Studio at the Sunset Beach Studios. It was perfect for us. The studio has everything you need to live like a local in Aruba. Each morning we'd make coffee and sit on the deck to enjoy the view of the beach across the street. Each evening we'd sit in the same place, sipping a Balashi, watching the sunset.
As we'd go off on adventures throughout our stay, the studio was the perfect place to return to--whether to grab a quick bite to eat or take a dip in the pool. Everyone who works at Sunset Beach Studios is incredibly friendly and helpful. The property is adorable and well maintained. It's quiet and private, the perfect setting to relax and unwind.
If you're looking for a place swarming with tourists, bustling with overpriced (and usually not very good) restaurants and focused on the party, this is not the place for you. While we were happy to visit the Palm Beach/Eagle Beach area, we were so glad to be able to return to our studio. It's true: Sunset Beach Studios is not a luxury, five-star accommodation with perks like room service and a bar in the swimming pool. But it's charm and impeccable service and fun, local feel more than made up for it.
One thing we highly recommend: Rent a car. The area is a little more residential and a car will allow you to not only do everyday things, like go to the grocery store and hit the laundry mat, but also it enables you to explore more of the island. We discovered so many different beaches and local takeaway spots because we had the car. And, if you do want to hit the town, you can hop on a bus that will take you to Palm Beach/Eagle Beach or Oranjestead.