We went to Aruba for the first time last December. We stayed at the Manchebo Beach Resort on Eagle Beach. Very nice resort on a decent beach, but in all honesty, we didn't care for Aruba. That's just us and your mileage may vary. We prefer more of a 'local culture' feel and Aruba just didn't have that. To us, it was like being in Florida (too 'Americanized'). Some people like that; we didn't. It was nothing like SXM.

Like many of you, we've had to change our SXM trip this year (November). We have booked 10 days in Curacao instead at the end of October. We will be staying at the Avila Beach Resort and this will be our first trip there. We know we need to go with an open mind and a realization that it won't be St. Maarten. We're okay with that -- for the time being. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Will keep you posted on what we find.