My wife & I are planning a trip to Bonaire in early September and have basically narrowed down our choices of accommodations to:

Eden Beach

Plaza Resort

Sand Dollar

We have read a variety of posts but are looking for both positive & negatives for each based on experience to help us make our choice and are really looking for people who have stayed recently.

Thanks, Sean

My only negative about Sand $$ is the less than inspiring landscape. Loved the condo. Staff was very helpful in every way.

Hi, Karen -- there are plans to "spruce up" the landscaping, but having said that, I feel it is important to acknowledge what the original developers had in mind when they landscaped the common grounds. They felt it was important to maintain the theme of the island itself. They were opposed to a rainforest look, and they also didn't want to block the seaside views to the ocean with plants and/or trees. Another problem with adding a lot of plants is mosquitos, and other creepy crawly insects. *smile*

Sean, I suggest a keyword search on each resort and select by date for 60 days say. Keyword search is at the bottom of the page.

Betty, I agree that the tropical look of some neighboring resorts is not in keeping with the natural island landscaping. That being said, there's still quite a bit of sprucing up that could be done. BUT this is really a minor point. I just offered it as the only negative I could think of. When returning to Bonaire, we will go to Sand$$$

Eden Beach is the best kept secret on the island. Everyone eventually ends up there during their stay, whether it be for the diving(webcam, wrecks), Bongo's for drinks or grub and Wannadive the friendliest dive shop on the island. Oh, I forgot, the beach is awesome, prices the best, service whenever you are in need... Shoot, it's supposed to be an island secret.

Our family stayed at the Sand$ for two weeks in February. We will be returning next year. We found the service and friendliness of this resort excellent. We had no problems with theft, nor did I hear of anybody else having problems. Hope this helps.

Sandi

We were in Bonaire 3 years ago and stayed at Lion's Dive after reading the comments on the message board. We were very happy with Lion's Dive. We are coming back in June (a group of 4)and have been looking at Sand $ and Eden Beach among others. One of our group has been given a quote from Palm Studios for 7 nights, with shore diving and rental truck, that is about $250 less per person than the quotes from the others. I think this sounds too good to be true, and was wondering if anybody had any information, good or bad, about Palm Studios. I found one bad comment from over a year ago, but nothing else in the archives. Thanks for any info you can give!

I am looking for RECENT detailed information on
Lions Dive
Eden Beach
and any other new resorts

I have been to Bonaire 4 times but the last time I was
there was over 3 years ago so I am looking for feedback
before I make my final decision

Last time we were there we stayed at Buddy Dive. Their
Dive and Drive package was really great and convenient

Thanks in advance!

Mike

Lions Dive has been bought out by Buddy Dive. The shop has closed but Lions Den is still running. The hotel is now an integral part of Buddy Dive and the diving is with Buddy Dive.

Mike any of those are fine along with the other resorts including the Divi, Plaza, Sand Dollar etc. Most have dive and drive packages your best bet is to look at the trip reports here and look at here for more info. Deciding on a resort is not easy but there are no wrong answers.

Mike, Belmar is also a great option. We stayed there the last time and got a package as well (car, dive, room). Do you want on the water? If not, there are also other great options.

Belmar doesn't have a restaruant on site, but as they are condos, you have a fully stocked kitchen (like Sand$)

Don't forget Capn Don's Habitat. I hope the Capn is well enough after his operation to restart his regular presentation night. Details will be in the Bonaire reporter - if it is on - don't miss it.

I just posted a trip report from last week which describes a few of my thoughts on Sand Dollar vs. Buddy Dive.

Bottom line: Sand Dollar seemed much quieter, fewer people, a better place to go if you want to be away from the crowds, be on less crowded boats, etc. Buddy has a much better restaurant IMO.