Hubby and I just came back from our 4th trip to Aruba. Our new timeshare at the Divi Links was finally built and ready for us. What a GORGEOUS place this is. Our villa had an incredible pool and ocean view and the view was even more spectacular on the roof which also included a rooftop deck, two hot tubs and two BBQs solely for the use of those who own top floor units. Our only complaint about the Divi was their front desk service which is servicing both the older timshare units of Divi Village and the new Divi Links. At any given time there was only 1 or 2 persons on duty and the lines for check in/check out were ridiculously long.

Now onto the restaurant reviews:

Saturday night. El Gaucho. As usual we had no complaints. We both ordered the 16 oz. gaucho steak (which comes with 3 side dishes of your choice). Both of us only finished half of the steak and took the rest as leftovers. My sides were sauteed mushrooms, rice and broccoli in garlic/oil. Hubby got corn on the cob, balsamic roated veggies and mashed potatoes. For dessert we split fried cheescake. This was YUMMY.

Sunday night. Driftwood. Outstanding fish. Great wine (Santa Margharita Pinot Grigio). Hubby had carribean lobster which he surprisingly liked after I told him they were not as good as new england lobster. I had the Wahoo Aruban style. I was looking forward to this and it did not disappoint. So fresh and tasty. Very highly recommended. Split a brownie with ice cream for dessert.

Monday night. Madame Janette. Fabulous. My best meal of the trip. I had their signature almond grouper which was HUGE and delicious. Hubby had mahi mahi - also sensational. We both got salads for appetizer which was a mistake because they were ENORMOUS. We should have split one because we had no room for dessert!! Ordered my favorite wine Ruffino Chianti Riserva Ducale and all was good!!

Tuesday night. French Steakhouse at Manchebo Beach. What a surprise. This place not only had delicious food but the value was incredible. We both got the Ambassador's dinner which consists of choices making up a FIVE course dinner for only $30.00. For an extra $9.99 they throw in a bottle of wine. We got a chilean red which was surprisingly good for the cost. We both got the 8 oz filet mignon for our main course. Hubby got seafood crepe as appetizer (delicious) and I got mushroom caps (good). Then I had a salad and hubby got soup du jour which I believe was cream of potato and was excellent. Steak came with veggies and a potato. For dessert I had chocolate cake and hubby got apple strudel. We have both decided that next year we are going to pass on El Gaucho and definitely return to the French Steakhouse.

Wednesday night. Had reservations at Flying Fishbone. Was really looking forward to it (had never been there before). Unfortunately, on the way there I was not feeling well and we turned around and cancelled. Later on that night ate El Gaucho leftovers!!

Thursday night. Red Sail Sports dinner cruise. Highly recommended. This cruise is offerred on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Wednesday is catered by the Marriott and Thursday by the Hyatt. Food was excellent consisted of a chicken dish, beef medallions, mahi mahi, rice, veggies, potatoes, salads, mozzerella balls and LOTS of desserts. Open bar. Beautiful sunset. Met very nice people. May do this again. cost was $95.00pp and the cruise lasted a total of 3 hours.

Friday night. Sunset Grille at the Radisson. Another favorite. Again ordered the Santa Margharita Pinot Grigio. I ordered a sushi appetizer and hubby got seafood bisque in a flaky pastry (very good). For main course I got chilean sea bass and hubby got veal oscar. Was not hubby's favorite style of veal but he enjoyed nontheless. Sea bass was top notch. We were comped for dinner by the casino so that always works!!!

As for some other notable mentions. We had lunch one afternoon at Pizza Bob's next to the Alhambra casino. We split a 12" pizza which we could not finish and a salad. Pizza was excellent and this is coming from two New Yorkers!!! Thin crust and full of flavor.

Linda's pancakes and Pizzas and also the Dutch Pancakehouse in town. Both were very good. I had the strawberries and whipped cream crepe at Linda's and the ham, cheese, onion and mushroom crepe at the Dutch pancakehouse. Different and tasty. Wasn't hubby's cup of tea but I would definitely return.

Manchebo beach spa del sol. We got a couples relaxing massage. Excellent value. Extremely relaxing. Great and knowledgeable staff. Got massaged in cabanas overlooking the beach. Would DEFINITELY do this again.

Budget rental car. Good service. No hassles or problems. Would recommend doing this. We rented for two days but next year will rent for the entire week. Saves money on taxis. No waiting for taxis. Best way to explore the island. We started at one end and drove around the entire coast.

Song airlines. Excellent staff. Very enjoyable flight.

JFK airport. Horrendous. No organization. Lazy employees. Lost baggage (that was delivered to me 10 hours after return - long story). I prefer Laguardia but Song does not fly out of LGA to Aruba directly.

The weather was perfect EVERY day. No rain at all during the day. I think we got two quick showers at night but we missed them both. Came out of the casinos and the ground was wet. Breeze was perfect. True paradise.

All in all we had a truly spectacular vacation in Aruba (as always) and can not wait to return next year. I'm even thinking of booking a long weekend sometime in the next few months because I don't think I can wait a full year!!!