mika

One of my girlfriends and I are planning a long weekend girls trip and I am having a difficult time narrowing down spots since I am coming from Chicago and she from NYC. I have looked into both St Martin (Westin) and Aruba (Radisson). Fodorites have always helped me- which do you think is the best- and if there's a better spot or resort- please let me know! We'd like to avoid being overrun with kids and are just looking for fun, relaxation on the beach and some great food and drinks!

Knowing

Aruba, Jamaica, Ooh I Wanna Take Ya - well, Jamaica yes, Aruba (and the Radisson) never again. I don't recommend it.
We are currently planning on going to the St Martin Westin in February. One of my concerns is that because the property is new, there is no shade by the pool/ocean due to lack of trees. I have been in contact with the management and they do have cabanas for rent. But it's like $60.00 a day for the pool cabana and I think that's a lot of money in addition to what you are already paying. I cannot be in the sun - so we aren't going to have any choice and my husband really wants to go, so...
I would love to see a trip report if you choose the Westin as it doesn't seem as though anyone on this forum is talking about this property.

diann24

We just returned from a week in Aruba. It is perfect for a Girls weekend. I have only been to the port of St. Martin so difficult for me to say although I have heard safety could be an issue. The beaches in Aruba are gorgeous, and there are some great restaurants. It is not a place that is over run with kids not last weel anyway. It was a more mature crowd that I saw, very safe, casinos, and great hotels. Not sure what your price point is, but the Hyatt is to die for the most beautiful landscape. I am not sure what was wrong with the Radison we walked around and it was lovely. I would stay on the beach side, there are many restaurants shopping etc. I liked Aruba. (somewhat windy however.)

mika

Great! Thanks so much for the input. Anyone else have thoughts on a girls weekend in St Martin vs Aruba? Or if you have another destination which would be better (and that it is easy for us each to fly to)?

sperkins921

I'm sure you've probably already gone on your trip, but I'd cast my vote for Aruba. I was just there a few weeks ago. It's perfect if you don't want to rent a car because taxi rates to the hotels and resorts from the airport are very reasonable, and once you're within reach of the low and high rise sections of the island, there are PLENTY of restaurants and grocery stores nearby. I myself stayed at La Cabana which is on Eagle Beach. The beachfront there was perfect this time of year, not crowded, plenty of huts for shade and there is a bar on the beach too. Families with kids tended to stay at the pool area on the resort, and that's actually across the street from the beach. Very few ventured across to the beach with young kids. They say that the beach front is reserved for La Cabana guests, but if you look closely, you'll find beach chairs that are already unlocked and no one will question you as to whether you're a guest or not if you take them. And if you want to drink at the beach bar- they don't ask either if you're a guest of the resort. I can't speak for other beaches, as I didn't use them, but that area of the island had everything we needed- and bus fare going into town round trip was about $3. Taxi fare from La Cabana to Mulligan's restaurant at the Divi was $6 one way- again, affordable with two or three or more people splitting the fare. Also, if you go and see a timeshare presentation across the street at the Aruban, you can get the KooKoo Kunuku party bus tour for free- that's dinner, champagne sunset toast, and free first drink at each bar visited. Drinks are VERY reasonable at the bars it visits as well.

auntypicky

Hi mika
Last year we did St Martin twice because we (4 girls also from Chicago area) had so much fun the first time. Every beach was better than the next. (37 different beaches we never saw all of them!) And the food was to die for. The shopping was ok on the Dutch side (the best for jewelry)
The French side was better, more unique clothes. Even better, take a day trip to St Barts---fab! And great food, in fact if you can stay a couple days there, I would. As for Aruba, we are going this October (girl trip) I'm hoping that it's as nice. I can compare the 2 then, but right now, we had a great time in St Martin's. If you decide to go there, I can give you suggestions on dining and sightseeing. Hope that helps. BTW, the Westin in St Martin's is beautiful!

caribchakita

Despite what happened to Natalee Holloway, I would say Aruba is safe, no violent crime to speak of and a fun vibe, smaller and easy/cheap to get there.

Navidad

Both are nice islands, ARUBA and Sint Maarten! But Aruba always on number one for me..LOL

Weadles

What was wrong with the Radisson?! We stayed there last Thanksgiving, and thought it was one of the nicest places we've ever stayed in many years of visiting the Caribbean. Please tell us what went wrong. Thanks!