Barbados or Aruba?
Aug 11th, 2005, 06:11 AM
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Barbados or Aruba?
My husband and I are looking for a honeymoon destination with nice blue water / white sand beaches, but something to do other than just lie on the beach. We'd like some nightlife, but nothing too crazy, just something to do other than go back to our room after dinner. Good food is a plus.
Aug 11th, 2005, 07:05 AM
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Haven't visited Barbados so can't answer that.
If you decide on Aruba I'd recommend The Bucuti Beach resort. They only cater to adults, so it's wonderfully quiet also the beach is the best on the island.
The Alhambra casino is a quick 2 minute walk, everything else would be a cab or bus ride but the hotel and it's location are worth the hassle. The buses are well used by locals and tourists alike and are clean, regular and inexpensive so don't worry about using them.
www.bucuti.com
We stayed in the Tara Suites just after they'd opened last year but the older rooms are being upgraded.
Yes, I know Aruba is a 'scrubby island' but when you're lying under a palapa on a very peaceful Eagle beach with a cocktail in your hand looking at the sea, who cares that it's not lush and verdant?
If you decide on Aruba I'd recommend The Bucuti Beach resort. They only cater to adults, so it's wonderfully quiet also the beach is the best on the island.
The Alhambra casino is a quick 2 minute walk, everything else would be a cab or bus ride but the hotel and it's location are worth the hassle. The buses are well used by locals and tourists alike and are clean, regular and inexpensive so don't worry about using them.
www.bucuti.com
We stayed in the Tara Suites just after they'd opened last year but the older rooms are being upgraded.
Yes, I know Aruba is a 'scrubby island' but when you're lying under a palapa on a very peaceful Eagle beach with a cocktail in your hand looking at the sea, who cares that it's not lush and verdant?
Aug 11th, 2005, 07:46 AM
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I have not been to Aruba; however, Barbados does offer things to do other than laying on the beach. (The snorkeling is mediocre, but seeing the turtles made it worth it.) They have some very nice island tours that include Harrison's Cave, Orchid World, the East (Atlantic) Coast of the island, and the Wildlife Reserve.
Great restaurants abound, and you can find some pretty decent nightlife. The southern part of the island (St. Lawrence Gap) is generally hopping with activity. Cafe Sol comes to mind. People also recommend the Oistens (sp?) fish fry. We had no problem finding a few spots on the West Coast as well.
Good luck deciding. Lois from this site has a great tip sheet for Barbados. We went to Barbados in September 2003. I posted a fairly lengthy trip report on this site. I could also try to answer any questions you might have....
Great restaurants abound, and you can find some pretty decent nightlife. The southern part of the island (St. Lawrence Gap) is generally hopping with activity. Cafe Sol comes to mind. People also recommend the Oistens (sp?) fish fry. We had no problem finding a few spots on the West Coast as well.
Good luck deciding. Lois from this site has a great tip sheet for Barbados. We went to Barbados in September 2003. I posted a fairly lengthy trip report on this site. I could also try to answer any questions you might have....
Aug 11th, 2005, 01:07 PM
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How about sailing British Virgin Islands? We are looking for another couple to share expenses... see my post below
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...amp;dirtyBit=1
For me it seem very romantic - sailing in the most beautiful part of the world, visiting deserted white sand beaches, blue lagoons, small and big islands, different restourants and people every day... Instead of spending your honeymoon on the same spot on the beach, every day, surrounded by 200 noisy kids whose parents don't care what they do...
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...amp;dirtyBit=1
For me it seem very romantic - sailing in the most beautiful part of the world, visiting deserted white sand beaches, blue lagoons, small and big islands, different restourants and people every day... Instead of spending your honeymoon on the same spot on the beach, every day, surrounded by 200 noisy kids whose parents don't care what they do...
Aug 11th, 2005, 01:39 PM
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We were in Aruba in March and found little on the roster to do. The beaches are beautiful, we just don't care to lie on the beach all day. The local life was very americanized. Lots of fast food restaurants. We didn't find the culture that we had found on the other islands. If I was going on my honeymoon I would want a place with more solitude and less people, moonlight beach walks and candleight dinners.
What about Curacao? It has more of a European sophistication and is quite diverse.
What about Curacao? It has more of a European sophistication and is quite diverse.
Aug 11th, 2005, 04:03 PM
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It depends on what you want. Aruba is more americanized like prev. poster said--has casinos, lots of restaurants, good roads, snorkeling so-so, good restaurants...had more of a south american vibe to me. Barbados has more of the "caribbean" vibe--no casinos, better beaches (imho), snorkeling so-so, better food (imho), more to do as far as signts to see.
Have fun. Go to both. Go to Aruba this year and Barbados next, or vice-versa. Visit both and see for yourself.
Peace, Greenie
Have fun. Go to both. Go to Aruba this year and Barbados next, or vice-versa. Visit both and see for yourself.
Peace, Greenie
Aug 11th, 2005, 04:39 PM
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I haven't been to Barbados yet, but from what I have been told by a friend who has visited both islands, that she prefers Barbados. She says it is a wonderful island with beautiful water and sand beaches, great food and lots to see and do because it is much bigger than Aruba and has a more tropical/Caribbean feel to it compared to Aruba.
I have been to Aruba and it was our least favorite destination in the Caribbean we have visited so far. We found it very Americanized. There is almost every American fast food restaurant there and even a couple of American restaurants such as Hooters & Tony Romas. There are highrises on the beach and I felt like I was on the beach in Florida. We were also disappointed in the water clarity on Palm Beach and in the litter on Palm Beach especially with cigarette butts. Aruba is a very small (19.6 x 6 miles) and is basically flat, windy and desert like (think Arizona) island. Aruba has to import almost everything, even fruit because of the lack of vegetation. Gambling is the main form of entertainment and there is a casino in almost every hotel, so if you are into gambling, then you will love Aruba. The island is easy to see in a day because of it's small size. We were disappointed in their big tourist sites of natural bridge and I thought and the natural pool was OK, but very difficult to get to and really not worth the hassle to get to it. Also found the snorkeling disappointing. With the Americanization of Aruba, it is loosing any culture it had.
The Bucuti Beach resort in Aruba is one of the nicest, but it is not an all adult resort, they will accept children but discourage it.
Have you given any thought to St. Lucia? St. Lucia is known as the South Pacific island of the Caribbean and is very romantic and has a true Caribbean feel to it.
Another wonderful island is Antigua. It has lots of history and culture and beautiful clear turquoise water and beautiful beaches.
Our all time favorite destination is Mayan Riviera because there is so much to see and do in the area if you want. There is a lot of history and culture to explore with the Mayan ruins, cenotes to swim in, eco/water parks, etc. The cool white sand beaches and the clear turquoise water are wonderful and the snorkeling is great. The people are some of the most hard working and most hospitable we have ever encountered in our travels. There is lots to do in Playa del Carmen in the evening to shopping and clubing or just sitting and having a beer or a cocktail. Lots of beautiful new resorts in the area as well. Forget Cancun as it is party central and very Americanized as well.
I have been to Aruba and it was our least favorite destination in the Caribbean we have visited so far. We found it very Americanized. There is almost every American fast food restaurant there and even a couple of American restaurants such as Hooters & Tony Romas. There are highrises on the beach and I felt like I was on the beach in Florida. We were also disappointed in the water clarity on Palm Beach and in the litter on Palm Beach especially with cigarette butts. Aruba is a very small (19.6 x 6 miles) and is basically flat, windy and desert like (think Arizona) island. Aruba has to import almost everything, even fruit because of the lack of vegetation. Gambling is the main form of entertainment and there is a casino in almost every hotel, so if you are into gambling, then you will love Aruba. The island is easy to see in a day because of it's small size. We were disappointed in their big tourist sites of natural bridge and I thought and the natural pool was OK, but very difficult to get to and really not worth the hassle to get to it. Also found the snorkeling disappointing. With the Americanization of Aruba, it is loosing any culture it had.
The Bucuti Beach resort in Aruba is one of the nicest, but it is not an all adult resort, they will accept children but discourage it.
Have you given any thought to St. Lucia? St. Lucia is known as the South Pacific island of the Caribbean and is very romantic and has a true Caribbean feel to it.
Another wonderful island is Antigua. It has lots of history and culture and beautiful clear turquoise water and beautiful beaches.
Our all time favorite destination is Mayan Riviera because there is so much to see and do in the area if you want. There is a lot of history and culture to explore with the Mayan ruins, cenotes to swim in, eco/water parks, etc. The cool white sand beaches and the clear turquoise water are wonderful and the snorkeling is great. The people are some of the most hard working and most hospitable we have ever encountered in our travels. There is lots to do in Playa del Carmen in the evening to shopping and clubing or just sitting and having a beer or a cocktail. Lots of beautiful new resorts in the area as well. Forget Cancun as it is party central and very Americanized as well.
Aug 11th, 2005, 09:25 PM
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ONZGO,
yes, it's funny isn't it if you read part of Bucuti Beach website they claim that they only take couples (and that's partially true but only in the Tara Suites, maximum occupancy 2 adults) and yet in their FAQ they state:
Quote "Is Bucuti Beach Resort a good place to bring children/families?
No, Bucuti does not have any facilities for children and we do not recommend our resort for families. Primarily our services are geared for couples on romantic getaways or those looking for peace and quiet. Because we are Aruba's smallest resort on the 14 acres of beach, our atmosphere is very peaceful and you can enjoy a good deal of private space. All resorts in Aruba except Bucuti have programs and facilities for children.
Onzgo, Did you spend any time on Eagle Beach?
I've said it before and I'll say it again I loved the time we spent in Aruba but only because we stayed on Eagle Beach, we walked through some of the resorts on Palm Beach and were so glad we didn't book to stay on a tiny beach with hundreds of other vacationers - and we went off season!
If I'd stayed on Palm Beach I too would be saying what a dreadful place Aruba was and trying to dissuade people from visiting the island.
Realistically Eagle Beach is more European, Palm Beach is more Americanized. Were'nt the buses such fun? We met so many nice people while waiting at the bus stops, most of them from the US.
Did you enjoy the food?
yes, it's funny isn't it if you read part of Bucuti Beach website they claim that they only take couples (and that's partially true but only in the Tara Suites, maximum occupancy 2 adults) and yet in their FAQ they state:
Quote "Is Bucuti Beach Resort a good place to bring children/families?
No, Bucuti does not have any facilities for children and we do not recommend our resort for families. Primarily our services are geared for couples on romantic getaways or those looking for peace and quiet. Because we are Aruba's smallest resort on the 14 acres of beach, our atmosphere is very peaceful and you can enjoy a good deal of private space. All resorts in Aruba except Bucuti have programs and facilities for children.
Onzgo, Did you spend any time on Eagle Beach?
I've said it before and I'll say it again I loved the time we spent in Aruba but only because we stayed on Eagle Beach, we walked through some of the resorts on Palm Beach and were so glad we didn't book to stay on a tiny beach with hundreds of other vacationers - and we went off season!
If I'd stayed on Palm Beach I too would be saying what a dreadful place Aruba was and trying to dissuade people from visiting the island.
Realistically Eagle Beach is more European, Palm Beach is more Americanized. Were'nt the buses such fun? We met so many nice people while waiting at the bus stops, most of them from the US.
Did you enjoy the food?
Aug 12th, 2005, 03:13 PM
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Yes we did visit Eagle Beach and while we liked it better than Palm Beach because it didn't have the high rises and had clearer water and less motorized water activity, we still found Aruba lacked in a true Caribbean and tropical feel compared to other islands we have visited and we personally didn't like that it was so Americanized. In Aruba there were so many American fast food restaurants and a couple of other American sit down type restuarants and to us this took away from the Caribbean experience one is to get when visiting the Caribbean.
We ate out only a couple of times because we went all inclusive. The meals were nice, but very expensive for us Canadians with our rate of exchange on the dollar. We have very nice restaurants here at home were we can eat wonderful food for much cheaper. When we go to the Caribbean we want to feel we have been to the Caribbean and not feel like we have visited the U.S. Don't get me wrong I love the U.S., but don't want to pay big dollars to get the same feeling in the Caribbean. This is just our opinion and I know others love Aruba, but for us it just didn't give us a true tropical Caribbean feeling.
Different strokes for different folks.
We ate out only a couple of times because we went all inclusive. The meals were nice, but very expensive for us Canadians with our rate of exchange on the dollar. We have very nice restaurants here at home were we can eat wonderful food for much cheaper. When we go to the Caribbean we want to feel we have been to the Caribbean and not feel like we have visited the U.S. Don't get me wrong I love the U.S., but don't want to pay big dollars to get the same feeling in the Caribbean. This is just our opinion and I know others love Aruba, but for us it just didn't give us a true tropical Caribbean feeling.
Different strokes for different folks.
Aug 12th, 2005, 07:10 PM
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ONZGO,
I don't know if you remember us talking on the tripadvisor site about Jamaica but..we finally have definate plans for Sept.15-20th to Negril!I am getting alot of good suggestions from everyone on this site.
I remember that you suggested doing Dunn River falls but that will be too far for us.We are planning on going to the falls that are on the Southcoast tour that includes the Black River (I cannot remember the name of them right now..I am lacking of sleep lately )
Anyways...I just wanted to say hello and you know that I will always agree about Aruba with you.
Sounds like we both like the more exotic destinations.
I don't know if you remember us talking on the tripadvisor site about Jamaica but..we finally have definate plans for Sept.15-20th to Negril!I am getting alot of good suggestions from everyone on this site.
I remember that you suggested doing Dunn River falls but that will be too far for us.We are planning on going to the falls that are on the Southcoast tour that includes the Black River (I cannot remember the name of them right now..I am lacking of sleep lately
)Anyways...I just wanted to say hello and you know that I will always agree about Aruba with you.
Sounds like we both like the more exotic destinations.
Aug 12th, 2005, 08:01 PM
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Evening Christie - thanks for the compliment, 
to you too!
ONZGO, I agree that lush and tropical is definitely a plus when you're on vacation. We visited Jamaica in April and loved all the greenery.
Although our next trip is to T&C next weekend, I obviously haven't learnt my lesson - another scrubby island
It should be good though, we're taking our 16yr old, we left him at home when we went to Aruba and Jamaica. He just wants a 'chill out beach vacation with some snorkeling' and Grace Bay looks so beautiful.
to you too!ONZGO, I agree that lush and tropical is definitely a plus when you're on vacation. We visited Jamaica in April and loved all the greenery.
Although our next trip is to T&C next weekend, I obviously haven't learnt my lesson - another scrubby island
It should be good though, we're taking our 16yr old, we left him at home when we went to Aruba and Jamaica. He just wants a 'chill out beach vacation with some snorkeling' and Grace Bay looks so beautiful.
Aug 13th, 2005, 06:04 AM
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I have to say that we loved Aruba. We are returning again on a few weeks. We stayed at Bucuti & saw maybe 2 children the whole time & both were well-behaved. Staying at Bucuti this time too, only we are trying a Tara Suite this time. Eagle Beach is amazing, not overcrowded, white sand, clear water. Although there are some fastfood restaraunts we never ate at any. We chose fabulous restaraunts & loved every one (El Gaucho, Madame Jeanette's). There is some nightlife (party boat, party bus, clubs) but we preferred Bucuti's happy hour with a steel-drum player b/c we are pretty low-key.
I have heard Palm Beach is overcrowded and loud (from water sports) but as for our trip we loved it. Bucuti & Eagle Beach would make a great honeymoon.
I have heard Palm Beach is overcrowded and loud (from water sports) but as for our trip we loved it. Bucuti & Eagle Beach would make a great honeymoon.
Aug 13th, 2005, 06:27 AM
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Hi newlywed,
We've been to both Aruba and Barbados, and much-prefer Aruba. However, there are some pros and cons to each.
Aruba is a fun island with fantastic restaurants -- probably some of the best we've ever had overall on one trip.The island felt very safe, even when we were walking around at 1 a.m. and there were plenty of options at night, everything from going to night clubs to gambling to sitting at a hotel veranda and listening to the surf. However, Aruba is not your classic Caribbean island and does have an Americanized/Europeanized feel. We didn't mind this, though some people do. Also the beach on Aruba, we felt, was subpar to other beaches in the Caribbean, including Barbados. The water was not as blue or as clean. But we had such a great time, this was not a big deal.
Also renting a car in Aruba is relatively cheap and easy. It's worth taking a day trip around the island.
Barbados had some really nice beaches, and overall is a much lusher island. However, we were much less impressed with the nightlife options (we stayed in St. Lawrence Gap)and while many restaurants were good, they didn't compare to Aruba. Also, renting a car in Barbados is a little more arduous, because it's probably twice the price of Aruba and you have to feel comfortable driving on the left side.
Hope this helps!
We've been to both Aruba and Barbados, and much-prefer Aruba. However, there are some pros and cons to each.
Aruba is a fun island with fantastic restaurants -- probably some of the best we've ever had overall on one trip.The island felt very safe, even when we were walking around at 1 a.m. and there were plenty of options at night, everything from going to night clubs to gambling to sitting at a hotel veranda and listening to the surf. However, Aruba is not your classic Caribbean island and does have an Americanized/Europeanized feel. We didn't mind this, though some people do. Also the beach on Aruba, we felt, was subpar to other beaches in the Caribbean, including Barbados. The water was not as blue or as clean. But we had such a great time, this was not a big deal.
Also renting a car in Aruba is relatively cheap and easy. It's worth taking a day trip around the island.
Barbados had some really nice beaches, and overall is a much lusher island. However, we were much less impressed with the nightlife options (we stayed in St. Lawrence Gap)and while many restaurants were good, they didn't compare to Aruba. Also, renting a car in Barbados is a little more arduous, because it's probably twice the price of Aruba and you have to feel comfortable driving on the left side.
Hope this helps!
Aug 13th, 2005, 07:42 AM
#16
Hi I have not been to Barbados so i can't comment on it. I have been to Aruba and had a terrific vacation. The beaches have the white sand and the water is turquoise. We stayed on Palm Beach at the Marriott and were very happy with our choice. The Palm Beach is very active with water sports and hotels. We enjoy having the activity at our fingertips. We did not explore the nightlife because we had our kids with us. The restaurants are excellent. For the most part, Aruba is casual. Nice shorts with shirt are acceptable at most restaurants. There are casinos and party buses and boats. Bucuti is a more adult oriented hotel and is on a quieter beach. Even if we didn't have kids though, we would opt for the Palm beach area because we like having everything right there. The Hyatt and Raddison are very nice hotels also.
Aug 13th, 2005, 09:19 AM
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alya, I am so sorry if I sounded defensive in my reply to you, but after a few years of being attacked, called a liar and trouble maker for giving my personal opinion of Aruba by some Aruba lovers on some other Aruba forums, I now feel everyone is attacking me if they question my opinions or experiences about Aruba and thus I automatically get very defensive. Hard to believe I can give my opinion on Aruba on this forum without being attacked. WOW!
christiegr, while I haven't been to Negril, I want to some day, but there are so many places to see. I found the Jamaicans aggressive and friendly, some might find their aggressiveness overwhelming, but I found if you just say no thank you in a pleasant and friendly way, they will respect your answer. I have always found that if you treat anyone with respect and kindness anywhere, you usually get the same in return. Jamaica is such a beautiful country. Have a wonderful vacation. Lucky you.
We won't be going away for awhile because we are getting a new kitchen and the $$$$$ are flying out the door as I type and they haven't even started the renovations yet. Yikes!
christiegr, while I haven't been to Negril, I want to some day, but there are so many places to see. I found the Jamaicans aggressive and friendly, some might find their aggressiveness overwhelming, but I found if you just say no thank you in a pleasant and friendly way, they will respect your answer. I have always found that if you treat anyone with respect and kindness anywhere, you usually get the same in return. Jamaica is such a beautiful country. Have a wonderful vacation. Lucky you.
We won't be going away for awhile because we are getting a new kitchen and the $$$$$ are flying out the door as I type and they haven't even started the renovations yet. Yikes!
Aug 13th, 2005, 05:18 PM
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ONZGO - didn't I tell you when you joined Fodors that we're just laid-back on this Forum?
also like you say "different strokes for different folks". if we all liked the same places/things then this would be one seriously boring world!!!
We're heading to T&C mainly because I researched it when we were trying to decide where to go in April/May, we went to Negril and Ocho Rios instead.
It looks like there'll be enough for us to do but not too much. There does seem to be a lot of construction though, better get there soon before they get a 'Hooters' I understand they have already McD's!
also like you say "different strokes for different folks". if we all liked the same places/things then this would be one seriously boring world!!!
We're heading to T&C mainly because I researched it when we were trying to decide where to go in April/May, we went to Negril and Ocho Rios instead.
It looks like there'll be enough for us to do but not too much. There does seem to be a lot of construction though, better get there soon before they get a 'Hooters' I understand they have already McD's!
Aug 13th, 2005, 05:52 PM
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Megan
the Tara Suites are extremely nice, We loved them - we stayed on the first floor and it was so nice to be able to walk out onto the beach.
I'd be interested to know how good the rooms in the main block are after the renovations.
Did you try Le Dome? If not, I heartly recommend the restaurant we had a wonderful meal there for my 40th and the service while attentive wasn't overpowering.
It sounds like we had the same kind of vacation, relaxing, romantic and (most of all) quiet
the Tara Suites are extremely nice, We loved them - we stayed on the first floor and it was so nice to be able to walk out onto the beach.
I'd be interested to know how good the rooms in the main block are after the renovations.
Did you try Le Dome? If not, I heartly recommend the restaurant we had a wonderful meal there for my 40th and the service while attentive wasn't overpowering.
It sounds like we had the same kind of vacation, relaxing, romantic and (most of all) quiet
