Please help make up my mind.
 

We are a family of 4 (2 teenage girls 15 &16)and we want to go on a tropical trip in April 2004. Our first choice is Aruba, however, we're not so sure if it's exactly what we want. Our criterias are beautiful beaches, good shopping, golfing (for my husband), snorkeling (for beginners). We do not want to stay in a big resort but would prefer a small condo/villa with kitchette that is very close to or on a beachfront. Nothing to expensive either. We would like to go for 10 days. Thank you in advance for your help.

Aruba has beautiful beaches, good shopping, golfing and snorkeling, as well as condos close to beachfront in a moderate price range. You will find tons of info at arubabound.com.

Aruba is a beautiful, clean, Dutch influenced island, however it is not very "tropical". It is a desert island with cactus and sand. The wind blowing all the time is delightful and keeps you cool, even though you still get sunburned :-) If you want more lush, green, tropical, I would choose someplace else. BUT since you are staying so long, it would be good because it is only 19 miles long and they have a movie theater, grocery stores, shopping, etc. in close proximity, so you would have activities to do without traveling far. I was shocked to see the last time I was there they even have a "Hooters" now. It looks weird stuck in the middle of a desert island. Enjoy wherever you go !

You will find beautiful beaches in Aruba, shopping although no big bargains, plenty of activities and great dining. Some smaller properties are the Bucuti (new villas/suites opening up) and Casa Del Mar. The family might enjoy the offroad rover adventure, snorkeling in DePalm Island and lots more. A vehicle might be a good idea to get around but there are buses and taxis. My husband always looks forward to playing golf at Tierra Del Sol, a beautiful and challenging golf course. I thinks the girls will really like Aruba--its hard to get bored.

The Bucuti has only microwave ovens so that is not what you are looking for. Other smaller properties are the Amsterdam Manor but I'm not sure of kitchen facilties--they have a website-"Amsterdam Manor, Aruba". Also La Cabana is a large low-rise property with full kitchens. "Arubahouse.com" is a 5 bedroom villa not sure of cost. Casa Del Mar is a smaller timeshare property with units to rent including kitchens. Good luck!

The beach areas are "tropical", i.e. palm trees and so on so you should like it. I have heard the golf course is very challenging due to how windy it is there. Aruba is very windy and is a haven for wind surfers.

Amsterdam Manor is really neat, the view from their pool area is really nice, the staff is friendly and welcoming. I would definately consider it.