Hello, what a great resource! I've been reading threads all afternoon.
I've been to Bonaire once before, in 1996, and consider it the best diving I've experienced in the Caribbean. Right now I'm trying to plan a trip for four of us for the upcoming month, Dec 11 - 19th, 2004. Only one in our party is not a diver. We intend to rent a car, and only do shore dives in order to maximize the time all four of us can spend together.
I'm looking for recommendations for comfortable lodging with decent grounds (esp important if the non-diver were to stay at the hotel on some days while we dived). Ideally, we will find a single unit with two rooms, a decent size central area + a kitchen. I'm an avid cook, and would like to plan for a few meals in on this trip. (I believe I still have an old yellow-cover paperback copy of a local cookbook bought there in 96. Unfortunately, my attempts at cooking island cuisine failed miserably that trip. I believe we ran out of butter sauteing some fresh seafood, and had to substitute lemon juice in such quantities that the acidulated end product made us pucker with every bite. My roommates balked when I told them I might prepare a kid stew. And I think I made some local grain that turned out no better than mush. Since that time, I've worked in excellent restaurants and gained sophistication in the kitchen. I still don't think I'll be good enough to convince my roommates to eat goat.)
Because we're late on planning, we're looking at package airfare/hotel deals on-line with offerings at Divi, Buddy Dive, Lions Dive. I've been reading through a number of threads on these locations, but if you have some thoughts that would be pertinent to what we're looking for, I sure would appreciate it. Thank you for taking the time!

Welcome to the board Brian.
There are a lot places on the island that would meet your needs. Buddy is always a good choice, they have 2 and 3 br condos that would meet your needs. They have a pool and shaded setting areas that are nice for the non divers. Lions Dive and Sand Dollar have similar accommodations. I am sure there a lot more but those are the ones I have experience with. No doubt others will give you more options. You might want to give a travel agent a shot at booking your trip as well. At times they have found better deals for me, at least it does not hurt to ask. I have used Caradonna on several occasions. http://www.caradonna.com/caradonna/default.aspx

Again, welcome to the board.

Herman

The Oasis cottages at Captian Don's are simple but nice. 2 br, each with their own bath. The cottages have a TV and a full kitchen. I have stayed in them 3 times, and I will be there again in January. The resort has a nice pool with a great view of the water, a good restaurant and bar. The staff has always been great each time we were there.

I would mostly echo what others have said. A few other thoughts:

This thread talks about a person whose wife is a non-diver and where they might stay: http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/30/187867.html?1099525862#POST222714 (I *think* the studios at Divi have a kitchen but they are not two bedroom.)

I also find http://www.infobonaire.com/ to be a good general resource.

I am also a big fan of the Carib Inn (they have a two bedroom seaside unit that I love and also a three bedroom house) but the grounds are more limited (it does have a tiny beach, a nice gazebo overlooking the water, great house dive, a pool and *great* staff -- but no restaurant, no bar, no 24 hour front desk, they don't do packages and they are often full as they have only nine units + the house). So, while I am a big fan, it is not everyone's cup of tea.

If you are looking for a package, I would try Caradonna and/or BonairePros. I usually book seperate but I have used Caradoona before and was very happy with their service and their price.

Enjoy!

Check out Belmar Oceanfront apartments. They have 2bedroom/2bathroom units with full kitchens. They also can arrange diving and airfare. We have stayed with them twice and will do so again. The only drawback might be that they are small (only 22 units), no onsite resturant or bar. Do have pool and are right on the water with a nice house reef. If you need night life you would have to drive into Playa or to some of the other resorts.

I would suggest Divi, Buddy's and Eden Beach.

I suggest Dive inn and Eden beach.

I'm a big fan of Bonaire Town Homes, who have two two-bedroom units, a little out of town (unfortunately, not on the water). Very reasonably priced, full kitchen, lovely hammocking/sitting areas outside, and absolutely delightful owners. website: www.bonairetownhomes.com, or you can email them for availability at: info@bonairetownhomes.com

I'll be spending my 7th trip to Bonaire with them in Feb/March.

Thanks for all your great input. I really appreciate the help!