alexa

Money is no object and we want the best for our honeymoon. What are the best, most luxurious resorts in Aruba?

Jean

Alexa,<BR>I fully expect to have people come down on me like a ton of bricks but....<BR>There is no true luxury resort on Aruba.<BR>Some decent properties but not what you seem to be looking for.<BR>You may wish to consider another island if a luxurious resort is important to you.

TA

if money is truly no object and you want luxury accomodations you will have to look at another destination. Although there are many who love Aruba for all its good qualities it is not the destination for the upscale luxury vacation. However, if you consider Marriott and other chain hotels luxurious it will fit. The timeshare part of the Marriott property is supposed to be the best that Aruba has to offer but if you've ever timeshared or stayed in one, you know they are not the traditional luxurious resorts.

Emm

The Radisson and Hyatt are the best on Aruba. I think you'd have a great time at either. I have also heard that Bucuti is the best for an all-inclusive.<BR><BR>Aruba is a blast.

Chelsea

If money is seriously no object and you want a luxurious resort for your honeymoon, I'd suggest Sandy Lane in Barbados, or one of the several luxury small hotels on St Barts or Ottleys Plantation Inn on St Kitts, or Cap Juluca on Anguilla or Peter Island in the British Virgin Islands. To me Aruba is okay but I certainly would not recommend it for a honeymoon especially if you have the money to burn!!! Aruba cannot hold a candle to some of the islands mentioned above. Come on, you can do a whole lot better for yourselves than Aruba. Get with the program!!

alexa

Problem is that our wedding is end of september and hurricane season will be in action. What other islands are safe. Hawaii is out of picture, we only have 6 days.

Tim

Bucuti may be the best AI on Aruba but it is by no means a luxury property. It's no better than a standard chain hotel comparable to a Hampton Inn or Residence Inn by Marriott as far as its rooms go.<BR><BR>Aruba's best is the Hyatt, but it won't rank in the top 30 or 40 resorts in the Caribbean.<BR><BR>All Caribbean islands are at risk for hurricanes, including Aruba. But Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao (no luxury resorts on the last two) are lowest risk, along with Trinidad and Tobago.

Tracy

Just to clarify:<BR><BR>The Bucuti resort on Aruba is NOT all-inclusive, and Tim is right, the rooms are not overly fancy. But they are comfortable and very clean. Also, the beach at the Bucuti is the widest on the island and their service is outstanding. The Bucuti discourages guests with children so the resort is very quiet and perfect for honeymooners. <BR><BR>If you are looking for a more luxurious hotel, I would suggest the Radisson or the Hyatt. But, be prepared for a lot more activity and noise around the resort and on the beach.

Scot

The Hyatt is very nice and a favorite among honeymooners. I have been there 3 times. It has romantic restaurants and a great beach. The people of Aruba put it at the top of the list. Very friendly.

Ellen

As everyone says, you will not find any luxurious resorts in Aruba. Since money is no object, I would get trip insurance and go to any of the islands Chelsea recommended and there is always the possibility of no hurricanes! Personally, I was less than thrilled with Aruba, very commercialized with no caribbean flavor.

xx

Really, post it to the board for all to see. It would help a lot of people out.<BR><BR>I think three best would be the Hyatt, Marriott, and the Radisson. I have stayed at the Allegro and loved it.

Kim

Alexa, I know what you are saying about the hurricanes in September but you should not let that alone run you away from the islands further north of Aruba or in the hurricane zone. I live in one of the islands further north and have to say that the past couple of years have been very good. We have had very quiet seasons with no storms to speak of. So hopefully the trend will continue. What you may consider doing is postponing your honeymoon for a couple of months to November when the hurricane season would have all but passed and the tourist season picks up -you need to bear in mind that the end of September is the low season for tourists in the islands and you will find that alot of resorts/hotels and resturants in the islands are closed and there is not a whole lot going on. November or anytime after that might be a better bet

Gabe

That is part of the appeal of Aruba. Out of the hurricane zone, great beaches, beautiful sunsets, extremely safe and some fine dining. You will find that the restaurants do not close during September in Aruba like other islands that are prone to hurricanes.

Sandra

True, but it just does not offer the utter luxury of a place like Cap Juluca on Anguilla or some of the hotels on St Barts or Nevis and its beaches certainly do not come close to those of the BVI or Anguilla or some of the other islands I have visited. It is simply not an island I would chose for a honeymoon. It is way to basic in my opinion.

Susan

Well...my &quot;basics&quot; are sun, sand &amp; surf &amp; Aruba Radisson &amp; Hyatt do it for me! (Avoid Marriott)

xxx

Pretty far down but the Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino is the only Aruba property making the Conde Nast list in the Caribbean.

Jen

I agree that there are no true luxury resorts in Aruba. That should not prevent one from traveling there. I stayed at the Hyatt and was very pleased. The grounds are beautiful, the open air lobby is very relaxing and the beach is wonderful! The only other resort I would even consider is the Radisson.

Maureen

Having traveled to Aruba many times I agree that there is no luxury resort but I would have to recommend the Radisson Hotel due to its beautiful grounds--lush tropical with parrots, waterfalls etc. Palm Beach is a wonderful white sand beach. Being it is September I think Aruba is a great choice. Driving is easy, consider renting a car. <BR>Restaurants are excellent--for your special dinners try the upscale Pago, Pago at the Wyndham, Sunset Grill, Le Dome brunch, Ventanas Del Mar at Tierra Del Sol on Wednesday for Surf and Turf, Tratorria El Faro Blanco at sunset, Simply Fish at the Marriott on the beach etc.<BR>

debbie

Can count on the weather in the ABC islands during that time frame. Best weather year rounbd to the tune of those islands do not even need weather reports posted. A= aruba. b= bonaire<BR>c= curacao<BR>Stay away from Bucuti, you do not want this AI in aruba. Jamaica is the only place that knows how to do an AI.<BR>Book Marriott or Radisson as previously suggested. <BR>Bonaire is only for divers, otherwise do not bother. My father loved Curacao beaches and accommodations. SInce it is one of the ABC hurrican free islands, do some research there.

Lilly

Have you considered Bermuda? How about the Reefs Resort in Bermuda--very romantic. Hurricanes do not hit the islands every year in great intensity. Also suggest you try the Esmeralda Resort on beautiful Orient Beach, St. Martin (french side). We stayed there 3 years ago and the suites are very large with vaulted ceilings and small kitchenettes. You share a pool with 2 other units and you are directly on the beach--some units further back. You will need a rental car to get to the excellent restaurants in Grand Case and Marigot. One formal restaurant and one beach bar on site plus 5 other beach bars spread along the long beach. Orient Beach just ranked as one of the ten best beaches in the Caribbean by Caribbean Travel &amp; Life Magazine.<BR>Otherwise try staying at the Radisson or Hyatt Hotels--both terrific and dine at some of the great restaurants and enjoy the watersports.