brittany21

Hi. My mom has a Marriot Resort Timeshare and we are planning a family trip. There will be 6 of us. Myself, my signifigant other, My mother her husband and My Aunt and Uncle.
We have selected the dates of May 17th- 24th 2008. South Carolina is "her" time share. So she had to put in for these dates for another location. Marriot has narrowed it down to Aruba, St. Kitt, or St. Thomas. We may not have a choice in this, but from what we offered what would be our best choice?
I have been told Aruba is HOT!! What is the average temp in May? From what i have researched there is really not much activity there, except water sports and maybe some shopping.
St, Kitts I have been told would be very relaxing, and just kind of a lay on the beack type get away.
St. Thomas seems to be the most active.
What are some experinces that you may have had at any or even better all three of these places? Open to any suggestions.
I have previously been to most of the hawaiian islands if there is any comparison there.

Again Thanks!!!

lovethecape

Brittany - I just bumped up a previous post and if you do a search on Marriott points, you'll probably find a lot of information.

My family stayed at the Marriott on St. Kitts last April. The weather was great, the resort was newer and clean, and the beach was uncrowded. We ate most dinners off the resort but had the buffet breakfast everyday since 2 breakfasts were included in our package (which we used Marriott points for). The island is laid back and the Marriott is currently the only chain resort on the island. There is a rainforest, volcano you can hike with a guide, and sugar cane fields along the island. There are beach bars where you can have an inexpensive dinner or hang out during the day on the Caribbean side which is a 15 minute walk or short cab ride from the hotel. The casino at the Marriott is a nice diversion, but I'm not a gambler. You can take the ferry or a catamaran trip to Nevis. Teh people we met on St. Kitts, locals and visitors, we amonghte most friendly we muet over our past 5 trips to the Caribbean.

St. Thomas has more to do, more shopping, bluer water, but is busier and more built up. The Marriott gets good reviews. You can take the ferry to St. John, which I prefer over St. Thomas.

I really don't know much about Aruba.

I hope this gets your thread going.

brittany21

Great Info!
I will certainly take that all into consideration. For the most part, we are going to take whichever timeshare opens up, but if we have a choice, i want to be well informed. St. Kitts sounds like my fav. so far.

Do you have any information on excotic beers on any of the islands? My bf would like to experience the different drinking cultures when we travel.

Thanks!!

vengle

I own a timeshare in Aruba at the Ocean Club. Have been to STT before and am on my way back to Frenchman's Cove w/ my Aruba trade over Labor Day. What I can say about both islands is they are fantastic. I have not however, been to St Kitts but heard that it is very limited on timeshares so getting there might be a pain. First thing to think of is traveling to each island. I am not sure where you are located, I am in TX and all the islands take a connection to get too. If you are East Coast both St Thomas and Aruba have direct flights making it very easy to get there. Now airfare to Aruba seems to be pricey...so prepare yourself to really shop, use miles or look into charters. St Kitts seems very pricey too.

Aruba is hot, but not anything a cool dip in the Carribbean can't fix. I LOVE Aruba and find there are TONS of things to do day and night, daytime is beaching, sightseeing, shopping, horseback riding, cave exploring, snorkeling, scuba, just tons of stuff but you might just like chillin at the beach! Nighttime you can't beat the food quality and price. You can find some fantastic restaurants there for REASONABLE pricing. Also, gambling, vegas type shows, bars etc all open all the time at night.

ST Thomas a I remember and will find out again is more pricey for food and transportation. You can rent a car for a week for 130 in Aruba can't touch that is St Thomas (mid-size rented for $300) and w/ a party of 6 you will need wheels either place as taxis get expensive. STT is much more lush and tropical and has basically all the same things to do during the day as Aruba but less nightlife. We love both islands and needed a change which is why we switched out from Aruba (have been there 8 times). I do have to say I like the locals much more in Aruba..they truly are One Happy Island...working for tourists where my recollection of 5 years ago we didn't get that same level of service is STT. BUT I will re-post upon my return for you. Either way any resort is gorgeous if it is Marriott

brittany21

vengle,
Thanks for you advice. I really do appreciate it.
I have been researching airfare today actually. I have found that Aruba and St. Thomas are comparable, both between $400-500 RT, with connecting flights. ST.KITTS is close to double that. I am glad i looked into that, i never expected such a price difference. Travelocity gave me the best prices btw.
Since you are so well versed on Aruba, what will the weather be like there in May?
Are there any exotic drinks/ beers that we should look into?
Is there any type of activity like swimming with Dolphins or Dolphin watches?
Thanks again. Everyone is such a big help on here.

dutchfromhome

Weather in Aruba in May is on avarage low 80's, so very nice with a nice breeze. You can also get your hand on a lot of european beers (Dutch influence?) - check out this site from the local supermarket thtp://superfoodaruba.com/en/wines.htm

People are super friendly, it is truly a toruist island,. Plenty of night life and casino's, great beaches and plenty of snorkling an diving.

Good luck