Deciding where to buy your deeded Marriott week can be a task that requires a lot of knowledge, especially when considering the luxurious options available at Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club and Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club. Both resorts are located next to each other, both offer exceptional amenities, and buying at either property affords you a lifetime of unforgettable experiences, but they each have their unique charms. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive comparison of these two resorts to help you make an informed decision.
In this guide, we’ll be comparing the villas themselves, each resort’s location and beach amenities, dining options, pool areas, on-site activities, how they compare on the resale market, and much more. Let’s take a closer look and compare each resort to gain more understanding of which resort would best meet your needs.
Villa Size & Sleeping Arrangement
| Resort | Villa Type | Square Feet | Sleeps | Beds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aruba Surf Club | Studio | 400 | 4 | 1 Queen Bed, 1 Sofa bed |
| Aruba Surf Club | 1 Bedroom | 950 | 4 | 1 King Bed, 1 Sofa bed |
| Aruba Surf Club | 2 Bedroom | 1195 | 8 | 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed, 2 Sofa beds |
| Aruba Surf Club | 3 Bedroom | 1700 | 12 | 2 King Beds, 2 Double Beds, 2 Sofa beds |
| Aruba Ocean Club | Studio | 400 | 4 | 1 Queen Bed, 1 Sofa bed |
| Aruba Ocean Club | 1 Bedroom | 950 | 4 | 1 King Bed, 1 Sofa bed |
| Aruba Ocean Club | 2 Bedroom | 1335 | 8 | 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed, 2 Sofa beds |
Aruba Surf Club
The villas at the Aruba Surf Club are spacious, featuring separate living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, and private balconies with ocean or garden views. The resort offers one, two, and three-bedroom villas that can accommodate up to 12 guests, making it a perfect choice for large families or groups.
At the Surf Club, there are 450 units, with Studio and one-bedroom units being parts of two-bedroom lock-offs. The three-bedroom units also lock off into a two-bedroom and a studio. Each unit size comes with options for Ocean Front, Oceanside, Ocean View, and Garden View Villas.
Aruba Ocean Club
The Aruba Ocean Club, on the other hand, has 218 Villas and offers studio, one and two-bedroom villas. The villas are elegantly furnished and equipped with kitchenettes, private balconies, and whirlpool tubs. While some villas types are smaller than those at the Surf Club, the Ocean Club’s villas offer a more intimate setting that is ideal for couples or small families.
Recent renovations have enhanced the quality of the Ocean Club Villas. However, it’s worth noting that one-bedroom and two-bedroom Villas at the Ocean Club lack in-room laundry facilities, unlike the Surf Club’s equivalent units. Each unit size comes with options for Ocean Front, Oceanside, Ocean View, and Garden View Villas.
Location
Both resorts are located along Palm Beach, one of Aruba’s most beautiful beaches. However, there are subtle differences in their proximity to surrounding attractions. The Surf Club has a side exit leading towards the bustling Palm Beach strip with numerous restaurants and shops. This makes it more accessible for Surf Club guests.
Conversely, the Ocean Club is closer to the Marriott Hotel in Stellaris Casino and The Ritz Carlton. This makes it a better choice for those wanting to explore the casino or dine at the restaurants in these nearby establishments.
Whether you’re staying at either resort, you’ll have easy walking access to the surrounding points of interest, but the resort’s are positioned slightly closer to different nearby attractions.
Beach
Palm Beach is a highlight for both resorts, with its white sand and crystal-clear water. The Surf Club, despite being a larger resort, has less beach frontage due to the presence of restaurants, businesses, and a pier nearby. The Surf Club boasts 156 Palapas, whereas, the Ocean Club, features 114 Palapas. The Ocean Club does offer a wider beach, providing a slightly more spacious and serene atmosphere. The Palapa-to-Villa ratio is better at the Ocean Club, making it easier for guests to secure reservations.
Dining
| Dining Location | Cuisine | Dining Experience | Resort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captain’s Galley Pool Grill | American | Casual, beachfront lunch spot | Aruba Surf Club |
| Flip Flop Beach Bar | American | Beachside bar | Aruba Surf Club |
| Seaworthy’s Pool Bar | American | Pool Bar | Aruba Surf Club |
| The Marketplace | Other | Grab and Go, Coffee, Snacks and Ice Cream | Aruba Surf Club |
| Antilla Beach Bar | American | Beachside bar | Aruba Ocean Club |
| Campeones Cantina & Tequila Bar | Mexican | Casual table service Mexican restaurant | Aruba Ocean Club |
| Malmok Bar & Grill | American | Beachside bar | Aruba Ocean Club |
| Ocean Cafe | Other | Beachside bar | Aruba Ocean Club |
Both resorts offer on-site dining options, and guests from one property can enjoy the restaurants of the other. The Surf Club has options like the Marketplace, Captain’s Galley, Seaworthy’s Pool Bar, and Flip Flop Beach Bar. The Ocean Club features Campeones Cantina, a TexMex restaurant, Malmok Bar and Grill, and the Ocean Cafe. Both resorts also allow access to dining facilities at the Marriott Hotel and The Ritz Carlton.
Pools
The Surf Club is renowned for its extensive pool area, including the popular Lazy River, two hot tubs, and large pools, one with a water slide. The Ocean Club’s pool area is smaller but offers a more tranquil experience. Guests cannot access the pools of the other resort due to a wrist band system that ensures they are only able to use the pool at the resort they are booked to stay at.
Activities
A wide range of activities is available at both resorts. The Surf Club offers a fitness center, sports court, and daily activities program for all ages. The Ocean Club provides a fitness center, spa services, and various water sports.
Vacation Experience
The vacation experience does differ slightly between the two resorts. The Surf Club has a lively and active atmosphere, ideal for families and groups looking for fun and adventure. The Ocean Club, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back and peaceful ambiance, perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway or individuals wanting a quiet retreat.
The Surf Club has a bustling and family-friendly atmosphere, especially around the Lazy River. It’s known for being lively, and the pool chairs can fill up quickly. The Ocean Club, in contrast, offers a more relaxed and serene ambiance with fewer crowds and more available pool chairs.
Resale Market
When it comes to the resale market, both the Aruba Surf Club and Aruba Ocean Club have a lot to offer, but there are some differences to keep in mind.
Available Villa Types
While it is possible to book a studio villa type at both Aruba Surf Club and Aruba Ocean Club, those villa types are the result of a larger unit being locked-off. In the context of purchasing a deeded week on the resale market, buyers can purchase a 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, or 3 Bedroom at Aruba Surf Club or a 1 Bedroom, or 2 Bedroom at Aruba Surf Club.
Available Seasons
When considering the resale market, both Surf Club and Ocean Club offer deeded weeks that are available in various seasons. Each of these seasons group various weeks of the year by their travel demand, and buyers can choose the season that aligns with their preferred time to visit Aruba.
For Aruba Surf Club, you can choose from Gold, Platinum, or Platinum Plus seasons.
For Aruba Ocean Club, you can choose from Gold or Platinum seasons.
Available View Types
Resale buyers can find a variety of view types at both resorts. Options include Ocean Front, Oceanside, Ocean View, and Garden View Villas. It’s essential for buyers to check specific listings for their desired view preferences, as the view type can greatly determine the initial purchase price for your deeded week.
Maintenance Fees
| Resort | Villa Type | Total Annual Maintenance Fee (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Aruba Surf Club | 1 Bedroom | $1,489.54 |
| Aruba Surf Club | 2 Bedroom | $2,034.51 |
| Aruba Surf Club | 3 Bedroom | $2,685.77 |
| Aruba Ocean Club | 1 Bedroom | $1,387.22 |
| Aruba Ocean Club | 2 Bedroom | $1,966.71 |
Maintenance fees are a crucial factor in timeshare ownership. Buyers should compare the maintenance fees of Surf Club and Ocean Club to understand the ongoing costs associated with their ownership. These fees cover property maintenance, housekeeping, utilities, and other shared expenses.
The annual maintenance fees for villas at both Aruba Surf Club and Aruba Ocean Club differ depending on the size of the villa, but do not differ when comparing view types.
For a one-bedroom villa, the 2023 maintenance fee at the Aruba Surf Club is slightly higher ($1,489.54) than at the Aruba Ocean Club ($1,387.22). The difference in cost is approximately $102.32.
The same trend can be seen for two-bedroom villas. The maintenance fee at the Aruba Surf Club ($2,034.51) is higher than at the Aruba Ocean Club ($1,966.71), with a difference of approximately $67.80.
When it comes to three-bedroom villas, only the Aruba Surf Club offers this villa type, with an annual maintenance fee of $2,685.77 in 2023.
In summary, the annual maintenance fees for both one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas are slightly higher at the Aruba Surf Club compared to the Aruba Ocean Club, based on the 2023 maintenance fee bills.
Resale Prices
Resale prices for Marriott Vacation Club timeshares can vary based on factors such as villa size, view type, and season. Prospective buyers should research and compare resale prices at both Surf Club and Ocean Club to make an informed decision that aligns with their budget and vacation needs.
Aruba Surf Club
On the resale market, the Aruba Surf Club often has a higher volume of listings. This is likely due to its larger size and greater number of villas. As a result, buyers may find more flexibility in terms of availability. Additionally, the Surf Club’s slightly larger villas can be an attractive feature for potential buyers, especially those with large families or groups.
Aruba Ocean Club
On the other hand, the Aruba Ocean Club, with its smaller number of overall units, tend to have fewer listings on resale market, but when comparing the same view and season with Surf Club, are very close in pricing. The Ocean Club’s prime location in the heart of Palm Beach also contributes to its desirability and strong resale value. Buyers looking for a peaceful or romantic getaway might be more attracted to the Ocean Club’s offerings.
Whether you choose the Surf Club or the Ocean Club, owning a timeshare in Aruba guarantees a slice of paradise that you can return to year after year. If you’d like to learn everything you need to know to walk you through the process of buying on the resale market from start to finish, check out our article here: How To Buy A Marriott Timeshare Resale: The Definitive Buyer’s Guide.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, both Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club and Aruba Ocean Club offer fantastic experiences with their unique advantages. The Surf Club is ideal for those seeking a family-friendly resort with plenty of space and activities. Meanwhile, the Ocean Club offers an intimate, serene environment perfect for relaxation. Your choice depends on your personal preferences and the type of vacation experience you desire.
Take your time to review your options, consider your needs, and know that between these two resorts, either choice will provide you with a lifetime of unforgettable vacation memories.
Contact Us For Assistance Today!
Buying a resale week can be a cost-effective way to enjoy these luxurious resorts year after year. If you have any further questions about purchasing a Marriott timeshare, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help you find the perfect listing for your needs!
