We made a decision- I think
 

We are planning a trip for next February or March and deciding between DR, Aruba, Antigua, Barbados or Cayman Islands. We were initially considering Turks and Caicos but we are too concerned the water will not be warm enough or we could get a few cooler days. We want to spend less than $7000 for 2 adults and 2 kids including air, hotel and meals. Decided an all inclusive is easiest with the kids and we must have a great beach with warm water and a resort with some children's activities. We also want the ability to leave the resort and feel comfortable exploring the island on our own and find some nice places for a lunch or dinner if we get tired of the AI. So, we have decided on Aruba and probably the Divi/Tam resort. Does this sound like the right choice?

Sounds perfect to me. Hope you enjoy. We loved Aruba and can't wait to get back someday.

Divi is qn older property on the best beach has gone downhilll a lot not worth that much for me

check recent honest negative reviews from returners on the travel boards

Like Tripadvertizer if you can sift through all thevfakes posted by the resort

Might consider St Lucia Jallousieplatation.com or similar

Aruba is quite deserty not too pretty would go for the Hyatt there personally

Luxurylink.com good values

New sugar mill rooms at jalousieplantation.com are awesome might have a look there or similar

The Hyatt is not AI and is on Palm Beach. Eagle Beach is a nicer section and less crowded.

I agree with the Jalouise in St. Lucia if you were going as a couple, but not with kids. Though they do accept kids I think they would have a better time in Aruba. St. Lucia also doesn't have the pristine beaches and clear water like Aruba, Grand Cayman or T & C.

Try http://www.aruba-bb.com/ instead of Trip Advisor. The people who post on that forum have been going to Aruba for years and love the Island. You find better feedback there.