I know that Bonaire is a small island - I am looking for an upscale accomodation for myself and three young adult daughters to solely enjoy the beach and the beauty of the island - No diving required. Any info on accomodations,restaurants or otherwise would be gratefully appreciated - Thanks!

Maureen, as far as an upscale resort, the Plaza Resort and Buddy Dive resort are at lease two that advertize all the time in Dive Magazines consistantly. But if your looking for beaches, Bonaire has some but its not the kind of beaches with umbrellas and servants. Most of Bonaire resorts are geared to divers and snorklers. Maybe someone else could add to this who has stayed at the Plaza. I stayed at the Dive Inn and their "beach" is about 10' wide by 50' long with a wharf and lots of local children playing.

From what I have read on the board (and saw on our last trip) a "TRULY" upscale place would be Harbour Village which does have a beach. We stay at the Plaza which is nice and it has a beach, but not the long walk on kind, more of a coral man made beach. But again I wouldn't consider the Plaza a "upscale" if you mean it in the sense of 5 star accomodations. But I would consider the snorkeling off the Plaza truly upscale and that is another reason we enjoy the Plaza. We will be going back to the Plaza in Sept. because it is right for us. Good Luck with your search.

Angela

Maureen,

If you are looking for a place with long beaches for walking, Bonaire is not the place...suggest 7 mile beach in the Caymans or St. Martin, St Croix.
Several of the resorts in Bonaire have small beaches. As mentioned Plaza, Harbor Village and Divi (although I would not call Divi upscale)...as far as upscale accomodations, Bellefonte is probably the most upscale but no beach to speak of....

Maureen,

If you want a small, safe, friendly island with 30+ beautiful nearly deserted beaches and GREAT gourmet restaurants try Anguilla. Cap Juluca seems to be the premier resort there but Cuisinart and Malliouhanna are also upscale.

Email me if you want more information.

Belinda

Yes, I agree with Belinda on the quality of beaches on Anguilla...We just got back from our 4th trip there in May of this year. We love the beaches there but the snorkeling in Bonaire is unbelievable...We go to Anguilla for my beach fix and Bonaire for our snorkeling...

Angela

Maureen, I would highly recommend a beach house at The Harbour Village Resort or the penthouse suite (with jacuzzi) at the BelMar Resort. No beach at BelMar but a nice swimming pool, great view and good snorkeling. Both resorts are close to town.

Maureen, There is no question that Harbour Village is Bonaire's only "upscale" resort. It is newly reopened after renovation to an all suite resort. The private beach is fine, manicured sand and has many palm trees for shade as well as beach furniture. Beachfront suites are available.

Aruba has awesome beaches, if your looking for one of the ABC islands. but be prepared to get sand blasted if you go in the windy season.