Tahiti or Aruba....

[shankd]

Hey.....well were just back from our wedding and now it's time to plan our honeymoon!!! Were thinking Tahiti or Aruba. Were planning to go for 2 weeks in November!!! Any ideas or resort recomendations would be great...

 

Thanks in advance!!!!!

[becks]

I haven't been to Aruba, but DH and I went to Tahiti for our honeymoon and LOVED it. Don't stay on Tahiti - go to one of the other islands. We spent 5 days at the Sheraton Moorea (really nice because there's an easy boat that runs every hour) and used points to get a regular room and paid for an upgrade to an overwater bungalow - it wasn't too pricey. Note that it is SO quiet at night - there's literally no nightlife on the island at all.

 

However, the thing we did that was even better was a cruise on the Paul Gaugin (Regent). We went to a whole pile of islands, scuba diving, fun trips, etc. And with Regent your alcohol is included in the price so it was a steal. Plus, there's stuff to do at night, fun people to play with, etc.

 

We went in November as well - the weather was PERFECT.

[CKen11]

Go for Aruba - Bucuti Beach Resort would be my choice! It's got of the world’s most incredible white-sand beaches and has elegant, spacious guestrooms, gourmet dining and great serivce. I've seen an offer with Vacation Express where if you book with them honeymooners receive a complimentary bottle of champagne, gift basket and room decorations on their arrival day.

[Mmack]

ARUBA!!!!

[JayKay]

Would you recommend any specific resorts?
 

Originally Posted by Mmack 

ARUBA!!!!

 

[jmastr05]

I just had my wedding in Aruba on 7/15/11 and stayed there for my honeymoon. This is very general, but I recommend NOT participating in an all-inclusive package while honeymooning in Aruba.

 

We stayed at an all-inclusive resort for the week leading up to the wedding (Divi Aruba All-Inclusive). I definitely feel it was the right decision for that part of the trip. We wanted to be able to mingle with the guests who came early, participate in the activities offered by the resort together, be confident that everyone felt that they could eat or drink or do whatever they liked without any pressure. So this worked out well.

 

We then stayed at a NOT all-inclsuve for the honeymoon week after the wedding (Westin). I also feel that this was the right choice. We ate at some of the great restaurants that the island has to offer, we took a tour of the various natural sites, had a fun night on the KuKu-Kunuku bus, took a snorkeling tour of 2 coral reefs and a sunken ship. Of course we also relaxed on the beach and luxuriated at the hotel spa. I think that being at an all-inclusive would have made me feel obligated to stay on the resort in order to make the most fo the all-inclusive offerings.

 

So if you are the kind of person who just wants to vegetate on the beach and not have to worry about reservation or transportation, you may prefer all-inclusive. But if you are like me and like a mix of activities, then avoid all-inclusive. You can start by checking out the Westin, which is highly rated.

[cinnagirl]

The Riu is Aruba is really great! I would definitely go back to that resort again. It had the most amazing food, never seemed like "bulk produced" and all of the staff were super friendly all the time. 

[whatsup]

Lucky to go to either place.

[FIFAbride]

Lots of great resorts on the islands around Tahiti.  If you can financially afford it, it is a can't miss experience.

[Carol Brown]

No comparison between the two. Tahiti is once in a lifetime vacation!! Very unique! I highly recommend Bora Bora and Moorea. Bora Bora is the most breath taking place I've ever been to. Overwater bungalow is the way to go. They can bring you breakfast by canoe! Just awesome! If you are looking for a unique vacation, I would go there. However, Bucks is right, it is very quiet/peaceful there at night. If you are looking to stay in a regular hotel with a beautiful beach and nightlife, then you will be happy with Aruba.