We found Aruba to have great beaches, especially Eagle beach. Also a very safe feel and very friendly people. It is also a very clean island. But it is not a very pretty island, too flat and desert like. We also found the food on Aruba to be very sub-par. Not at all close to SXM food. We feel St. Martin just has it all. We certainly have been spoiled. We gave up our November trip to SXM to be with friends in Aruba. Can't wait to get back to our favorite island home in January.