Hi, Judi! I am personally partial to the Sycamores (in West Hill) as that is where we own. Also- it is a community with it's own outdoor heated pool (best one there imo with a lovely view of the Notch) and clubhouse, with a gym and game room, etc. It is, however, away from the main village. We like that, but some people like being in the village for convenience. No worries, because Smuggs has an excellent shuttle system or you can do what we do- we either walk down or take our car!
We also like Aspens. The units are the same as Sycamores. They also have their own pool and small gym. No game room or clubhouse.
Balsams are right in the village. I have never been in one. For those, you do have to use the so-called "public" pools only.
Now- as for Tamaracks, Owls and Kestrels- well they are all in the North Hills community. The North Hill has an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tubs and a gym. I personally do not care for their recreation/pool center and they have had a lot of issues over the years with repairs in there as well. Again- way far from the main village. Tamaracks are like the Sycamores- but newer. Very lovely units.
The Kestrels are part of what I believe RCI calls the Mountain Estates. Again- lovely and they have screened in gazebos attached to the units. And the Owls- most are Presidentials and very upscale and the newest.
Hope this helps. We have owned there for 20 years so ask away.