What to expect: Although some children arrive with their parents in summer, the resort caters primarily to couples, thus maintaining a quiet, restful ambience. The tidy Dutch Colonial-village atmosphere extends to paving-stone courtyards graced by terra-cotta pottery and neatly trimmed tropical plants identified by signs.

Amenity highlights: The Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort's frontage on Eagle Beach, rated one of the world's 10 best by Travel + Leisure, measures 100 by 35 yards and lies across a narrow street from resort buildings. A sundeck furnished with umbrella tables surrounds a 50-by-25-foot pool and a 10-foot-diameter children's pool. Use of mountain bikes, floats, and snorkeling gear is part of the All-Inclusive Plan. European Plan guests can rent this equipment.

Insider tip: Key Largo Casino is 0.5 miles away, but guests can cut walking distance in half by catching a golf-cart shuttle from the lobby of an adjacent resort.

What to expect: Popular with couples because of its determined efforts to maintain peace and quiet, the independently owned and operated resort discourages guests from bringing children and offers no children's facilities. Environmental awareness is another theme. Cactus gardens, palm trees, and expansive lawns maintained with recycled water substitute for water-demanding plantings such as flowering bushes.

Amenity highlights: The Aruba Bucuti Beach Resort's frontage on Eagle Beach, rated one of the world's 10 best by Travel + Leisure, extends for 200 yards, is 150 yards deep, and features 71 widely spaced thatched-roof shades. Freshwater swimming is available in a 50-by-25-foot pool, and a spa tub sits on the pool's sundeck. Motorized water sports are barred in front of the resort, but water sports are available from independent vendors farther north.

Insider tip: The Alhambra Casino a quarter-mile away includes a casual shopping bazaar that's open evenings--one of Aruba's few after-dark-shopping spots.

What to expect: Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is comprised of two separate buildings: the Ocean Suites along the Caribbean Sea, and the adults-only Marina Hotel across the street from the resort's marina. A complimentary golf-cart shuttle service is provided between the buildings. Guests of both buildings have access to the entire resort.

Insider tip: Accessible by a boardwalk above the water, a private cabana on the resort's island includes a thickly cushioned two-person lounge chair and a cushioned two-person hammock. The cabana can be rented through the resort's health spa in the Marina Hotel.