Hi, can anyone help? I have finally whittled down my choice of caribbean destinations to either Aruba (Bucuti Beach Resort) or Antigua (Galley Bay). We are going in June and just want to veg. out on the beach all day and enjoy good food and accommodation with a wonderful view whilst we are there. Not worried about a busy nightlife. Does anyone have a comparison on these two places? I don't want to be sand-whipped in Aruba (apparently) and I am wondering if there will be lots of rain in Antigua... just want to enjoy a gorgeous sandy beach in a lovely location. Any experiences out there?

I've been to both and out of the two I'd recommend Aruba. Prettier island, more to do, easier to get around (bus system is great); although more expensive. <BR><BR>Aruba is more of a non AI island while Antigua is more of an all-inclusive type place so there is definately more nightlife in Aruba. Casino's, local joints and some big name hotels.

Fabila - Thanks for your advice much appreciated, have you any comments on either Bucuti or Galley Bay - Will I be able to swim in a really clear calm sea at the resort? <BR><BR>Sorry for the questions but you do seem to know your stuff.

Angela -- thanks for the kind words but unfortunately I am not familiar with either nor do I know anyone who has visited them. <BR><BR>You should visit the follow sites for specific questions about Aruba and Antigua. I used both before my visits and received very helpful information and was steered in the right direction. Of course my first trip to Aruba in 1985 I did not have the luxury of the Internet.<BR><BR>For Aruba, www.visitaruba.com, and the caribbean online forum for Antigua, http://www.caribbean-on-line.com. <BR><BR>Good luck and enjoy your vacation whichever island you choose.

Angela -- one additional comment remember you'll be in the Caribbean. The water is blue, it's warm so what's a few clouds! I live in New York and our ocean water most of the time looks like brown lake water, anything is better than that.

Angela,<BR><BR>I haven't been to Antigua, so I can't help you there. But, we stayed at the Bucuti for a week in September and LOVED it. I just can't say enough good things about this hotel! <BR><BR>The beach was incedible and the service at the hotel was outstanding. The water in front of the Bucuti is beautiful. We could stand in the ocean in water up to our necks and still look down and be able to make out our feet. The sand is powder soft with very few rocks or shells and although there was always nice breeze on the beach, we did not have any problems with sand blowing around. Also, there is really not much in the way of waves or surf at all there. The only downside in our opinion was that the slope of the beach in front of the Bucuti was fairly steep. It seemed like we were in water up to our necks pretty quickly after entering the ocean. But, it really wasn't a problem. I'm 5'4 and could stand up in the water pretty far out. There just wasn't a lot of water there that was waist-deep. <BR><BR>Another forum that you should check out for information on Aruba is www.aruba-bb.com. Also, take a look at the trip reports on that site. I found the information there to be extremely helpful when planning our trip. <BR><BR>Have a great trip!

Angela - I can't comment too much on Aruba but I just returned from Antigua about 2 months ago. We had a great time and would return in a heartbeat. The water is very calm and clear...great for swimming and watersports. The beaches are great with powder-like sand you can sink your toes into. <BR><BR>If you are just looking for a place to relax and enjoy a great view, it sounds like Antigua would fit you more than Aruba. Aruba seems to have more going on. Antigua has options (not as many) but is a very relaxing place. Have fun and enjoy whatever you choose!

Thanks to all of you who took the trouble to reply, its good to share your experiences. I guess now it is down to me to make the final choice, however, where ever we end up, I will be sure to post a comment to let you know how the place measured up.<BR><BR>Thanks again.

Whatever Island you choose, please don't assume that Aruba's beaches will<BR>&quot;sand whipp&quot; you

Angela...we've stayed at Bucuti 3 times since 2000 and absolutely love everything about it. Very quiet and romantic atmosphere. As for the staff and management, well it just doesn't get any better. They are a hardworking group of people that strive on excellence. You quickly feel like you are part of the family.<BR> <BR>The slope of the beach has been different each time we've been. Yes, Sept 2002 was probably the steepest but not a big deal. The color of the water is the prettiest turquoise I have ever seen. The winds are a non-issue. If anything, the winds are a blessing. <BR><BR>If your email is correct, I can send you pictures of Bucuti/beach/water. Just say the word

Antigua ALL the way!!!Rain?? pishaw!! It hardly ever rains in Antigua!!!!!<BR><BR>The Island is fanatastic with beaches that are out of this world and Galley Bay is amazing, you could not have made a better choice....ahh...those beaches!! You will not believe that water can be THAT blue and sand THAT white.<BR><BR>Who said Antigua is an AI type of Island? There are great places to eat ALL over the Island..thing is there are so many gorgeous beaches that there is no one &quot;tourist&quot; area per se...so you will find Hotels and restaurants ALL over the island!!<BR><BR>And,Antigua has nightlife..Shirley Heights on a Sunday, Jolly Roger Dinner Cruise, Lashings,The Beach, Putters, Casinos...they even have discos..and if you go for Sailing week you will have a non stop party fest mingling with millioaire sailors <BR><BR><BR>And lastly, I don't think the &quot;big name&quot; hotels in Aruba can compare to the Hotels in Antiuga in terms of exclusivity..I mean, what hotel in Aruba can compare to Galley Bay, Jumby Bay,St.James Club,Blue Waters,Curtain Bluff, Hawksbill????

I guess it's a matter of taste, but I disagree with Fabila -- I think that Antigua is much prettier than Aruba. I also disagree that Antigua is more of an AI type destination. There are loads of nice non-AI type places to stay and restaurants to eat.

Is the pool at Bucuti as small as it appears on the hotel website?

It's a good size pool. The neat thing about it is it's open 23 hrs/day. It closes for about an hour in the early morning for daily maintenance.<BR><BR>They also have a free-standing hot tub that was added this spring but the hours are different from the pool.

I've been to both islands and I definitely recommend Aruba. Nicer beaches, more to do.

Sue W. Please send Bucuti photos. thanks