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Question for the locals

Aruba or Cabo San Lucas - recommendations

posted 2 years ago in Honeymoons
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    1.
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    Helper bee
    ke3    09.05.09   Sacramento, CA / upstate NY

    Hey hive,

    Mr and I are trying to figure out where to book our honeymoon. We're thinking either Aruba or Cabo San Lucas. We were originally thinking an all-inclusive, but some other resorts seem to have better review. Does anyone have suggestions or recommendations for either place??

    Thanks!

     
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    Helper bee
    BubblyBride    March 20, 2010  

    Pueblo Bonita Pacifica - it's a holistic, adults only resort and spa.  It's part of a larger resort where you can also use amenities at a few other hotels.  I stayed in the Montecristo, in a private villa that would be way too big for a honeymoon, but spent a lot of time at the Pacifica. It is gorgeous.

    Rated #2 of Cabo San Lucas hotels on tripadvisor (I live by tripadvisor).  The #1 pick is more of a budget hotel.  Pacifica has a great restaurant, pools and spa services.  Relaxing and quiet, but you can go to the other hotels if you want a livelier scene, or into town for shopping/nightlife/swimming beach. 

    The downside of this resort is that you can't swim on the beach at the because the waves are way too strong there.  Not sure about surfing, but it is a bit of a drive to get to a good location for windsurfing.  If that is important to you, perhaps look elsewhere.

    I haven't been to Aruba, so I can't make comparisons.  But this was pure bliss.

    http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g152515-d543023-Reviews-Pueblo_Bonito_Pacifica_Holistic_Retreat_Spa-Cabo_San_Lucas_Los_Cabos_Baja_California.html

     
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    Helper bee
    ke3    09.05.09   Sacramento, CA / upstate NY

    thanks for the insight. anyone else have thoughts on aruba?

     
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    Sugar bee
    jingle96    May 28, 2010   DW in ARUBA/livin' in VA

    I'm getting married in Aruba in May 2010 and just got back from a site visit!  I love the island, beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and weather was nice.  If you go to Aruba, I wouldn't do all inclusive.  They're are so many great restaurants to try all over the island.  We stayed at the Westin and they were awesome. 

    I haven't been to Cabo so I can't compare!  Either place though will be great!  have fun!

     
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    Helper bee
    sassypants      

    Ive been to the Rui in Cabo and no complaints at all.  In fact on the way down from the airport we shared a shuttle with a couple who had been there 13 (yes, thirteen!) times before.  They said they loved it so much because you are guaranteed good weather since it only rains a few days a year.  The resort was right next to Lands End and very nice. Ttheres a lot of great places in Cabo so you wont have a hard time finding a cool place. 

     
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    Helper bee
    pinkparfait       New York

    I've been to Aruba and know friends that went to Cabos this year. 

    Both are marvelous destinations but in my personal opinion, Aruba might win for their calmer waters and romantic settings (almost every inch of it is a "romantic spot.")  I stayed at the Amsterdam Manor hotel that's on the end of the strip - it was a good choice for me since it's more quiet, secluded and you can always find a spot on the beach without it being so crowded.  It's also known for it's restaurant on the beach called Passions. 

    Like mentioned above, I wouldnt' do all inclusive just because Aruba is full of great spots to eat and you probably wouldn't want to spend all day at your hotel anyways.  Renaissance has it's own private island that you can go to if you are a guest and if you go - be sure to go to flying fishbone restaurant!

     
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    Worker bee
    Laurlyn    September 19, 2009   Chicago

    I've been to Cabo and Aruba and Cabo definitely takes the cake for me.  Cabo has spectacular weather practically year round and there are some great deals there right now.  My mom goes with girlfriends every year and they stay at a different all inclusive each time... I think her favorite was the Riu.  All inclusives are definitely the way to go down there as it can be quite costly otherwise...

    Have fun!!!

     
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    Busy bee
    miss.skinner    7/10/2010   Bethesda, MD

    I went to Aruba in April and got engaged over a sunset dinner; The vacation was amazing. If you choose here I have a ton of must eat restaurants and things to do. Just send me a message and I would be more than happy to share. We stayed at the Renissance Marina We visited other hotels but thought we had the best hotel, hands down. There is a water taxi that picks you up from inside the hotel that takes you on a 10 min ride to the private island. So peaceful and the food is amazing in Aruba.  Here are a few pics from our vacation.

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    Sugar bee
    slicey19      

    We are also considering Aruba but I never thought of doing anything but an all inclusive. Those of you who say the food is great, how does it come out price wise? I have vacationed in the Bahamas and we were glad we went all inclusive because food and drinks at island bars and restaurants (including those in the near by hotels) were expensive. What would you estimate as daily spending on food (specify if you include drinks please) in Aruba? Thanks.

     
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    Blushing bee
    tag117    August 29, 2009  

    I will be in Aruba in 10 days... for my honeymoon! I have never been there before, but we have heard so many great things about the weather, food, shopping, water, people, activities, etc. I am so excited to go and have a relaxing time. We did decide to go with an all-inclusive resort. We've gone to all-inclusive resorts before and really love how they cater to your needs. We do plan on venturing out often though, but it's nice to know that there's always food and drinks available free of charge. :) No matter what type of hotel or destination you choose you know you are going to have a wonderful time because you will be with your new husband or wife!

     
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    Blushing bee
    Khadijathediva    February 20th, 2009   New York, New York

    Aruba RIU!

     
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    Blushing bee
    CourtneyCrocker    January 16, 2010   orange county,ca

    My fiance, his family and myself went to the Esperanza in Cabo. It is AMAZING!!!! I'm actually having a hard time finding a honeymoon place (in Fiji/tahiti area) that lives up the experience at Esperanza. check it out: www.esperanzaresort.com I could not recommend it more!!

     
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    Blushing bee
    futurejet    6/12/10  

    Although I was only in Aruba for a weekend, I think it would be a great honeymoon destination.  It's great, whether you have a full week or only a few days. A sunset dinner on the beach is a must, soo romantic.  No matter where you decide to stay, I would pick somewhere on the beach.  We stayed just off of it, which wasn't as conveinient if you left something in your room.

     
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    vhoef02    July 25, 2009  

    We went to Cabo and stayed at the One & Only Palmilla! It was pure bliss and I would go back there for sure! It was the best beach vacation I have ever had!

     
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    WrldTrv    December 2, 2009   South Florida

    We went to Cabo and had the best time! The weather is great and it's much quieter than Cancun. We stayed at the ME Hotel which was wonderful as well.

     
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    Buzzing bee
    MsHymanRoth    October 24, 2009   Boston

    I researched Aruba sooo much b/c that's where we were thinking of going for our honeymoon. We have sense picked out a different spot ... but I think it would be fun. You might get a little bored though. How long will you go for? A travel agent told me they have the best dining and that the weather is always wonderful ... except it can get really really windy.

     
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    westchesterbride    June 19, 2010   New York, NY

    ARUBA!!! I've been going there with my family EVERY year since I was 10 - I'm 27 now and the Fi and I still go with them every April. I've been to Mexico but I actually would never go back I love Aruba so much.

    If you do Aruba I agree, do not do all-inclusive, there are AMAZING restaurants. For 2 people, dinners probably average about $100-$150 (including wine & 1 app) each night. There are also amazing breakfast places and we usually just go light on lunch.

    Feel free to message me for some good Rest recommendations if you choose Aruba.

    We are likely gonna do Italy for our honeymoon, just because we go to Aruba so much, but hopefully we won't regret it!

    Oh, my engagement ring is actually from Aruba! They are known for Diamonds! ;)

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    moderndaisy    June 2010  

    We went to Cabo last Thanksgiving and it was the best vacation I've ever been on. It was my 3rd time to Mexico, first to Cabo. We stayed at the Hilton which I very highly recommend and the Westin which I warn you to stay away from! The Hilton does not advertise itself properly - it looks kind of dowdy on the website and we only booked a room there for a few nights b/c we had rewards points to use. It was waay more beautiful than we could even imagine and more importantly had impeccable service. The Westin had an amazing website that made it look so great but was a concrete nightmare with terrible service. They were doing construction the week we were there and had the nerve to put us in a room directly underneath all the banging and drilling! Then of course there was a wedding that weekend which they closed the entire beach area off for and of course didn't tell us about ahead of time.

     
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    Helper bee
    gvsusara    November 7, 2009   Chicago/Lakeview

    I just got back from Cabo on September 25th.  My MOH and I went for a relaxing "bachelorette escape" for six nights and seven days.  I have traveled to Mexico several times, but this was my first time in Cabo.  We stayed at the AI RIU Santa Fe.  Nice property, close to downtown, and very clean.  However, I found it to be hot as HELL while we were there.  It was easily 90-100 degrees which made it hard to do anything except sit in the pool during the day.  You can not swim in the ocean unless you are attempting suicide.  The sun beat down on us all day long.....which was nice, but H-O-T!! Let me say that I am ALWAYS cold and I was like "crank the A/C!" which is something I never say.  We tried to make a shopping trip to downtown Cabo, but the heat was too overwhelming.  The scenery was breathtaking from our hotel. 

    Overall, I found Cabo to be just okay.  I *really* love Puerto Vallarta, so it was hard to compete.  I definately recommend checking out tripadvisor.com   It's my go to site when traveling.  Lots of honest opinions and photos.  Good luck & congrats!!

     

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