Aruba or Turks and Caicos?

Old Apr 5th, 2011, 04:10 AM
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Aruba or Turks and Caicos?

My husband and I are getting away for a week in early June. We've got it down to two places - Aruba or Turks and Caicos. Aruba seems easy - we like the reviews of the Radisson and knowing there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance eases our mind (the one thing we don't want to do for a week is eat resort food with resort prices).

Our fear is that the Radisson is too much like Atlantis - huge, crowded, and at times pretty overwhelming. While we like the options that being somewhere like that provides, we're not sure if we'll enjoy it as much as going somewhere more secluded. (I understand that the Radisson is much smaller than Atlantis, but the crowds there drove us crazy and we don't really want to deal with that this year.) Tell me I'm wrong and I'll book tonight!

Enter Turks and Caicos. Our concern with T&C is that we'll break the bank trying to eat and maybe end up bored after three or four days.

We're in our late 20s and not really looking for any nightlife, though having something as an option would be nice (even if it's just a bar). We don't scuba dive or do any water sports, but we can walk for miles to enjoy scenery or to go somewhere interesting.

The most important part of this vacation is to relax - to have zero worries - and to be somewhere beautiful.

Will Aruba make us happy?
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Old Apr 5th, 2011, 05:13 AM
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My husband and I loved Aruba. We stayed at Bucuti Beach Resort in the Tara Suites. (www.bucuti.com) It's stunning there. Not crowded at all as it has it's own private beach. We didn't see any kids running around which was nice. It's very private, laid back, and beautiful. No crowds at all like you'd see in the high rise section of the other hotels in Aruba (Radisson, Hyatt, etc).
Bucuti is the best place to stay in Aruba if you don't want the hustle and bustle of busy streets and want serene and tranquility and privacy. It's beautiful and can do nothing but relax. They even have an outdoor bar where a guy brings you drinks as you lay out or if you like, you can sit at the bar outside. There is a restaurant there too. =)
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Old Apr 5th, 2011, 05:21 AM
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The Radisson is not like the Atlantis. It is a big chain hotel, but not as big as the Atlantis. One thing I liked about the Atlantis is they offer a beverage/meal plan. It can save you some money eating out. I felt the food/drink prices in Aruba were comparable to Turks and Caicos. Both are pretty expensive.

You might compromise and choose a smaller resort in Aruba on Eagle beach. Look at the Divi, Manchebo or Tamarijn.

We enjoyed Aruba more than Turks and Caicos because we found more things to see and do and a much better variety of restuarants and shopping. Public transporation is also better in Aruba. T & C you really need a rental car. Grace Bay beach on T & C is much better than Aruba, but Aruba's Eagle Beach is very nice. T & C is all about the water, while I feel Aruba has more diversity.

You can relax on either Island without a problem and both are quite beautiful. (IMHO)
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Old Apr 5th, 2011, 05:27 AM
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He3ather, could you walk to other restaurants or did you have to stay at the resort the whole time?
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Old Apr 5th, 2011, 06:56 AM
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you could throw grand cayman into the mix. similiar topography, not as busy as aruba but more going on the provo. still has gorgeous beach to walk (seven mile) and plenty of dining options in fairly close proximity. you could look at marriott, westin, ramada, gc beach suites or ritz.
if you don't want to be in the midst of tons of ppl you will need to taxi to some restaurants & nightspots no matter which of these 3 island you go to.
if you go to provo or gc you just have to try snorkeling. there is a stunning world under the surface & it's a very inexpensive sport (all gear/good quality under $100) & couldn't be easier.
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Old Apr 5th, 2011, 07:21 AM
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You can walk to some restaurants from the Bucuti. You can also take the local bus up to the Radisson area and go to restaurants in that area. Here's the difference. The Bucuti is located on Eagle Beach. A wide uncrowded beach. The Radisson is located on Palm Beach. Much narrower and more crowded. From Eagle Beach to Palm Beach is a straight run about 4 - 5 miles. Take a bus or taxi from one to the other. There are more hotels lined up one right after the other on Palm Beach. There are not as many hotels on Eagle Beach and some are small. Hope this helps.
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Old Apr 5th, 2011, 08:39 AM
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Thanks, all.

I think we're in for the Bucuti. I think it has all that we're after - beautiful beach, decent food options, and more adults than kiddos. There's always the option to head to Palm Beach if we need more action.

No reason to consider Manchebo if we can afford Bucuti, right?
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Old Apr 5th, 2011, 09:43 AM
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Well... been pricing like crazy all morning and suddenly a few minutes ago the price went down $300, so I booked five nights at Bucuti with direct flights to/from Atlanta. Perfection! Thanks for the help!
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Old Apr 5th, 2011, 03:04 PM
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Congrats. You'll have a great trip. We can't wait to get back to Aruba. Hoping next year. Please post a report when you return and let us know how much you loved it.
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