Joya Barristar Aruba Resort Review
Three Days and Trace Notches - Honest Resort Review
Overview
- Location: Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Distance from Airport: 15-20 minutes
- Visit Duration: 3 days
- Travel Date: Labor Day weekend
- Booking: Through Expedia (discount link in description)
- Room Type: Upgraded from junior suite to swim-up suite (free upgrade)
Check-in Experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 10/10
- Bellmen greeted immediately upon arrival
- Friendly, efficient service
- Offered welcome drink
- Quick, smooth, stress-free process
- Room ready at 4 PM (official check-in time)
- Low capacity during visit (Labor Day advantage)
Accommodation - Swim-Up Suite
Room Features
-
Bathroom:
- Separate door for privacy
- Perfect size with natural light
- Light wood design
- Large sink
- Separate rainfall shower
- Private toilet with electronic privacy screen
- Additional door for AC efficiency
-
Living Space:
- Open, well-designed layout
- Comfortable seating area
- Work desk available
- Vanity/makeup area
- Excellent AC throughout
-
Amenities:
- Complimentary refillable water bottles
- Coffee and tea included
- Amazing ocean views
- Direct pool access
Room Downsides
- Lack of outdoor privacy (standard for swim-up rooms)
Pool Facilities
Three Pool Options
-
Main Family Pool
- Swim-up bar included
- Basketball hoop for kids
- Limited organized activities
- Quiet during visit
-
Adults-Only Rooftop Pool ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Bar service available
- Food and drink ordering
- Incredible views
- Highly recommended
-
Members-Only Pool
- Smaller, tucked away
- Higher-end seating
- Very quiet/private
- Adjacent upscale lounge
Pool Maintenance
- Exceptionally clean
- Constant cleaning observed
- Well-maintained swim-up areas
Beach Experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location & Access
- Beach: Eagle Beach (top-rated globally)
- Access: Short walk across small road (minimal traffic)
- Setup: Not technically beachfront but feels similar to oceanfront resorts
Beach Services
- Immediate greeting and chair setup
- No fighting for chairs
- Umbrella service included
- No additional resort fees
- Food and drink service to loungers
- Complimentary fresh fruit surprises
- More private than Palm Beach (not cramped against other properties)
Dining & Beverages
Restaurant Options
- Three restaurants on property (all operational)
- Pricing: Resort-level pricing expected
- Service: Slow but friendly ("island time")
- Guest feedback generally positive
Breakfast Buffet ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Price: $30-40 per person
- Value: Totally worth it
- Extensive variety
- Could replace need for second meal
- Special packages available
Coffee Shop
- Quality: Excellent (better than popular off-property options)
- Pricing: Competitive with off-property venues
- Must-visit for coffee lovers
Dining Strategy
- Non-all-inclusive allows flexibility
- Easy access to Aruba's restaurant scene
- Perfect location between Palm Beach and downtown Oranjestad
Amenities & Activities
Fitness & Wellness
- Fitness Center: Modern, clean, well-equipped with on-site attendant
- Classes: Daily fitness classes (additional fee)
- Spa: Gorgeous facility with hydrotherapy circuit
- Services: Full massage, beauty, and spa menu (resort pricing)
Family Amenities
- Kids Club: Small, geared toward younger children
- Supervision: Additional fee for staff supervision
- Free Use: Can use space with child at no cost
Evening Entertainment
- Live music performances
- Limited scheduled activities (by design)
- Easy access to Palm Beach nightlife
Final Assessment
What They Excelled At
- Beach Experience: Outstanding setup, service, and location
- Cleanliness: Exceptionally clean throughout (newer resort advantage)
- Staff Service: Personalized attention, remembered guests by name
- Check-in Process: Flawless experience
- Adults-Only Pool: Fantastic amenity
Areas for Improvement
- Service Speed: Slow throughout property and restaurants
- Food Pricing: Expensive (though flexibility to eat off-property helps)
- Pool Closures: Rooftop pool occasionally closed for events/conventions
- Room Privacy: Limited outdoor privacy in swim-up suites
Best For
- Beach lovers seeking premium beach experience
- Guests wanting flexibility to explore Aruba's dining scene
- Travelers preferring relaxed, laid-back atmosphere
- Those seeking clean, modern accommodations
Consider Alternatives If
- You prefer all-inclusive convenience
- You want extensive on-site activities and entertainment
- You need guaranteed adults-only environment
- You're budget-conscious regarding food/beverage costs
Additional Notes
- Resort Age: 3-4 months old at time of visit
- Disclosure: Not sponsored review, paid for own stay
- Upgrades: Free room upgrade received
- Transparency: Treated to one brunch meal
- Recommendation: Would return specifically for beach experience
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