It pays to commit early if you are interested in spending the holidays in Aruba as the airlines release the fares in about 3 weeks and if you are flying on a Friday, Sat or Sunday you need to act quickly. As the seats sell they only get more expensive. All of my units are available 12/20-12/27 and 12/27-1/03.

At the Marriott Ocean Club I own a 2 bdrm 2 bath ocean view unit. I am asking 5500/week which is what Marriott charges for just a hotel room for those dates.

At the new Divi Links I have 5 units for each week. Three units in Birdie 2 and 2 units in Birdie 10. All of my units are poolside, penthouse units that also have a view of the OCEAN as well as the infinity pool and golf course. I believe my units are in the best location. As penthouse units, they all have access to the rooftop where there are 2 hot tubs, a bbq grill and lounge area -- great for viewing the fireworks. What's great is that my units can be rented separately or connected. Each unit has a full kitchen, washer/dryer in unit, a plasma tv and a terrace with great views. The 3 units in Birdie 2 can be connected to make a 2 bdrm 3 bath 1600 sq ft unit (a 1 bdrm 2 bath and a studio combined) or even a 3 bdrm 5 bath 2400 sq ft unit (two 1 bdrm units and a studio in between). The 3 bdrm unit would have 3 full kitchens, 3 washer/dryers etc. The 3 bdrm 5 bath unit will rent for somewhere in the area of 6500-6800/week. That works out to a bit over 300/night per unit which is less than what the Holiday Inn charges for just a hotel room for those dates (not to mention the other more expensive hotels). If you are interested in any other configuration, send me an e-mail to discuss. I have pictures and can show you on the internet my exact location and explain what is great about this resort. Leave me your phone number if you like. I have rented out my units for the last two years and have plenty of references. One of my renters from this year has already committed for a 2 bdrm 12/20-12/27. He said he was only interested in the Divi and would not consider the Marriott since the Marriott seemed too crowded and he liked the fact that at the Divi he could arrive at the pool or beach at anytime and find a place to sit. I actually enjoy both places and like to spend one week at each.

Today is the first day that you can hold the outbound tickets to Aruba for 12/20/08. As of today, someone has taken 2 units for Christmas week at the Divi. I still have the Marriott units available. I also still have 3 units at Divi for Christmas week and all 5 units available for New Years week. If the last two years are indicative, all my units were gone by the middle of March. I have photos and references for anyone that is interested.

Both Marriott weeks have been taken. I still have the 3 units in Birdie 2 at the Divi Links for 12/20-12/27 and all 5 units are still available for 12/27-1/03. Today the airlines have loaded 1/03 into the system, so if you are thinking of spending New Years week in Aruba, act quickly. The last 2 years my units were all taken by mid March.