We plan on going to Bonaire for the first time the end of March. I've been reading these posts and I'm more confused than ever. I need some solid recommendations for accomodations.

We're two divers who want to dive, snorkel, relax, and a lot of romance. I'm looking for accomodations that are conducive for the above. A little romantic ambiance with a good dive facility.

Please help

You might want to check out Sand Dollar Condo resort. They have nice studio, one, two and three bedroom units all with complete kitchens. Dive shop right there. We might be a little partial, we own a two bedroom unit there. If you have any questions please let us know.

Rachell, it depends on how much you want to spend. We have stayed at the sand$ and absoutely loved it, and will stay there again. The recommendations that folks have made are on target, it just depends on how much you want to pay. The plaza, divi, belmar and carib inn are on one side of town, and the Habitat, Lions, Buddy's are on the other end of town (near Jake and Linda)...also, some places have kitchens, while others do not...you will love it, and really can't go wrong! for a great romantic dinner, if you like itaian, go to capricios...it is right across from town pier. I know that doesn't help much, go to www.infobonaire.com and check each place out, they have pics, etc. you may get more of a feel when you see a pic (helped me)!

Rachell,,,we stay at Sandollar twice a year...love the place...but it is going through changes....we are going back in May and again in November cause we are loyal and just love the place....It all depends on what level of luxury you are use to....Sandollar is very friendly, and very accomodating...with good staff who are eager to help...they have been dealing with the misfortune of Hurricane Lenny and are in a transitional phase that does not seem to upset anyone who knew them before their misfortune....I highly recommend them....for I am very much at home there...But a first trip should be special to get you to know the island..and than once comfortable...find your nitch.... Almost all places are decent...pick one and explore the others.....you will defineltly be back to "dabble" in the lodgings that are available...just close your eyes and pick one....how bad could it be.....from what you have read so far....what is your pick?

We will be going for our fourth trip to Lions Dive this year. It's a great place and the Lions Den restaurant is great, the Lobster Dinner Special could be a very romantic evening. We like the apartments and the bedrooms are wonderful! Have a good trip.

Rachel, Lagoen Hill Bungalows are located in the rolling hills near Lagoen Bay -
a quiet residential setting with great island views of Bonaire. Only 2 miles
from the capital city of Kralendijk.
The Resort features 30 private bungalows, set among lush tropical gardens.
The almost new studio's, 1-and 2 bedroom bungalows are provided with cable
TV, radio, ceiling-fans, personal safe, hot water facilities, a fully
equipped kitchen, a spacious bathroom with shower and large bedrooms with
air-conditioning. The cozy living room in the studio's and 1-bedroom
bungalows are provided with an extra sleeping-couch.. There are also
3-bedroom villas for rent with a stunning view, suitable for 6 to 8 persons.
Homes with all the comfort and modern amenities needed for a perfect and
affordable island getaway
Facilities include a large freshwater pool with sun-deck and a full -
service "drive-thru" Dive Shop operated by Toucan Diving featuring 24 hours
access to dive tanks, equipment lockers and cleaning facilities. The Dive
Shop opens on request also for late registration and check-out. Rental and
sales of all basic diving equipment.

We've been to Lion's Dive twice. Great roomy accomodations with a full kitchen, a nice restaurant on site, small man-made beach, pool, and a terrific dive shop. When we go back, that's where we'll stay again-we loved it! If you're interested, Bon Bini Divers can help with the reservations; just e-mail them.

I have been to Bonaire 4 times with my 5th trip scheduled for September 2002. On the past two trips we stayed at Lions Dive and absolutely loved it! Have already booked there for our September trip. The staff there is friendly, the accomodations are clean and well kept, the pool is delightful, the beach area nice for a gathering place after diving, the dive locker area spacious, clean and secure and the diving right out in front of the resort superb - we saw a seahorse and a frog fish!

I also highly recommend Bon Bini Divers,the dive shop right on the premises of Lions Dive.

Rachel, I think you're probably getting the picture, but we all have our favorites.

I've been to Bonaire 3 times and we've stayed at Captain Don's Habitat each time, and loved it. There are all ranges of rooms from very luxurious Oceanfront Villas to more rustic bungalows. We've stayed in both the Villas and the Junior Suites. The Villas are very nice, roomy with a small kitchen and with decks in back where you can sit and watch the sun set.

The dive staff is great, friendly and helpful but not obsequious; the boats (to go to Klein Bonaire) are fast; the restaurant is very good - you can eat cheaply if you want (they have pizza if you're so inclined), or pay a bit more for a very nice meal. Also, it's right next door to Lions Den Restaurant which was mentioned above, and is wonderful - we ate there for our anniversary dinner.

No matter where you stay, the diving will be great.

We are a family of three divers (son is 16). Would he enjoy the Lions Dive? We want to include him in our vacations before he goes to college & would like to stay somewhere that he would enjoy as well. Any ideas?

Linda Q
Oregon

Linda,
I've got 3 teens...my son is now 18, but has been visiting Bonaire with us since he was 12. He LOVES Bonaire. There likely will not be a lot of kids your son's age at any of the resorts, but if he enjoys diving, snorkeling, sailing, ocean kayaking, tennis...these are all available either at Lions Dive or a short walk away. Lions Dive is right next to Don's, Buddy Dive, Sand Dollar, and a moderate walk away from Wanna Dive Bonaire.

Town is a few miles...so it is a walkable distance...but too far for me!

Wind surfing on the other side of Bonaire...kayaking in the mangroves also available there.

Can rent mountain bikes also..so a lot to do.

I find my kids get tired from the activities and sleep 'till about noon every day...and are in bed by about 10:00 pm...just can't keep up with the older folks.

Hope you and your family enjoy Bonaire!

Scott

Talk about lucky! 6 months ago I knew nothing about Bonaire and today we have just managed to book a flight out from Denmark on the 22 March and returning on the 31st March. From everything I have read over the last 24hrs I know I will want to stay longer.
So what about accomodation? We are looking for something small, cosy and quite. Any suggestions? What about Coco Palm Garden? All info gratefully received as picking a place from the Net is a bit tricky. Thanks

Abigail, have you looked at the Sun Rentals Web Site? http://www.sunrentals.an

They have a number of small, cosy houses.. we're renting a property through them ourselves this Summer for the first time.. I am always apprehensive when booking over the net too! I hope you find something nice and enjoy your trip to BON.. Sarah

We just got back from a ten day stay at the Aqua Viva Apts. We found ours very clean and nice, easy to stay in and extremely affordable. They are located north of town, across the street from the Eden resort and guests have full use of the Eden's beach, pool etc. Not fancy, but they have air conditioning in the bedrooms, a clean and adequate kitchen (We were cooking for five. The owners offer a deal where if you stay seven nights, the seventh night is free. For five people for ten nights the cost was under $1400. We had a great stay. No hot water, but it didn't matter at all.

We just got back from a ten day stay at the Aqua Viva Apts. We found ours very clean and nice, easy to stay in and extremely affordable. They are located north of town, across the street from the Eden resort and guests have full use of the Eden's beach, pool etc. Not fancy, but they have air conditioning in the bedrooms, a clean and adequate kitchen (We were cooking for five). The owners offer a deal where if you stay seven nights, the seventh night is free. For five people for ten nights the cost was under $1400. We had a great stay. No hot water, but it didn't matter at all. We rented a dual cab pick up truck and a couple of mountain bikes. Saw the flamingos at dawn at Pekelmeer many a morning and
enjoyed our large living room and cable tv before tucking in early for another day of fun in the sun. It was great.

Sorry, I didn't realize I couldn't back up for corrections and so wound up posting twice. It is my first morning back and it's a wonder I still remember how to do this at all.

Terry,
I'm thinking of staying at the Aqua Viva apartments - what did you mean when you said there was no hot water?

Darryl

No hot water heaters.
The sun usually warms the regular water so that a late afternoon shower is very nice. That said, I have a hot water heater in my shower and use it. I'm a wimp about these things. Jake and the kids only seem to use it during the winter :-)