Caribbean Trade

[aclov]

Thinking of doing a Caribbean trade for Sept/Oct. A couple of options are available - Aruba, St. Martin, Barbados.

I've never been to any of these spots. Any suggestions or am I pretty safe picking any location?

 

[william1375]

I've been to all 3 of those locations as cruise port-calls and they are my 3 favorite spots in the Caribbean. Your time frame looks to be hurricane season so I would tip the scales to Aruba (no hurricanes).

 

[alldiz]

for that time of year....I would pick aruba

 

[cbnsoul]

I've been to all 3 several times and like Aruba the best (but all are good). As previous posters were saying, Aruba is best during hurricane season as it is outside the hurricane belt.

 

[aclov]

I opted for Aruba so we will see what comes through. They did have Casa del Mar available, but some of the reviews were mixed. I definately don't want to worry about a hurricane although you never know!

 

[tidefan]

We own at Royal Palm Beach Club in St Maarten. I'd be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

We really like it there and have used it 7 years in a row. I tried to see if I had any pics of the room, but I've never taken a picture of the room (go figure). The rooms were all remodeled about 3-4 years ago. You can probably find pics on Tripadvisor (don't use the ones from the Diamond site, b/c they have pics up of the old furniture). I did find a picture from our balcony from a few years back...

 

[Dean]

While Aruba would be my first option for that time from a location standpoint, there are precious few Caribbean resorts (excluding Gulf MX) that are a fair trade using DVC. Personally I'd try to get a private or independent company exchange to One of the Marriott's (Aruba, St. Kitt's, St. Thomas). Others to consider are Harbourside (Atlantis), Westin St. John, Sandals Jamaica and Windjammer. Of that list, only 1 or 2 are on the DVC list if IRCC. There are certainly other resorts worth staying at , esp on Aruba, Morritt's Grande Cayman's, Bougainvillea, a couple on St. Marteen, etc. I purposefully left out DR and Cruise boats as I see those as specialty options and neither appeal to us in any way.

 

[AnnaS]

I opted for Aruba so we will see what comes through. They did have Casa del Mar available, but some of the reviews were mixed. I definately don't want to worry about a hurricane although you never know!

Good Luck! Please come back and let us know and would definitely love a trip report.

 

[AnnaS]

We own at Royal Palm Beach Club in St Maarten. I'd be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

We really like it there and have used it 7 years in a row. I tried to see if I had any pics of the room, but I've never taken a picture of the room (go figure). The rooms were all remodeled about 3-4 years ago. You can probably find pics on Tripadvisor (don't use the ones from the Diamond site, b/c they have pics up of the old furniture). I did find a picture from our balcony from a few years back...

I am sure you own a fixed week - when do you go again? Please take and post some pictures and/or a trip report (pm me or can give you my email).

I know you own here but I would love to read DVC exchange/RCI trip reports - just looking for feedback for a possible trade here and there. I have only traded once before RCI.