Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Aruba, Leading the Way in Sustainable Tourism

Located steps away from one of Aruba’s most beautiful beaches, Eagle Beach, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is a generational family property. The Van Schaijk family built the resort in 1989, starting with only 49 rooms. Architect Jan Hubert leaned into the Dutch colonial appearance, embracing intricate finishes and dormer windows, but unlike the dark-colored developments on the mainland, Amsterdam Manor is bright yellow, representative of the sunny island life. 

For more than 35 years, the resort has been a home away from home for families from around the world. The property grew by 30 rooms and is constantly working to improve and modernize amenities. Every room has either a kitchenette or a full kitchen (in the one-bedroom suite) and a spacious refrigerator. With all the available space and kitchen amenities, it is no wonder that many island visitors settle in at the Manor for weeks at a time. 

Aruba is a small island with flourishing wildlife, something the Van Schaijks deeply care about and work to preserve. Various sustainability initiatives are integrated into the hotel’s operations and best practices, supporting the environments and communities they are part of.

A group of volunteers gathers between the Fofoti Trees after the monthly beach cleanup.
Photo credit by Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES  AT THE RESORT

For any hotel property, sustainability initiatives often happen behind the scenes. Amsterdam Manor focuses on minimizing electricity and water consumption and reducing waste production across the resort. In 2024, the hotel further reduced energy consumption by 7.9% and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 9.6% per guest per night. These solutions are built into the architecture: Insulated roofs reduce the need for cooling, and heat waste from air conditioning systems and thermal panels is used to heat shower water, letting solar energy do most of the work. 


That same year, the resort reduced water consumption to 184.3 liters per guest per night, well below the regional average of 486.5 liters, even with the island’s year-round average temperature of 27 C (81 F).


The combined initiatives have allowed Amsterdam Manor to retain the prestigious EarthCheck Master Certification for the 15th consecutive year, recognizing it as a global leader in sustainable tourism.

SUPPORTING THE NATURE AND WILDLIFE OF ARUBA

The hotel also retains a Travelife Gold award for its commitment to sustainability and dedication to inspiring others to do the same. Among these eco-initiatives are monthly beach cleanups and ongoing protection of the famed fofoti tree on the shores of Eagle Beach. The fofoti, likely photographed by every hotel and beach visitor, comes from the mangrove family and is shaped by Aruba’s persistent winds.


Off the resort, Amsterdam Manor works with Turtuga Aruba, Bubali Bird Sanctuary and Donkey Sanctuary Aruba. A number of staff members at the resort are assigned to collaborate with Turtuga Aruba, protecting sea turtle nests from human interference and safeguarding newborn turtles on their way back to the ocean. 

COMMUNITY EFFORTS

Locals to the island, the Amsterdam Manor team has deep ties to the community. Most goods and services are sourced locally, and staff often join community events across the country. The hotel has also opened its symbolic doors to host community events like the Day of Happiness in Aruba, provided entertainment for older adults and regularly facilitates sustainability education opportunities for guests and locals. 

“Our team’s continued commitment to eco-friendly operations stems from a shared belief that we can deliver exceptional guest experiences while protecting the natural beauty and culture that make our island so special,” said Jurgen van Schaijk, owner and managing director of Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort and MVC Eagle Beach Aruba, in a statement to EarthCheck. “These efforts might not be visible to guests on a daily basis, but the hospitality of the resort is on full display from the moment you set foot on the property. And if you visit on the right day, you just might be able to join the Manor team in their efforts to help preserve the biota of Aruba yourself.”