Does anyone know the status of the timeshare units or the casino at the Divi? We know they were being updated and were wondering it they are both complete now. We are planning on going in February. Thanks

I know that the casino opened at the end of November.

Marcia,

When in February are you going?

We're hoping for 2/9 to 2/18 if we can get our transportation from Aruba figured out.

That's good to hear - Thanks.

Marcia
Since American has cancelled their Bonaire/Aruba flights, you are probably stuck with Dutch Carribean aka ALM via Curacao. (or you can fly American to San Juan and then back to Bonaire.. think that is about 5 hours of flying for the 60 or so miles it is from Aruba to Bonaire).
Wonder if anyone else knows of some better way to go between Aruba and Bonaire.

Marcia,
We were at the Divi in Nov and early December. The renovations had not started then. Island time is sometime slow. Even though the new stuff has not been added we really enjoyed the DIVI time shares and are trying to find a time share to buy. I know you will have a great time.

Marcia, we're leaving on Sunday and will be staying at Lighthouse Beach Resort. But since our timeshare in Aruba is with Interval International, we're going to check out Divi while we're in Bonaire and plan on trading into there if the renos look reasonable. I'll update you when we get back, or maybe even while we're down there.

Freda

Freda, we own a timeshare at Divi Village in Aruba (purchased at pre-construction in the 1980's) and one at Divi's Flamingo Beach Resort in Bonaire. There is no comparison as far as the structures, buildings, etc, (Aruba's Divi Village is very plush and modern) BUT I will take Bonaire over Aruba ANY day. We have NOT used our Aruba timeshare (a gorgeous one, too) since we discovered Bonaire only a few short years ago. We bought the Bonaire Timeshare during our first day on Bonaire and now we use both owned weeks on the island of Bonaire. We did not sell the Aruba unit...simply use it in Bonaire at the Divi Flamingo in addition to our Bonaire unit. We realize we can travel just about anywhere in the world, but we don't want to be anywhere except Bonaire. Now that's hooked. I hope things work out the way you want them to. Carole

Carole, since I have been reading and participating in Bonaire Talk I have been recognizing your input and enthusiasm! You DO seem to enjoy yourself on Bonaire! I'm afraid I haven't paid much attention to when you're going to be there next...any chance it's in January?

Our timeshare on Aruba is Caribbean Palm Village and it's nice. Nice. But it ain't Bonaire! And the diving is very ho-hum. We've had good times on Aruba, but I'm basically just putting in time there. No real passion. I am serious about checking out Divi on Bonaire next week. Brad and I are both very avid divers and on a week's dive vacation do little else. For a month's vacation, I have some concerns about Brad's activity level. Consequently, we're going to try and get involved in "island stuff." I have lots of things I like to do: photography, carving, shelling, SNORKELING (between dives!) but Brad needs to be DOING SOMETHING...CONSTRUCTIVE. I want to nurture this need as I want to be able to revisit Bonaire even more frequently after Brad retires. I retired two years ago. I truly hope to spend several weeks on island each year, maybe at different seasons. With our two weeks on Aruba, that makes it reasonable to consider. Wish we could meet!

Freda

Marcia...
We stayed in the timeshare units over thanksgiving. We found them to be clean & serviceable, but can't imagine that they'd been renovated. Our air conditioner was barely functioning. Upon check-in, we asked to see another room, but the AC was just as anemic, so we stayed put. We hung beach towels over the inside of the louvered windows to help keep some cool air in.
Furnishings are basic. Nothing seems new, but we weren't expecting the Ritz. Many exterior surfaces have been repainted (in conjunction with the re-opening of the casino), and heaps of new landscaping was being installed during our visit. Kay (The Maniac) Powers stays there frequently so you might want to drop her a note to get her input. (She might not have noticed any improvements, though. Don't think she took her mask or reg off the whole trip!) Have a great time!
Deb.

Just got back from Divi Flamingo. I've been staying there annually since '88 so I see the changes. They ARE renovating timeshare rooms. New kitchen appliances, A/C, etc. I think the one they were working on last week was Rm.739. The overall resort was in much better shape than last year which was much better then the prior year, etc., etc. The resort is actually getting a little classy (I have mixed feelings about that, though) with new activities, equipment, 7-day casino hours, improved security measures, etc. There were so many divers that boat space was at a premium for a couple days until a large group checked out. Th best thing to happen to the Divi Flamingo was the Plaza. The competition has them cleaning up their act. I just hope they stop raising maintenance fees to make improvements that really benefit their non-timeshare operations. I do have to say that it was more noisy than ever. Lots of street traffic and partying 20-somethings (good for them, though!)
Incidentally, the Plaza looked dead. I don't see how they'll hold on to their status if the island tourism and transportation keep dropping.

Thanks for the Divi report...looking forward to checking out the changes ourselves.

THANKS FOR ALL THE INPUT - WE MADE OUR RESERVATIONS ARE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR FEB STAY THERE. WE ARE ANXIOUS TO SEE ALL THE IMPROVEMENTS.

marcia:
arriving feb 24 departing mar 4.
1st time at bonaire. hope everything is at it appears in these reports

To Marcia Lamanna,
I’m compiling and distributing a list of Bonaire Talker’s who plan on being on-Island during February and/or March of 2002 (just in case someone wants to meet other BTr’s or try to set up any get-togethers). I see from the above, that you are arriving in February; if you want to be added to the list and receive the occasional E-mails, let me know your arrival and departure dates, either by E-mail or by posting here. See my ‘profile’ picture for a chart of the current list, and see “BonaireTalk: Everything Else: Feb/March BT’rs” for more information and view of the name/dates list.
Regards, Chet

HI CHET - E-MAILS WOULD BE GREAT - WE ARE ARRIVING FEB 9TH AND LEAVE ON FEB 17TH

LOOKING FORWARD TO HEAR WHAT'S GOING ON.
THANKS, MARCIA

Marcia,
You'll be included on the list and future mailings (either today or tomorrow).

We're planning a trip to Bonaire in June and are debating between the Plaza and the Divi. We'd love input from all of you Bonaire fans!

I loved the beach at Plaza for Mom and my daughter. Great location and SUPER Grande Oceanfront suites. The property is too big for my taste. Divi was super. Walk to town, lovely oceanfront rooms and great staff.

Annie
Cape Cod

Anonymous, you might want to review some of the trip reports and/or do a search on Plaza and Divi.