Slackin_at_Work

Hello all.

I am trying to find an island (and specific resort ideas as well) that would be good for two couples, early 30s.

To provide some context to our Caribbean experience/likes/dislikes: My husband and I have been to Nevis (Four Seasons), St. Martin (in a villa) and Puerto Rico (Ritz). We absolutely loved Nevis, but that was our honeymoon and i think it might be too quiet for this trip, which we are taking with friends (who have never been to the Carrib.) We also loved St. Martin but don't want to stay in a villa and I am not blown away by any of the resort options. We are on the fence regarding Puerto Rico, so if anyone particularly loved a resort there, we are open to suggestions.

We would love some nightlife (i.e. bars, preferably with some live entertainment and perhaps casinos), but would prefer nothing "over the top." So far, my research has led me to the following (with my concerns/thoughts in parenthesis):

1. Antigua (but not any of the all-inclusives)
2. Turks and Caicos (but is it TOO quiet?)
3. Aruba (but not sure the highrise hotels are what we want)

ANy thoughts/suggestions are appreciated. Budget is something just below what a summer pacakage at the Four Seasons Nevis would be.

Thanks very much!

KimM

I am also looking into planning a trip with another couple, and we are also in our 30s. I have been to quite a few islands, but my home base has been Aruba. It is a nice mix of things...beautiful beach, GREAT restaurants, water sports, casinos, etc. Would not worry about it being to quiet. The good thing about the high-rise hotels is that you can usually catch a steel band or some form of entertainment after dinner at one of them, and there is always a casino to pop into.
I have stayed at Aruba Beach Club, Costa Linda, and the Marriott Hotel. Marriott gets my vote. You may want to look into two things:
-the Marriott's running two worthy promotions 1)the Visa Summer Escape (promo code V12) which includes breakfast, free upgrade and 20% off the total price if you travel through Sep 30th. If you travel after Sep 30th, look into the Sand Dollar Promotion as it includes breakfast daily, $100 resort credit and 50% off the second room. 2)We are leaning towards the Marriott Ocean Club (timeshare property). It is relatively new and the rooms are spectacular. You can opt for a two bedroom unit with the other couple. The only discount I am aware of is 10% via AAA. For great pictures go to http://www.vacationclub.com/en-us/vc...ourgallery.asp. The only reason we are leaning towards the timeshare is for the bigger rooms, kitchen, multiple balconies. But don't be deterred from the Hotel, it is great.

If you have specific questions or concerns let me know and I will try and answer them.

By the way, I am on my way to Four Seasons Nevis for a quiet vacation with hubby. If you have any tips or recommendations, please send them my way.

Slackin_at_Work

KimM

Thanks so much for your helpful and informative post! I will look into the Marriott, as you suggested. Regarding the 4s Nevis, it really is a spectacular place... We got the Romance in Paradise package and the meals there were incredible (albeit kinda pricey, so the plan was a good thing)! Our favorite thing was to hang out in the infinity edge pool at sunset. So romantic! The whole place is very intimate and perfect for a quiet getaway. (I suspect it is less so during the winter, when more people visit).

Definitely take the very short walk down the beach to Sunshines and have a "killer bee" drink. Its a colorful shack and very laid back and fun. They grill lobster, etc. daily that they catch fresh each day. Although we really wanted to try one, because we had dinners included in our plan we never did.... I kinda wish we had, as they smelled fantastic.

My husband golfs, so he hit the course a few times and liked it very much. I don't but I did come along with him once and the views from the course are absolutely amazing (so even if you don't golf, see if you can somehow get out on the course to take in the views).

The entire time we were there, we promised ourselves to return as regularly as our schedules and budgets will allow!

Have a fantastic time!!

Jen (a/k/a Slackin)

Slackin_at_Work

KimM

Just a quick follow-up question.. I took a look at the link you provided and it looks great... but since its a "timeshare," can you just book a week, or are there additional requirements/hoops to jump thru/etc?

Thanks
Jen

KimM

You can book just a week through Marriott.com. My guess is that the timeshares have not been 100% purchased and therefore they rent the rooms similar to their other hotels. One thing I would say, is that although there will be a mix of people (my co-worker went for her honeymoon and LOVED it), since it is a timeshare, there will be families as well. It is a big property so I don't think you would have kids screaming over you, but don't know if that is important in your decision process. One other point....the Marriott properties are a bit up the beach (15 minute walk) from the other high rise hotels. For me this was a plus, as it is less congested. We usually stayed at the Marriott during the day, and if we took a cab to dinner offsite we would have a cab drop us near the other hotels afterwards to change it up a bit. My experience a few years ago was that cabs ran between $6-$12 to get to most restaurants, and about $5 from the other high-rise hotels back to the Marriott. My opinion is that you don't need a car in Aruba, especially if you will be splitting cab fare with another couple. Maybe rent a car on the first or second day to stock your kitchen with snacks and spirits!
Sorry to go on, just let me know if there is anything else I can answer for you.

Slackin_at_Work

Kim, I just have to say thanks again.. this is the firt time I have ever posted on here, and you have been incredibly helpful!

Having checked it out, I would have to say the Marriott in Aruba is my first choice. It seems to have everything we need and is well within our price range. I was concerned about a high rise but took a look at the virtual tours (of both the villas and the main hotel) and the rooms and common areas are very nice.

It is a plus that its a bit farther away from the other hotels, as congestion is a concern for us too.

Feel free to ask more questions about Nevis also!

Jen

KimM

Hi again Jen, We booked a mountainview room at the 4S to keep it more economical. I didn't think that the oceanview rooms were worth the extra$. I'd rather put the $ into better meals (I did not take the meal plan at 4S. Any idea of a room location to request? Since it will be slow season (arrive June 25th) do you think there would be a possibility of an upgrade?

I didn't really touch on your other choices before. I have been to an AI in Antigua. I liked Antigua and will possibly return someday, but it is probably harder to get around (on the larger side) which is why AIs are common there. I have not been to Turks & Caicos, and would like to go, but I defintely get the impression it is on the quiet side. The beaches look incredible, but I have to admit, Aruba's are some of the finest (right up there with Anguilla which I visited last year). Good luck with your decision.

Slackin_at_Work

KimM

I can't really say for sure anything about the mountainview rooms (as far as a good one to recommend). I can assure you that the views of the mountain/volcano are pretty spectacular, so I don't think you'll miss the ocean view (while hanging out at the pool, I think we probably looked up in awe at the volcano as much as we did out at the ocean...its pretty cool to look up an see a volcano.. i thought so anyway).

I think your chance of a room upgrade are pretty good too. We went in Sept. and at the beginning of the week there were only about 50 people there.. even by the end, there were not too many more. The service is amazing and everyone there aims to make your stay perfect, so I would not be surprised if you pulled off an upgrade! either way, you are in for a great vacation.

Meanwhile, I am going to begin to lay out my "case" for Aruba to my husband and fellow travelers!

If you think of any other Qs feel free to post!
jen