Just keep in mind transportation options. Jay recommends renting a car but we got around with the bus and taxis just fine.

Jay was a fantastic host. He treated us like family (we think of him as family as well). He helped plan our days in Aruba and told us all of the best spots. Magical Garden was right next to the cutest beach bar. The room with the patio was totally worth it and it was so beautiful. Jay puts a lot of work into his house and makes it feel like home.

Stayed in March 2024

N/A. Jusf a suggestion: maybe the window shades might be changed to a bit more 'protective'. For me it was OK, but for others (maybe for women) it may be stated too 'opened' and to let others to look in. That is not expected, but still would be a plus to the comfort level.

Allover a very nice stay. The garden is truly beautiful, the owner takes good care of that and all of the cute animals. The room is good too, and for sure the Owner, Jay is the best part of it. Friendly and gives advice about the area. If that was too hot outside, we had a good chat protected by his Garden's shades. It was said it is far from the airport, but in real only 15 mins. Taxi is pricey prebooked also, but due to traffic and all it still may be reasonable and safer for a shorter visit. Make sure you visit

Stayed in May 2024

i had to get used to the bed , but i slept well.

the host is amazing. and i felt right at home

Stayed in May 2024

N/a

The small beach is just a walk away and it is very nice to spend the day with family. Plus they is a restaurant right at the beach

Stayed in March 2024

Parking was an issue for my rental car. I had to park it on the curb. I was assured it was safe but would have preferred something a bit more secure.

The host was a wonderful and kind man with a great sense of humor and a good story to tell about his life. He was generous in offering me some water and juice when I arrived and also allowed me to borrow one of his books. He even provided an extension cord that I needed for one of my devices. I felt right at home and would recommend this spot to someone who is looking for value, safety, friendliness, and all the practical needs.

Stayed in March 2024

Love it

Love it

Stayed in January 2024

Jay (the owner) is a very cool guy. He was super friendly, welcoming, and helpful. It’s a short drive to baby beach.

Stayed in December 2023

This location was perfect! It was so close to all the main areas we wanted to explore and the host was amazingly helpful and easy to communicate with.

Stayed in December 2023

There were some bugs that bit me as the day was winding down (he warned me about them, I just didn’t have bug spray with me).

Jay was incredibly welcoming - showed me around upon arrival. The location was good (I wanted something quieter to experience life away from the tourist area). He offered me recommendations on places to eat, helped me bring my luggage in, opened his home for me to use kitchen, etc. wifi was good. AC when on was comfortable!

Stayed in October 2023

The ultimate lush and cozy bohemian Aruban pad. Trees, garden, birds, just minutes from beautiful Baby Beach

Stayed in November 2023

The owner is a lovely person! Very welcoming and made me feel well looked after. Definitely would stay again.

Stayed in September 2023

Jay is a wonderful host. Welcoming, friendly, man of many skills and is willing to help in any way possible. Spot is well kept and clean. Right around corner from groceries and Batata Beach.

Stayed in August 2023

The place is perfect for your stay in Aruba, it has a very beautiful garden where you can relax and Jay is a very kind and helpful host. He did everything to make our stay a positive experience :) The room had air conditioning and warm water. Also you can borrow snorkels and even a canoe. We would definitely recommend staying here!

Stayed in May 2023

Very friendy guy nice to deal with nice easygoing vibe

Stayed in April 2023

Little bit far from the airport

Owner very good man

Stayed in March 2023

It is good to have a car or some other means of transportation. The car was handy to get to neighboring beautiful places, such as San Nicolas, baby beach, the easy side beaches.

Wonderful and quiet place. Owner is super friendly and interesting person. Grows his own fruit. Walking distance to a beach and a beach restaurant.

Stayed in March 2023

As with other inexpensive accommodation in Aruba, the Magical Garden can feel a bit isolated and it helps if you have your own transport, though Jay was more than happy to ferry us around the South for a small fee and was always available to us when we needed him. The Beach 200 metres away, whilst nice enough to watch the sun go down (& there is a bar there) is not really any good to swim at.

The Magical Garden put 'Home' into Homestay, Jay (our host) was very friendly (& a comedian), he is rightly proud of his agricultural attempts (when the chickens don't get into his crops) and made us feel very welcome. We were happy we chose to stay in the South to begin our visit to Aruba, it gave us a different outlook than if we had just stayed in the North (ie quieter, calmer and less developed). There are a couple of Supermarkets close by, Jay took us to the Zeerover restaurant, good place (fish n chips), inexpensive and a nice spot to take a beer and watch the fish (& people) in the evening (but it can be very busy there). Jay provided us with snorkelling gear and advice where to use it.

Stayed in February 2023

That we did not stay longer

A hidden gem on the South side of the island. Easy to reach by buss and the owner is super kind and relaxed!

Stayed in February 2023

parking on the sidewalk.

location away from the crowds. walk to the beach. real local experience.

Stayed in February 2023

Nothing!

Everything!

Stayed in January 2023

Jay (the host) is awesome person! And his cat, Pinto, aswell. Jay welcomes you so that you can really feel like home. I had a private home with kitchen, bathroom, and basically my own garden. Garden is beautiful, Jay plants so many species. And takes care of abandoned sheep. And has chikens and roosters (they won’t wake you up, they’re a bit further). Jay let me borrow his kayak and helped me to carry it to beach (which is ~ 200 metres from the house). Jay has two more rooms, so not too many quests. Jay offered one guy a chance to sleep in a tent at rooftop for free, that would’ve been awesome for me aswell, but I already had the apartment. Thank you Jay for once more, let the good winds be with you! See you!

Stayed in January 2023

I really loved staying at this place, it was so lovely and Jay is the best host ever! He took care of me like of his own daughter and even gave me a bigger and a better room to what I initially booked. He also shared his dinner with me and was always offering more food etc. The location is very nice, in an authentic and very chill area. There is a bus stop nearby and you could reach almost everywhere by buses. I would definitely recommend this location rather than the super touristic area around Oranjestad. Wifi was really good which was important to me since I was working remotely. I felt safe walking back to the hotel in the dark as a solo female (my only concern were dogs).

Stayed in December 2022

There's absolutely nothing I didn't like about this place.

Magical garden is a great place to disconnect from the busy world and go back to the roots. It's simple and beautiful. The room is big, the bed is very comfortable, and the vibe is great. Our host Jay made our stay extra special. It's a great place to relax and enjoy some sunshine.

Stayed in December 2022

You must get use to the various bugs/flying insects especially at night. Having a net at the door would allow you to keep your door open to feel the tropical breeze. Jay allowed me to put up one but it would of been nice to have had that there initially. For the next customer I believe he may have it in place for you. Enjoy.

The bonus for me was my morning fruit. On the grounds of this location you will find plenty of fruit. Mangoes and Bananas were my go to. The host allows you to eat freely of them. Jay will also make you a smooth-- NO EXTRA COST!

Stayed in October 2022