please help! Aruba vs St John

Old Jul 15th, 2002, 10:28 AM
  #21  
Susan
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There are people who love St. John and people who love Aruba.

When they say St. John is a paradise...yeah, MAYBE for boring people who are fat ass slobs that like to lay on the beach with there fat bellies hanging out order fries and drinking pina coladas.

Aruba may have a party bus which some may call "tacky", but Aruba is still a paradise that has wonderful people, and no poverty.

So stop bashing Aruba.

Aruba is full of beautiful people

St. John is full of FAT ASS SLOBS!!
 
Old Jul 15th, 2002, 12:59 PM
  #22  
ML
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Where can you order french fries on the beach in St John ?? I think St John is a beautiful Island. And we have always had fun in Cruz bay in the evening. And honestly have never noticed the big fat slobs!! Lets hope they do not take over this paradise. I do not think I would travel there in Sept. I have never been to Aruba, my husband will not go ( too commercial of an Island for him) however I have friends that have liked it. The Hyatt in Aruba does look nice !
 
Old Jul 15th, 2002, 02:29 PM
  #23  
pam
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Actually, I saw more "FAT SLOBS" laying on the beach in Aruba. The only way you could stay on this island is if you stay in your resort and "pretend" that this place is a tropical paradise. Susan is either a timeshare owner in Aruba who is cursed to go back there year after year or she hasn't been anywhere else. If that is your attitude Susan, I think you fit right in your "happy island". How scary.
 
Old Jul 15th, 2002, 02:49 PM
  #24  
Linda
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Just got back from the Hyatt Aruba. We have been to St. John many times, but this was our first trip to Aruba. The Hyatt was great. The rooms are average, but the overall facility including the grounds, restaurants, bars etc. were excellent. The beach is wonderful. Not as tropical feeling as St. John, but "nearly" as beautiful. It is very wide, lined with palms, with clean, soft sand. The Hyatt has 4 restaurants and several bars with live music. We found enough in the hotel areas to entertain us in the evening without going on a party bus. I love St John, but I don't think you would like the Westin as much as the Hyatt Aruba. Depends what you are looking for.

Linda
 
Old Jul 15th, 2002, 03:49 PM
  #25  
Katherine
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TO: Sue, Pam, and Dr. Joyce-
For those of you who are arguing about vacation spots, it sounds like you all need a vacation. Luckily there are many different places in the world that are amazingly beautiful and meet the needs of different people. Some of you like St. John (including me) and some of you like Aruba (I've never been), so appreciate each others opinions and stop arguing. Share what you know so others can make better choices for themselves.
 
Old Jul 15th, 2002, 10:34 PM
  #26  
Tim
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I'm on your side, Wayne--St. Thomas AND St. John are absolutely HORRIBLE!!!
 
Old Jul 16th, 2002, 09:58 AM
  #27  
Jim
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Just wondering, Tim, what in your opinion make St. Thomas and St. John "absolutely horrible." We have been to two dozen islands and find St. John to possess some of the very best beaches and snorkeling among our travels. Aruba has nice beaches, but they do not compare to St. John's for the lushness nor beauty. Aruba is virtually a desert. Snorkeling on Aruba's beaches from shore is almost non-existent. Depends on what you are looking for. If gambling, all inclusives and more commercialism is your thing, do Aruba. If you are looking for terrific beaches and snorkeling and the lush beauty and tropical feel, try St. John or some of the BVI's. They're in a class all of their own. We've been traveling to STJ for eight years and have never had a problem with crime or ever been approached by anyone wanting money. I just don't get the people who want to trash a place when it's obvious they have never been there, i.e., french fries on the beach, fat slobs. We rather find St. John to be frequented by physically fit people who like to hike, snorkel and swim.
 
Old Jul 17th, 2002, 01:35 PM
  #28  
Linda
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I've been to St. Thomas 7 times - loved it. It has crime just like every where else. Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you're safe. Been to St. John several times as well. I like it a lot better than St. Thomas because it's quiter and nicer beaches. I stayed at Caneel Bay and I thought it was great. The rooms are nothing special but the grounds and beaches on the property is what you're paying for. The restaurants on Caneel are decent but you can go anywhere on the island and find great food. The staff was friendly and helpful. Only encountered one staff member that wasn't the happiest person. From what I saw at the Westin their beach is not very good - manmade. But you could always rent a jeep and check out other beaches. I plan on trying Aruba next year. I've heard great things about it.
 
Old Jul 17th, 2002, 03:29 PM
  #29  
John
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Who ever thinks that Aruba compares to St. John in any way is out of thier mind. Aruba is a flat desert, not very island like at all. I lived on St. JOhn for over a year and have been to many other islands including Aruba. You won't find another island as beautiful and breath taking as St. John. As for the fat SLOBS most of them were in St. Thomas coming off the cruise ships.
St. John also has many activities including hiking, diving, snorkeling, renting kayaks, dingys, etc.. And lots of fun things to do at night. Don't listen the the idiots who believe Aruba is fantastic, it's just another Americanized resort.
 
Old Jul 17th, 2002, 04:12 PM
  #30  
linda
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St John is the best of the USVI, but for true paradise go to the BVI. Like a whole different world. They have the authority to deny access to anyone they deem questionable (dreadlocks, etc)They make you leave the islands if you are unemployed for over 3 months. They still have "honor bars" and it is safe to pick up hitchhikers. The BVI know that tourism brings in jobs and perks and respect the visitors. I've been to the USVI and BVI and I'll always choose the latter.If you need fruity parasol-topped drinks, go to Aruba. Personally, I'd rather explore lush islands with variety, culture and no tacky high rises, chain hotels or fast food joints.
 
Old Jul 17th, 2002, 05:33 PM
  #31  
Tracy
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My boyfriend and I are going on vacation Aug 5-16( 2 weeks away). We are trying to decide between BVI and Costa Rica. Anyone been to both? In BVI, any islands you prefer? How is the weather in BVI in early August as I am somewhat concerned about the hurricane season. We are very active people who like warm water, cultured people, and great views. Thanks
 
Old Jul 17th, 2002, 08:15 PM
  #32  
MegC
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I have also been to St.John 4 times in the past 4 years and I love the place! I have never felt unsafe..even going out with just myself and my sister to the bars in Cruz Bay. I don't care for St.Thomas at all..too commercial and too many people begging you to go in their stores, etc. and too crowded with "cruisers".

My recommendations: eat at The Stone Terrace in Cruz Bay...amazing food. Party at Duffy's Love Shack--fun! and beach at Mondo Beach and Hawksnest...Trunk Bay is way too crowded. And definitely snorkel at Watermelon Cay.
 
Old Jul 18th, 2002, 03:40 AM
  #33  
June
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Mondo beach? Watermelon Cay? You mean Waterlemon? Sounds like someone met Lindy. He's harmless and Cruz Bay wouldn't be the same without him.
 
Old Jul 18th, 2002, 05:03 AM
  #34  
john t
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Lindy's still alive!! I heard he got hit by a car, but I guess he's ok now. Thats good to hear. Another great restuarant with beautiful sunsets is Cafe Wahoo in wharfside village cruz bay. Tell them TG sent ya. Great steaks, fresh seafood, especially tuna and good apps. If anyone has specific questions feel free to email me. I can probably tell you a great deal that the normal tourist wouldn't know.
 
Old Jul 18th, 2002, 01:11 PM
  #35  
JC
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You people are the most argumentatvie I have ever read on a forum. You must all be from the same "assylum".

Anyway...my vote ST. JOHN.
 
Old Jul 18th, 2002, 01:19 PM
  #36  
MegC
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Yes--Mondo Beach--it's out of the way..maybe you haven't discovered it. And sorry.. Waterlemon Cay. Sorry June I didn't know that you are some other people on here believe that they are the "God's of the Fodor's.com message boards" where you have to be so rude to people who make a simple spelling mistake! Just putting in some suggestions...no need to be rude!
 
Old Aug 1st, 2002, 06:52 PM
  #37  
xxx
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Two totally different islands!

Dry vs. lush
Flat vs. hilly
Miami Beach feel vs. National Park feel
party hardy vs. laid back
resorts galore vs. villas galore
pool lovers vs. nature lovers

I much prefer St. John but from what you've said about your tastes, Aruba sounds like more your style.
 
Old Aug 1st, 2002, 08:50 PM
  #38  
T
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My husband and I have been to both and ARUBA is the tropical place to be! You won't be disappointed. We stayed at the Divi Aruba all-inclusive last year. You also have full use of their sister resort next door the Tamarijin. The Divi is wonderful--Tamarijin is a notch below. Great food/service and close to downtown shopping. You must go to Carlos and Charlie's bar one nite---it's a blast--even for 30-somethings!
 
Old Aug 2nd, 2002, 09:34 AM
  #39  
Jackie
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Never been to Aruba, and to St. John's only once. St. John's was so beautiful. Never seen anything close. No high rises, No Pizza Huts or strip malls. Just nature at it's best. The snorkeling was incredible. The fact that there is very little there in the way of night clubs etc.(night life only a 20 min. ferry ride away to St Thomas) is exactly what makes it so unique. People that don't get that, would probibly be happier some else.
 
Old Aug 2nd, 2002, 09:59 AM
  #40  
Cariblover
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People lighten up,

Aruba is 3 times bigger than St. John with a population ten times larger how can you expect it not to be developed?

Aruba is not a desert its arid with nearly 20 inches of rain a year, it does not rain in the desert, in Aruba it does rain however not much as the rest of the islands. People who claim Aruba to be a desert are exagerating and are misinforming people. Soon you will here stories of "I thought it never rained in Aruba". You can not have things both ways, you either want a lush island with a increase chances of rain during your vacation or an arid island with a slight chance of rain during your vacation? It is either the one or the other.

Americanization was brought by the demand of Americans for food out of their country. So why complain on something that was asked for in the first place? I don't know! The same Americans that are complaining about fast food in Aruba are those visiting them and supporting them. Mind you that Aruba is the 5th most visited country by Americans in the Caribbean and that does not go without notice. The island receives nearly half a million Americans a year as oppose to a few thousand that visit St. John.

Therefor comparing Aruba and St. John is like apples and oranges. Aruba should be compared to other mass tourism destinations, quiet similar in size or to other destinations that has a similar climate.

St. John is only laid back because a few thousand people live there. St. John is only green because thats mothers nature will, human can not decide what climate to put for each island. My advice do more research at other boards, this board is pretty much anti most Caribbean islands and shows the ugly face of America insulting the islands and culture.

To those who claim there is no culture in Aruba, get quainted with locals and let them show you around you will be very surprized and impressed. A good vacation is what you make of it!
 

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