hi, I am a veteran St. Maarten traveler. actually going to Aruba next month for the first time. Staying at La Cabana. any dinner spots I shouldn't miss? and what beaches should I make sure I get to? thanks for any suggestions. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Check out aruba-bb.com tons of info on that BB. Next to LaCabana is Paradise Beach Villa's. A fairly new restaurant opened up there called Carambola. I ate there last November and it was excellant and is getting very good reviews on Trip advisor. There is an onsight restaurant at LaCabana called Las Rambles also getting some good reviews but I haven't tried it, maybe this November. A must for us each year is Madam Janette's, the best on the island IMHO. LaCabana's beach is very crowded so if you have a car, I would suggest Ashiri or Boca Catalina for some snorkling and Baby Beach for a nice calm lagoon.

I've been to St Marteen several times and Aruba many. I think you will like Aruba if you enjoy SM, we do.

Teanne

Great! thank you for the info, definately helps. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

I agree with the Madame Janette's suggestion. Food and service were excellent. The inside of the restaurant is not what you expect when you see the outside. Driftwood which is in town is another excellent choice.. Biggest shrimp cocktail I have ever seen. Being a 9 time SXM visitor I wasn't sure I would like it. Went for the 1st time last year and going back this October doing a villa again. It should be intersting being a SXM traveler what you think of Aruba. Some SXM people don't like it others love it. We found it a great alternative. If you want any other info send me a PM.
Thanks Tim
<a href="Jennetteshttp://www.madamejanette.info/joomla/" target="_blank">Jennetteshttp://www.madamejanette.info/joomla/</a>

Chalet Swisse was excellent. Our favorite. Also enjoyed Aqua, and for casual setting on the water go to Bugaloe Bar on the pier...food and drinks were very good and decent prices and usually have entertainment at happy hour a couple nights a week. For a snorkel/sunset sail check out Blue Melody/Black Pearl. Small company had a great time and not a huge group. No loud music but does serve drinks.
Have fun!

We have been to Aruba seven times. Don't miss Charlie's Bar in San Nicholas for lunch or dinner. My favorite. For beaches, I love Boca Grandi. If you want to be challenged, go to Dos Playa beaches (north beach or south beach). Not easy to get to and you will be the only one on the beach. The waters there are unswimmable, however. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are a piece of cake to get to and I prefer Eagle Beach, although there is much more activity on Palm Beach. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

We are also veterans of SXM, but have also traveled to Aruba 11 out of the last 12 years. Aruba is out of the hurricane belt, so we feel a bit better about traveling in September.

Last year we stayed at Divi Pheonix, which is about a mile north of La Cabana. They have a beachfront restaurant called Sunset Bistro, which turned out to be really nice. On Saturday nights they have an all you can eat BBQ Buffet(chicken, steak and mahi-mahi), which is both tasty and reasonable at $23 per person. We went a second time for the regular menu and are looking forward a return in three weeks. If you are in Town during the day, try the Paddock on the Marina, very good grouper sandwiches. I also agree with the comments on Madame Jeanettes as it is a must stop on our list.

Lots of great places to dine! Passions on the Beach is great for dinner, tables right on beach, beautiful sunsets, great food! The Flying Fishbone in Savaneta is also right on beach, great food and ambience!!One of these at least is a must!

Flying Fishbones was our favorite!!!!!

White Modern Cuisine

http://www.whitecuisine.coym/

Carte Blanche
http://carteblanchearuba.com/

The Old Man and the Sea
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Old-man-And-The-Sea/94726533737

2 Fools and a Bull
http://www.2foolsandabull.com/

Sorry, that should be:

http://www.whitecuisine.com/

Just came back last Thursday, seems like a month already, and had a great time. Missed Sandy going out and we were the 1st flight back to NY on Jetblu.
Ate at Blossoms in the Westin. Excellent! You have 3 options Sushi, typical chinese menu and Hibachi style. We did the chinese menu. Get reservations. Almost didn't get into Madamme Jannettes they were booked.
Putting up a HUGE new food store just opposite the high rises. The Ritz Carlton is the last new high rise on the beach to be built. Supposedly they aren't allowing anymore. Have a great time.
Hope coming from Jersey you din't get impacted with Sandy.
Enjoy
Tim

Whatever you do don't go to Il Faro ( the restaurant by the lighthouse) It's terrible.

Agreed, best view, worst food.

All we ever had was appetizers pricey and nothing to rave about and some drinks at the bar. Enjoyed the sunset and the view. Guess that we made the right choice.