[Arubalisa]

The Occidental is imo much different from the Tamarijn. The Tamarijn is much more laid back and casual. I am not sure of the price difference, but I figure the Tamarijn is less expensive. Our biggest bonus staying at the Tamarijn are the ocean/beachfront rooms. There is nothing better on vacation than rolling out of bed and out onto the beach. You might want to head over to www.tripadvisor.com for tons of reviews on both resorts. Throw out the best and the worst and the truth lays somewhere in between.

For an activity, I would definitely check out the Kukoo Kunuku.
http://www.aruba.com/forum/tags/kukoo%20kunuku.html
and maybe a jeep tour.
http://www.aruba.com/forum/tags/jeep%20tour.html