Just returned from first trip to Aruba..

[kmoore]

Hi everyone. I've been reading these forums for months and it truly helped me and my husband for our first trip to Aruba. So I thought I'd share our experiences too!

We stayed @ Bucuti, in one of the Tara Suites...as we got married last Weds on the beach...it was amazing. It was just the 2 of us, our wedding planner (Nashette) was simply amazing and kept in contact with me for any questions for the entire time prior to us arriving - from Feb to Sept! No problem!

The Tara Suites were amazing. Very clean, very cool, nice wood accents/furniture...and just so beautiful with a sunset view right out our balcony.
Everyone was so nice @ Bucuti ... we actually cried and hugged the 2 ladies that worked the breakfast buffet when we left...it was so sad. Everyone truly cared about how we were doing, reminding us excitedly how long until we got married etc .. and it was simply the best experience ever.
The Pirates Nest bar was fun - we definitely made it there for happy hour every day at least once ...and the views were spectacular.

Since it was our first trip and we really needed a vacation/honeymoon..we didn't do a heck of a lot but eat, drink, and relax. We picked Bucuti because of some of the great reviews, the fact that there weren't kids there (I think ea family is allowed 1 in certain areas and they have to be a teen but I didn't see one!), and that it was on one of the most gorgeous beaches. Everything met our expectations ... very safe area, clean, and just simply gorgeous.

We ate at the Pirates Nest (avg), Matthews (walking distance, very avg food), and the Screaming Eagle (2 times - amazing Miami-type club with the best service and food as my husbands' a food snob as hes a chef..), and the Flying Fishbone. The Flying Fishbone was great - 25 mins from the low rise area but definitely worth it to sit in the water...but you can also do it at Passions - which was the most romantic place we ate at all week. You can recommend songs, and dance right by your table..such a good meal!

I didn't even feel like the drinks were that much more expensive...esp when you hit the happy hour prices!!

So I just wanted to let everyone know, Aruba is simply amazing. Friendly people, relaxing atmosphere, and gorgeous views..
Ask me anything..

[lindon]

Sounds like you had a great time. Nice review! I am glad you mentioned the Screaming Eagle. We were thinking about going there the next time, but I don't see too many reviews on it. Thanks for the info and I hope you have many more trips to Aruba!

[cpjones]

Happy marraige.... and thank you for a wonderful trip report! These reports help me stay in touch with wonderful memories and wonderful plans. When's your next trip?

[kmoore]

I hope our next trip is March/April - we just can't fathom waiting until a years gone by!!!!

[kmoore]

If you like great service, great meals...classy bar - its a great place to eat. Its a bit more expensive than most that we have been to, but not much more than a fancy dinner in the states. Between our 2 meals and a couple we went with .. we had 3 appetizers and 6 various meals and they were all good from fish to meat...I can't wait to go back again!!

Originally Posted by lindon

Sounds like you had a great time. Nice review! I am glad you mentioned the Screaming Eagle. We were thinking about going there the next time, but I don't see too many reviews on it. Thanks for the info and I hope you have many more trips to Aruba!

[lindon]

That's ok if it's a little more expensive. We always save at least one night for a special treat.

[danadog56]

kmoore,
glad to know you had a good time....not that anyone should be surprised....we knew you would...wonderful island, wonderful people, wonderful weather.....in a word...Perfect !!

[KATH2ME]

kmoore,

congrats to the happy couple, Wow, its sounds as though you couldn't have picked a better place, you had a wonderful time and apparently made some good dinner choices. Much Happiness

[Glenn]

Hi kmoore,

Glad you had a wonderful time in Aruba. It kind of grabs hold of you, doesn't it?

I've been going there on and off since 1980. Back then it was a clean, comfortable, well-run island with great weather, beautiful beaches and friendly people. 28 years later, it still has all of those things.

We'll be there again in January 2009. Lately, we've stayed at The Mill.

Did you do any shopping? My wife believes in shopping in Aruba is therapy for putting up with a long, cold Canadian winter!! Her favourite places are Jewels in Paradise, Little Switzerland and Colombian Emeralds. How about you?

Anyway, glad you had a great time.

Have a great weekend,


Glenn

[hawaiianmoonlight]

kmoore,
my husband & I are going to Aruba , our 1st time, in Dec. and I'm wondering what you thought was the most romantic place to have dinner near the water. I'd like to spend a nice evening near the water with music & the waves gently rolling onto the shore as we remember our wedding day 23 yrs.ago. Thanks! p.s happy to hear you had a great time that will give you a wonderful memory.