Bahamas/Aruba

mandac033

Hi girls! I'm trying to find a place to go for our honeymoon. It is pretty much between the Bahamas and Aruba.  Has anyone been to either?? If you have, where have you stayed and how was it?? TIA!! Can't believe its 3 months!!

megandjay

What do you want to do? I have been to both...what hotels are you considering?

mandac033

We are looking the Atlantis and Sandals Royal Bahamian in the Bahamas. And the Divi, Riu, and Bucuti in Aruba.  Been to any of these?? Please be honest!! Thanks hun!

StaceyC828

I've been to the Bahamas twice on two different cruises and loved it!  The Atlantis was AMAZING from our point of view; we spent an entire day there on the beach, waterslides and walking through the aquarium tunnels, it's one of our dreams to stay there sometime!

We're also considering the spots you listed in Aruba so I'm interested in feedback on those hotels too!  Good luck

chelley599

I have been to the Bahamas and Aruba.  It all depends on what you prefer.  I stayed at the Riu in the Bahamas and loved the resort (right next door to Atlantis) but I found it cooler in the mornings and cloudy.  We had a whole day of rain.  When I went to Aruba, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree resort.  It was good too.  The weather was warm all the time.  If it rained, it was like 5 minutes.  We are heading to Aruba for our honeymoon

LexiMS

We LOVE the atlantis, we have been twice.  Both times we bought a timeshare week off of someone else for the condo area of the atlantis and it saved us a ton of money, you have a whole kitchen and we actually checked a cooler of food on the plane.  The whole resort is amazing!  The Cove is the new hotel at the Atlantis and we ate there one night, it was gorgeous and has a private pool/longue club area with dj.

deborah2121

My FI and I stayed at the Radisson in Aruba, and we loved it!  I have never been to the Bahamas so I don't have a comparison.  Also, we didn't want an all inclusive spot in Aruba so we didn't look at any.  Good luck!

jenvalet

We went to Aruba for out HM and loved it!

mandac033

Thanks girls!!!

megandjay

Aruba is a desert island, so the weather may be more reliable (dry and 80 degrees). Both have beautiful beaches. I went to the Divi years ago and I liked it, but it is nothing compared to the Atlantis! The Atlantis is a luxury resort- but it is not all inclusive and so you will have to pay for all of your meals, which you pretty much will have to buy at the resort and it is pricy (because it is actually on its own island and you have to go to the main island to go to any other places). Both have beautiful water, but I found the Bahamas to be more calm, which I like. And Aruba was more waves (not huge surfing waves though). Both you have options for excursions for snorkeling, boat rides, etc. I thought Aruba was a little more laid back, at the resort and in town. Bahamas had more of a party type atmosphere, but really you don't have to participate if you don't want to.

Hope that helps! If I had to choose I would probably chose Aruba, because the hotels are somewhat smaller (Atlantis is huge) and I would like to be able to find some more quiet time with hubby, but that is me.

I might also suggest reading reviews on Trip Advisor for more recent reviews of the condition of the hotels- or look back to reviews from last year at the time you are going and see what they said about weather and atmosphere.

Knottie6cd98948dcce890b

Hi - A friend of mine just returned from the Atlantis and was incredubly disappointed by the food and the service he received. He said he food was very, very, very expensive and the quality and just as low.

I've stayed at both the Riu and the Divi in Aruba and although the Divi is more for the golfers, the Riu is fabulous. There is live entertainment nightly, a beautiful bar that overlooks the beach, three lux restaurants that you can try, and the food (all inclusive) is really good. One thing to note is make sure you ask for alcohol in your strawberry daq's! The service was always incredible at both hotels and the people in Aruba are always so friendly. I really love it there (is where I got engaged). If you need recommendations about where to eat, let me know.

PS. There is a spa on the water right down the beach from the Riu, which is amazing and little tiki huts on the beach. God, I love it there.

soxgal12

We stayed at the Divi about 4 years ago.  We went with FI's family for Christmas and LOVED it!  The Tamrijin (SP?) is right next door as well and they are both owned by the same company so you can go to all their restaurants as well!  Def get the all inclusive package!  ahhhh now i want to go back!  Good luck!

Blueyed228

I love aruba.  My parents have a place at La Cabana.  The weather is awesome.  85 with a breeze.  There is alot to do.  My friends went and stayed at the Divi for their honeymoon and loved it.  I always say Aruba is the best HM spot.  So much to do but still romantic.  The restaraunts are awesome there too!

snoangel79

Atlantis looks amazing!!! always wanted to go there!!
Have been to Aruba and I love it there!! Best place ever!! haha
Stayed at the Radisson, beautiful property!! and wonderful daily breakfast that was included in the package I did. We didn't do AI there are so many restaurants there that are so good!! The food is better than here!!
Weather was always perfect 80 degrees rained for only 5 minutes once!

nannese

Atlantis is AMAZING! My fiance and I went in August.  There is so much to do from a water park, about 10 different pools to choose from, a private beach, swimming with dolphins shopping, gambling, and tons of yummy restauraunts!  There is also Marina village that is alwys busy and lively at night.  Be prepared to spend some money its a little pricey.  One rec: if you go to Bahamas you HAVE to go on a day trip to Blue Lagoon Island.  You can swim with dolphins or simply just lounge its gorgeous and soo relaxing! 

chelley599

I second that about the Blue Island Lagoon.   Best thing I ever did

MelissaWhall

Buccuti all the way. the other hotels in aruba are just to crowded. and Pizza bobs is right across the street YUM.  Buccuti hands down has the best beach not crowded at all:)