USVI-On-Line

For what it's worth:

We have considered all of this. In the end, we decided that as time goes by, as our children get older, as our needs for vacation change, as our preferences change and our bucket list grows, purchasing a time share or committing to something forever just doesn't make sense. FOR US. Ten years ago, we might have jumped on this but, we didn't and I am glad we didn't. Again, this is just our take on it.

We miss STJ dearly but, we have so much else to see and do at this point in our lives and there isn't all that much vacation time to do everything.

Best wishes in your decision.

We are timeshare owners in Aruba (since 1992)and on St. Maarten (since 1993) and have never regretted it. There are many things to consider when buying, i.e. will you be happy going to the same place each year or do you want to trade for other places? We have never stayed at our timeshare on St. Maarten and have always used it for trading. If you buy a timeshare affiliated with RCI that is "points" you have a much greater ability to trade, especially if it is a red week. I would not purchase a "new" - I think you should contact Pia's husband and check out previously owned. We have done it both ways. BillVT has given you another great option to check out at Sunset Ridge Villas. My friends and I are staying there in May. I know it will not be fancy like the Westin but I'm sure it will be perfect for us and I believe it will be more of an "island experience" for us.

Having timeshare weeks allowed us to take our children places we could have otherwise never have afforded. Now that they are grown, we have given them weeks to use for their own vacations some years.

If you think you will only use the timeshare on STJ, then you might be happy with a unit there. But if you think you will use it to trade for other places, I would look at a pre-owned in the Orlando area or somewhere else where you can pick up a 5 star red week for trading power at a reduced price.

If you would like to pick my brain for more info, please PM me. We have never purchased on ebay but I have a friend who has done it twice with great results - a unit in Colorado and a unit in Hawaii.