The Caribbean - Bermuda or Aruba?

Looking to take my wife to either Bermuda or Aruba for our 15th anniversary in April: any pros or cons to either location? We'll be flying in from Boston, so I know that Bermuda is closer. We would want a "first class" experience. Thanks in advance for advice!!!

Since as you know Bermuda is much closer, April weather on the East Coast can be iffy. If you want warm weather then definitely choose Aruba (it isn't too far from the equator). As for the properties I really can't comment.

April weather in Bermuda is usually great. It is not like Boston in April.

IMHO, for a first class experience, Bermuda wins hands down. Aruba is mostly typical Caribbean beach resort oriented towards package travel. In Bermuda you can have a real first class experience. Stay at Horizons or Coral Beach Club or Cambridge Beaches (also heard good things about Ariel Sands).

East of getting there to/from Boston is not to be overlooked. You'll arrive in Bermuda in time for lunch. On the return you'll have time for a leisurely breakfast, walk on the beach, and still be home before dinner.

Of course, the first class experience in Bermuda will cost significantly more than Aruba.

I haven't been to Bermuda, but I've been to Aruba often. The weather is pretty much guaranteed. The people are great, there's decent food, and while there isn't a ton to see, there are enough island locations to drive around to on your first stay (I'm perfectly fine sitting on the beach now). There's excellent diving, clean water, gambling, and friendly people. If you don't mind the cost, the Hyatt is the best hotel on the main beach. The one drawback is no balconies.

I have been to both, and I would say definitely Bermuda - the beaches are awesome, less tourist people (more Bermudians) and there's more to do in and around area. Its usually much more expensive though. Best beaches in the Carribean ^ ! (Though I guess its strictly not the Carribean)

Things to keep in mind - traffic keeps to the other side in Bermuda, and you can't rent cars (taxis or moped-like thingies with VERY narrow roads) - driving there is scary but exciting.

From Boston Bermuda would most probably be a direct flight - much better than stopping off somewhere, which is most likely for Aruba. I stayed at the Elbow Beach in Bermuda, which was really good (make sure you ask for ocean-view though).

Have a great time! :)

Might want to check out this thread about Aruba.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=354740

Bermuda is 2nd world. Aruba is 3rd world !

If in Bermuda think about the Fairmont (Hamilton for town and Southampton for beach) on the Fairmont Gold level. Very nice lounges and amenities. I was met by the Butler at the airport (no charge apart from the normal taxi fare back to the hotel !) who sorted out check in etc. for me. Very Rolls Royce service.

Although I enjoy both islands, Bermuda is hands down more upper class. In addition to the hotels mentioned above, I can recommend the Reefs in Southampton. private beach, 2 meals per day, private rooms built on a cliff facing the private beach, class A amenities. Very expensive however. they have a website should you be interested. Ariel Sands is much cheaper, but the property shows it. Avoid Grotto Bay Hotel, which shows up in most of the package deals. It isn't very nice. There is usually one true all-inclusive, whose name escapes me, but be aware that this hotel is not on the beach or anywhere near it.