Aruba, CaribbeanMarch 3, 2026, by Maartje

The ABC Islands: these are the differences and the nicest places to stay on Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao

Accommodation
Aruba, Caribbean, March 3, 2026, by Maartje

The ABC Islands: these are the differences and the nicest places to stay on Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao

It used to be one of the most frequently asked holiday questions: "But what exactly is the difference between Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao?" The questioner mainly wanted to know from us: help, which of the three do we choose?! First of all: all three islands are fantastic, and we can say that because we have visited all three several times. So now we are going to sort of answer that question: The ABC Islands: these are the differences and the best places to stay on Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.

 

Aruba

Aruba

Aruba is the most 'American' and therefore the most comfortable island in the region. Large, beautiful beaches, a long boulevard to stroll along evening after evening and a wonderfully compact center in the capital, Oranjestad. Holidays are concentrated around the 'high rise', which means you can still find great undiscovered places. It is the island with the flamingos and it is the island with the most delicious restaurants. Want to enjoy carefree and comfortable – especially – with a small child? Aruba!

When it comes to hotels, there is really only one good option in Aruba – hand on our hearts: the Boardwalk Hotel! Secretly a reason on its own to travel to Aruba. We didn't leave the little paradise. If you do, you will immediately find yourself on the nicest beach in Aruba, where the owners of Boardwalk have a private stretch of beach for their guests. Win-win-win (winning!). Read more and make a reservation

Bonaire

Bonaire

Bonaire is the smallest and most authentic island of the three. A big village actually. Here we know us and that is more than pleasant. The first week of your holiday you are exploring, the second week you are at home (and the third week you never want to leave). It is the island of surprises, we thought, despite its small size. And although diving, snorkeling and fish watching is worldly on all three islands, Bonaire definitely takes the cake. Divers (and snorkelers) paradise!

And, trust us, we tried, here too there is only one really good answer for your stay: Harbor Village. A dream! You stay right on the beach, the hotel restaurant is a legitimate attraction, the nicest beach bar on the entire island is next door, and the hotel is located on a harbor (hence the name) from where you can reach the beach in no time. sail to Klein Bonaire, a paradise island with nothing but clear blue water and snow-white sand. Oh, and fish of course. Read more and book immediately

Curaçao

Curaçao

If we really have to choose, we think Curaçao is the 'nicest' island. And by fun we mainly mean: versatile. Curaçao is the largest of the bunch and the capital, Willemstad, is a really large city with plenty to do and experience. The beaches are beautiful (understatement) and a bit further apart than in Aruba, making Curaçao a bit more challenging, we think.

If you go to Curaçao, you definitely want to be close to the wonderful Jan Thiel Beach, a small beach with lots to do and centrally located on the island (and yet not in busy Willemstad). That's a good time! Because here you can reserve one of the mega wonderful and attractive apartments of the Morena Resort. The delights of a hotel and the delights of an apartment in the best location on the entire island. What more could a person want? Oh, we know: you want to know if Morena is child-friendly? Yes. Enormous. But thanks to the wide layout and the three swimming pools, those seeking peace and quiet will also return home completely happy, we promise. Read more and book immediately

Conclusion? Comfort = Aruba, Diving = Bonaire, Culture = Curaçao.

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