First time in Aruba...Honeymoon Help!

[HoneymooningInAruba]

Hello all,

I have been following the board since we decided on Aruba for our honeymoon location. It is very informative and helpful!

I had a few questions that I was hoping I could have answered, and wuold like to hear suggestions for the trip.

First and foremost, we are both recent college graduats...meaning we will have little money and a credit card! hahaha. So we want to keep it affordable, yet exciting. We plan on going out to eat a few times, enjoying the night life, and relaxing.

My fiancee's grandfather has a condo (or timeshare?) in the Divi Dutch Village and is offering it up as a wedding present (gracias!), and we are arriving on the 9th of August (Oh, so soon). This will be my first time to an island, and have an idea of what we want to do, but lack the details and knowledge about Aruba. To make it easier, I will just list the questions:

1) Has anyone stayed, or have information/stories on the accomodations at the Divi Dutch Village? Is it a nice resort? What is the surrounding beaches/area like?

2) What are some nice and affordable places to eat?

3) Any suggestions for places to go, or things to do, at night?

4) Is there jet skis available on the island? If so, what are the prices, placs to rent things, things to be careful of?

5) How safe is Aruba? How careful do we need to be with our belongings and selfs?

6) What would you suggest are the "must do/see" things in Aruba?

Thank you and we can't wait to honeymoon there!

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by HoneymooningInAruba

1) Has anyone stayed, or have information/stories on the accomodations at the Divi Dutch Village? Is it a nice resort? What is the surrounding beaches/area like?

The Dutch Village is located directly behind the Tamarijn and shares a a very nice stretch of beach. http://www.arubabound.com/accommo/tamarijn_map.jpg

2) What are some nice and affordable places to eat?

For a honeymoon, I would definitely splurge a bit and have a nice romantic dinner at Passions on the beach at the Amsterdam Manor. http://www.aruba.com/forum/tags/passions%20restaurant.html

http://www.aruba.com/forum/tags/restaurants%20inexpensive.html

3) Any suggestions for places to go, or things to do, at night?

http://www.aruba.com/forum/f11/ I would begin searching here. Can you be more specific in your interests?

4) Is there jet skis available on the island? If so, what are the prices, placs to rent things, things to be careful of?

There are vendors on both Eagle and Palm Beaches, prices are about $65 for 30 minutes.

5) How safe is Aruba? How careful do we need to be with our belongings and selfs?

Safety /aruba/other Vacation Spots

6) What would you suggest are the "must do/see" things in Aruba?

http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/if-there-only-one-thing-33091/

[HoneymooningInAruba]

Wow, that information is certainly useful...I definitely plan on splurging for my fiance (then wife!!) to have some great nights out.

Quote:
3) Any suggestions for places to go, or things to do, at night?
http://www.aruba.com/forum/f11/ I would begin searching here. Can you be more specific in your interests?

We are not so much into the bar scene, but I don't really know what else there is to do there in the evening.

Again, that helped tremendously...and we can't wait to go!

[Sgroi135]

Passions for dinner is an absolute. Contact them now for a reservation. Tell them that it is a honeymoon. Check my pictures for food pics

Hey relaxation on the beach is awesome!

Don't need to spend a lot of money if you don't want to.

Jet skiis imo are a waste of money. Too expensive.

Relax and spend time together without anyone bothering you.

[Arubalisa]

We are not so much into the bar scene, but I don't really know what else there is to do there in the evening.

From the Dutch Village there is not much within walking distance. If you do not have a rental car, you can take the bus down to Palm Beach at night and stroll around. There are plenty of casinos and afterwards maybe stop for a gelato or ice cream.

Otherwise, at night, you can always hang out on your patio or balcony with a cool beverage of your choice, or better yet, grab a bottle of wine and head over to the beach.

[Jarubian]

Quote:
We are not so much into the bar scene, but I don't really know what else there is to do there in the evening.

I also think since you are on your honeymoon go with the flow. Besides walking around Palm Beach, you can take the bus and go down town Oranjestead, and walk and shop/window shop, stop maybe at a bar/restaurant, listen to music, and if your body tend to want to move than you can do a little dancing of all types.

Anything you decide to do, you will come back in love with Aruba and will want to go back like we all do.

[Shnyda]

[quote=Sgroi135;145678

Jet skiis imo are a waste of money. Too expensive.

[/quote]

Have to agree with this statement. As much fun as it is to Jet Ski - you can blow an entire days budget on a 30 minute Jet Ski ride. I think last time I rented a Jet Sk, I was in Barbados and paid something like $60 for 30 minutes. $60 can go so much farther doing other things.