Sunny, breezy Aruba is truly a delight to visit! And the small boutique hotel Serene by the Sea was the perfect idyllic refuge on the southern part of the island with easy access to the best snorkeling, food, and coastline, both tranquil and wild. It was an excellent base for our self-guided explorations of the scenery, flora and fauna, murals, beaches and culinary delights offered by this amazing Dutch Caribbean island.
![]() |
View from Oceanfront rooms |
![]() |
Use of sea kayaks, snorkels and beach chairs |
![]() |
Many relaxing outdoor spaces |
This 9-room hotel is ideally situated right on the shore with a small sandy beach to launch snorkeling and kayaking adventures in a cove protected by one of the Commandeur's bay islets, nicknamed Sea Glass Island. We saw sea turtles, crabs, fish, eels and many birds right from the breakfast dock.
![]() |
View from breakfast dock, from the resident eel and fish in the foreground to Sea Glass Island, across Commandeur's Bay. We saw several turtles during one of our breakfasts. |
The friendly family that runs the hotel kept us supplied with everything needed to enjoy a day on the beach, including complimentary breakfast, snorkel & mask, towels, beach chairs, water cooler and kayaks. They even have a car available for rental, and other extras such as the Serene Floating Massage and private sunset dinners.