Eagle Beach is wide. Like, remarkably wide. When you’re standing on the powdery white sand outside the Costa Linda Beach Resort Aruba, you realize why this specific stretch of coastline consistently wins those "Best Beach in the World" awards from TripAdvisor and various travel glossaries. It isn't just the turquoise water. It’s the space.
Most people heading to Aruba for the first time get sucked into the high-rise district. They want the glitz of Palm Beach, the malls, and the crowded piers. But the "low-rise" area, where Costa Linda sits, is a different beast entirely. It’s quieter. It feels more like the Aruba people imagine before they land. Honestly, if you’re looking for a mega-resort where you’re just room number 4012, this isn't it. This is a massive, fan-shaped complex that feels more like a private club than a transient hotel.
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There's a reason you’ll see families here who have been coming for thirty years straight.
The Reality of the "Fan-Shaped" Layout
Architecture matters more than you think on a Caribbean island. Costa Linda was designed in a giant "V" or fan shape. This wasn't just to look cool from a drone; it was a practical move to ensure that almost every single unit gets a view of the Caribbean Sea.
The resort isn't a new build. It opened in the early 90s. Because of that, the footprints of the rooms are huge. You aren't getting a 300-square-foot hotel room here. Most units are two-bedroom or three-bedroom suites. We’re talking full kitchens—not "kitchenettes" with a sad hot plate, but actual stoves, full-sized refrigerators, and enough counter space to actually cook a meal for six people.
- Two-Bedroom Suites: These are the workhorses of the resort. Usually around 1,100 square feet.
- Three-Bedroom Suites: These are the "Royal" units. They are massive. If you’re traveling with a multi-generational family (Grandma, the kids, the cousins), this is the only way to do it without losing your mind.
The furniture has been updated recently, moving away from that dated "80s tropical" look toward something cleaner and more modern. Is it ultra-luxury like a Ritz-Carlton? No. It’s high-end "homey." It’s comfortable. It’s the kind of place where you don't feel bad walking in with sandy feet.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Crowds
People hear "Eagle Beach" and assume it's a tourist trap. It’s not.
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Because the Costa Linda Beach Resort Aruba is located on such a deep section of the beach, the "palapa race" is less intense than it is at the high-rise hotels. If you’ve ever stayed at a big resort in Palm Beach, you know the drill: waking up at 6:00 AM to throw a book on a chair just to have a sliver of shade. At Costa Linda, there’s just more real estate.
There are about 155 units here. That’s it. Compare that to the 400+ room towers down the road. You’ll never feel like you're fighting for oxygen in the pool.
The Pool Scene vs. The Beach
The pool is basically the heart of the resort. It’s a large, free-form pool with a dedicated kids' area and hot tubs nearby. It's surrounded by Frangipani trees and hibiscus. But let’s be real: you’re here for the ocean.
The water at Eagle Beach is notoriously calm. There are no sudden drop-offs. You can walk out fifty feet and still be waist-deep in crystal clear water. It’s perfect for kids or people who aren't strong swimmers. Plus, the resort provides plenty of those iconic palapas (straw-roofed umbrellas) for guests.
The Food Situation: Costs and Choices
Eating in Aruba is expensive. There’s no way around that. Almost everything is imported.
Costa Linda has an on-site restaurant called Water's Edge 12°N. It’s surprisingly good for a resort restaurant. They do a solid breakfast, and the "Sunset Happy Hour" is basically a local institution.
- The Kitchen Advantage: Since you have a full kitchen, you should go to Super Food Plaza. It’s a five-minute taxi ride or a 15-minute walk (though walking with groceries in 88-degree heat is a bold choice). It’s a massive Dutch-style supermarket. Buy your stroopwafels, some local Balashi beer, and breakfast supplies. It'll save you $500 over the course of a week.
- Nearby Gems: You’re within walking distance of some of the best food on the island. Papiamento is nearby for a fancy night out. Screaming Eagle is right across the street. If you want something casual, there are food trucks and beach shacks just a short stroll down the sand.
The Timeshare Factor
Here is the thing you need to understand: Costa Linda is a timeshare resort.
Don't let that scare you. You don't have to be an owner to stay here. They rent out units like a regular hotel through their website or various booking engines. However, because it's a timeshare, the level of service is different. The staff isn't just "doing a job." They’ve known these guests for decades. There’s a warmth that you just don't get at the corporate chains.
The downside? Because owners have priority, booking during peak weeks (like Christmas or February school breaks) is nearly impossible unless you plan a year in advance.
Sustainability and Local Impact
Aruba is very protective of its environment. Eagle Beach is a primary nesting ground for sea turtles, specifically Leatherbacks and Loggerheads.
If you visit between March and September, you might see sections of the beach outside Costa Linda Beach Resort Aruba roped off. Those are turtle nests. The resort is very strict about light pollution and noise during hatching season. It’s a cool thing to see, honestly. Watching a dozen tiny turtles make a break for the ocean is a "bucket list" moment you didn't know you needed.
The Logistics: Getting Around
You don't need a car if you stay here.
Seriously.
The "Arubus" (the local public bus) stops right near the resort entrance. It’s cheap, clean, and runs constantly between downtown Oranjestad and the hotel districts. Taxis are also plentiful and operate on fixed rates set by the government, so you don't have to worry about getting ripped off by a fast meter.
That said, if you want to explore the "wild side" of the island—the Arikok National Park or the Natural Pool—you’ll need a 4x4 rental for a day. Do not try to take a rental sedan to the Natural Bridge. You will get stuck.
Why Some People Might Not Like It
I’m being honest here: this isn't a party resort.
If you’re looking for a DJ at the pool, foam parties, and a 24/7 casino vibe, you’re going to be bored out of your mind. There is a small casino nearby (Alhambra), but the resort itself is quiet by 10:00 PM. It’s designed for relaxation and family time.
Also, if you’re a solo traveler looking to meet a bunch of people, it might feel a bit insulated. It’s very much a "families and couples" demographic.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you’re planning to book a stay at Costa Linda Beach Resort Aruba, follow these specific steps to maximize the value:
- Check the "Resale" Market: Sometimes you can find better rates by looking at timeshare resale or rental boards where owners list their weeks directly. It’s often cheaper than booking through a travel site.
- Request a High Floor: While most rooms have ocean views, the 4th and 5th floors offer the most unobstructed panoramas of the sunset.
- Pack Your Own Snorkel Gear: The water is so clear that you can see fish right by the shore. Renting gear every day adds up.
- Book Airport Transfers Early: Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) can be a zoo on Saturdays (changeover day). Pre-booking a private transfer can save you an hour of standing in the taxi line in the sun.
- Embrace the Dutch Influence: Try the Gouda. Try the pastechi (local meat turnovers). Talk to the locals—everyone speaks at least four languages (English, Spanish, Dutch, and Papiamento).
Costa Linda isn't trying to be the trendiest hotel in the world. It knows exactly what it is: a spacious, reliable, and incredibly well-located home base on one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. For most people, that's more than enough.