aruba or Turks?
 

Never been either place, and trying to plan it for this February. We are in our 50s and have been married 25 yrs. I have it narrowed down between Ocean Club in Turks or Radisson in Aruba. Aruba package is about $1500 more then Turks. Which would you suggest? we want to rent a car and explore. We want to do some snorkeling and lounging at the beach. The idea of a casino sounds fun ......... but Turks beauty sounds relaxing...........any tips? What do you think of these hotel choices???

Aruba better gaming but more expensive good diving a flat desert island far more of a party place than Provo/Turks
more laid back.Depends on your interest really both
places pretty small to rent and explore.Hyatt my fav
in Aruba Grace Bay Resort in Provo but yours are ok.
Unless a big partier/gamer would go for Provo/Turks
personally to save.

Good luck!

Aruba has a lot more to do.
Aruba has terrible snorkeling (when compared to Provo)
Aruba has time share vendors bugging you to go through there properties.
Aruba will be warmer in feb than Provo.
Aruba is a lot more crowded, and has chain restaurants.
Aruba has shopping and casinos.
Aruba has tons of palm trees on their beaches.
Aruba has nightlife and college age type trips (although feb should be calmer)

Provo has some of the worlds best beaches.
Provo has the most beautiful turquoise water you'll see anywhere.
Provo is part of the third largest reef in the world.
Provo had amazing settings for all their restaurants.
Provo is faster and easier to get too.
Provo won't have crowds.
Provo has no pesky vendors on the beach.
Provo doesn't have much nightlife. Made up of long dinners with mellow live music.
Provo has a small (tiny!) casino.
Provo is all about the water and de-stressing.
Provo does not have much shopping.
Provo may be cooler in feb.

When I was younger I prefered Aruba, in my older years I much prefer Provo. Once you see the water in Provo it's really hard to "settle" at other beaches, it's that spectacular!

Provo 100% for all of Blamona's reasons, Aruba I think car dealers and Dunkin Donuts, feels like Florida

Totally agree with blamona after Palm Beach, Aruba--twice and Grace Bay--3 times. Check off the pros & cons and make your choice.

My one reccommendation is Ocean Club West instead of Ocean Club---better location. We've stayed there all 3 times on Grace Bay.

As far as the $1500 difference, IMO you'll find some less expensive chain type restaurants in Aruba that might help. If you want beautiful island dinners, both are expensive.

I have never seen or heard of time share vendors bugging people to visit their properties in Aruba. Unlike Mexico. Aruba does not allow anyone to sell anything on their beaches.

I found better snorkeling in Aruba than in Provo. Go to Baby Beach, Arashi Beach, the Mangel Haltos and De Palm Island. There is not any good snorkeling from the resort area though.

Aruba reminds me of Las Vegas with a great beach, which is why we like it. The two destinations are really so opposite of each other it just depends on what you are looking for in a vacation.

The Radisson gets good recommendations. It's in the middle of everything. Just walk across the street for restaurants, bars, shopping anhd nightlife. There are also restaurants and bars beach side.

I have been to T&C for a week stayed at Beaches A/I. I agree with KVR there are not people bugging you in Aruba. I like Aruba cause I enjoy the Dunkin doughtnuts coffee etc and you will be able to eat at different restaurants at different price points in Aruba. Since I was at a A/I I don't know firsthand but I believe the restaurants in T&C are more expensive but not sure if you will speand $1500 more. T&C is very relaxing and a good place to destress. I found it somewhat dull, after a few days. I so much more like Aruba more to see, and do. It all just depends. We are also in our late 50's. We also snorkel in Aruba and Baby beach is great. The ocean pushes the fish into this basin type pond. We saw great fish there. If money is an issue go ahead with T&C. $1500 is nothing to scoff off, all things being equal. $1500 is a good sum of money. That being said, I guess go with T&C but be warned it is a lot more quiet of an island and when I was there I saw little to no shopping. That might have changed. The water clarity is beautiful at turks and caicos.

Well........thank you everyone. As I looked a little further - it looks like Turks will only be $500 cheaper.......because of an upgrade of the room. I was given Recommendations for Ocean Club to get ocean view suite or we'd be very far from the pool and beach......We are not big partiers or gamers......ahhhhhh!!!!!! DECISIONS! We leave in 1 month.........got to pull the trigger. You have been very helpful.....I am leaning toward Turks.............

If your not big partiers or gamers, the beaches of Provo are far superior!

Turks it is!!! I found a great deal on Seven Stars Resort - on CostcoTravel of all places!! A new property for them. Its all ocean front......Booked the flights separately. Thank you all, I am excited!

I bet you feel better now that you made the decision. It is worse not being able to decide!! I hope you have a wonderful time nad please report back when you return. Happy Travels.

tripboomer----what's the great deal at Seven Stars? I've looked at this property before and it was fairly expensive.

Seven Stars is right next to Ocean Club West, our usual choice.

Anyway, have a great trip!