We traded for Aruba in 2001 and each to his own because I would never go back. The island is arid , dry and brown and the only flowers that grow are on the hotel properties which have sprinkler systems. The timeshare was very busy and crowded and bustling like a large hotel. I never felt relaxed there. Yes the trade winds keep it cool but I found I could not even sit on the beach because the winds blew sand in my face and hair constantly. Pool areas were crowded and you had to get up at the crack of dawn to get a lounge chair. Not my idea of a laid back restful vacation.
Isn't it great that we have so many choices?
I have a totally different perspective. Aruba is a desert island; outside of the resorts most of the foliage are cacti and some divi trees. The resorts have the typical tropical foliage.
As for the wind- I don't know where you were sitting, but we sit on the beach all the time and I have never had sand in my hair- and I have long hair, so if sand was going to find its way in, it certainly would in mine. Our family and many friends I know love visiting Aruba, and find the cooling breezes a big plus. There is one small corner by the pier that some people find too windy at times, but we've had palapas in that location a few times without a problem.
They are building an additional, adults only pool to ease the poolside seating issue. The reality is if you go to many resorts, cruises, etc. during peak times, people are always flocking to the pool early to reserve seats. There are few locations where prime sitting areas aren't reserved by the pool; I'm not saying that's ideal, but just that it is no better (or worse) than many other places I've been to.
It's funny that you find you can't relax there- I find just the opposite. In fact, Aruba is the only place I've visited that I have the patience with just to relax and enjoy the pool and beach (as well as a little shopping
and, of course, the abundant choice of great restaurants); usually, I am an on-the-go vacationer, but there I find it peaceful and serene just to kick back and read when I'm not in the water or taking a stroll on the beach.i
I am glad you found a place that you love. We all have different tastes. Just to let someone who hasn't visited Aruba know that there are many people who love returning there year after year, and many of whom have visited many or most of the other islands. What the island lacks in lush vegetation is more than compensated for by the constant climate, almost guaranteed good weather year round, beautiful beaches (some of which are considered world-class), easy access (with direct flights form the Northeast and many other locales), great restaurants and the cooling ocean breezes, which make being on the beach comfortable instead of intolerably hot.
