We are planning a trip down to Aruba in mid/late October. We have twins (boy & girl) who will be 11 months at that point. Where would you recommend we stay? We are adventurous travellers (Aussies) and have never done an all inclusive, though now we have kids it may be a good option. We really need good amenities, eg two cribs & high chairs available, close to stores for baby food, etc. After surfing this site and others, I was thinking TAMARIJN or DIVI ARUBA. Would you recommend this place or are there any other options? We are more than happy to go self catering, as you know with infants, eating out is often tough, and I am unsure whether we would get value for money with an AI. Can you stay at TAMARIJN or DIVI ARUBA without going AI? I guess our main priorites are - it being in low-rise area, having great baby amenties - eg. cribs, babysitting, highchairs etc, being on an awesome beach & having pools, and big rooms. We may be happier to spend money on renting a car vs paying for AI, and just self catering the whole trip, but having some good meals out in good places (when we get a babysitter) on a few occasions. So kitchenette and outdoor grills would be good. But if anyone thinks that AI is a better way to go with little kids, keen to hear about that too. Thanks, and bring on some advice please!! - Al, Nat Max & Zoe

You can NOT go anything else but AI at the Tamarijn and Divi aruba. Years ago you could, not now. Stay at the Tamarijn (more family oriented) and use the Divi Aruba also. Ask for blocks 1200, 1300, 1400, or 1500 so you aren't walking a lot with the kids to main pool, lobby and restaurant area. All room s are oceanfront. Kids under 18 stay and eat free at both. See pix and bldg. layouts (gallery 11 & 12) of Divi and Tamarijn at www.geocities.com/THEFEEL2002 and also at www.megaresorts.com

Try Reniassance suites. Their lagoon is great for babies. It is also local to downtown where you can walk to the grocery store, hit sabarro's for a quick bite. There is also the island where you don't have to fight for a chair and the swim area is protected , and has shade. We travel with 25 people( 3 babies) every year and this place has been ideal for them.