I've been to Bonaire twice this year. Each time as economically as possible. I avoid the large tourist hotels, but I use their facilities nonetheless. I stayed the first trip at the Coco Palm Gardens, basic, clean, secure lodgings. I stayed in a studio, which had everything, except no TV ( a GOOD thing).

But the second time I went, I went a little more upscale. Across the street and down the block from the Coco Palm Garden are Tim and John's Ocean View Villas. Now first of all, there's no ocean view, unless you walk out to the end of the street and there you have the ocean itself, but who cares, these three apartments are in a gorgeous landscaped complex, kept up meticulously with indoor and outdoor showers and private patios, well designed and furnished, and everything works perfectly.

I couldnt have been happier and plan to return there again. Town is a five minute drive and the windsurfing venues at Sorobon are 7 minutes down the road the other direction.

Personally I cant understand why anyone would stay at a resort with their overpriced impersonal services when you can be protected and looked after just fine at private villas like this. Tim and John live on premises and are exceptionally helpful and gracious and can give you tips only locals can.

So for my money, I stay there. and when I want to go to a social happy hour, or swim on a sandy beach with incredible snorkeling, I just walk onto the resort property of the Plaza, or tool into town, and I have it all.

Windsurfing is fabulous at Sorobon. Ask for Elvis (no joke).

While I absolutely understand the appeal of all types of accomodations from low to high end, I just thought I'd respond to Alan's comment of "Personally I cant understand why anyone would stay at a resort with their overpriced impersonal services."

Here are a few of the reasons:
--Many resorts on Bonaire often run specials and have packages that are, in my opinion, NOT overpriced, when you add up the combo of room, diving, breakfast, TRUCK RENTAL, and transfers.
--Having a full breakfast buffet available only steps from your room is pleasant, speedy, and often tasty.
--Having the convenience of a house reef. Walk a few steps from room to gear room, gear up, jump in. Can't get easier than that.
--Meeting other people. Hey, part of the charm of Bonaire is NOT having to deal with others when you don't want to, but I have made many friends in the small resort environment.
--Amenities like ice machines, pool, bar, restaurant on site, hammocks, "beach" (okay, using this term loosely on Bonaire!).
--Convenience at a place like Buddy Dive of arriving at the airport, getting picked up, checking in at your leisure, picking up your truck right there; can't count the number of times I've stepped out of the baggage area at Flamingo airport after a LONG travel day and been so glad I didn't have to deal with anything; seeing a friendly face holding up the Buddy Dive sign meant that I could immediately switch into island mode and not have to deal with anything.
--"Impersonal services". Hmmm. Perhaps it's because we're repeat guests, but at Buddy dive the service we have received from everyone (front desk, dive shop, housekeeping, restaurant, bar) has been anything but impersonal.

Don't get me wrong: there's a million great ways to "do" Bonaire. Just wanted to add my two cents that there are reasons for staying at a dive resort.

And finally: using a resorts facilities when you're not staying there is okay sometimes, but when a guest at a resort finds out that the only two hammocks are being occupied by non-paying non-guests (and I have experienced this), it is not only unfair and impolite but also quite irritating.

Alan, thanks for your report. From what I have seen of John and Tim's place, it is indeed a beautiful property. I am glad you found a place that feels like "home".

I am glad also that you stated

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quote:

and when I want to go to a social happy hour, or swim on a sandy beach with incredible snorkeling, I just walk onto the resort property of the Plaza, or tool into town, and I have it all.

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I would say Alan if you enjoy the small personal properties then stick with them but don't come and use others properties that you haven't paid for.
That is like you putting a pool in your backyard and everyone comes over to use it.
I guess this is the reason that resorts put the bands around peoples wrist that do belong and deserve the ammenities.

Bev, I do not know of a place on Bonaire that does not welcome all tourists to eat in their restaurants nor drink at their bars. Neither do I know of an establishment that requires its' clients to wear bands.

Please correct me if you know of one.

Seems that Alan just wants to stir the pot and bring out BT's thoughts of a USER! Hey, youknow, the person that bums smokes all the time and barrows things and keeps them or dumps his ashtray on the ground because he is too lazy to walk to the trashcan. Give him a break he just wants to see what we think of his kind.. Ron

Sorry Tom,
I was just making comment that I didn't think it was right to use all the amenities at a resort that you are not spending any money at.
Of course if you are eating and drinking and spending money, I don't have a problem with using some of the amenities.

I have never been to Bonaire but am looking forward to it early Feb 2006.
I have already purchased the BSDME book and it is great.

Ron, I read Alan's post differently. I guess everyone will.

Bev, I hope you enjoy your February trip as much as I enjoyed my first:-{)}

Alan, I forgot to say "Welcome to Bonaire Talk".

In have never been to bonaire. My wife and I want to spend a month there next summer. We want a cheap place to stay for the month with some form of transport to take us from dive spot to dive spot. We do not need frills we plan on as much time under water as we can. So we would also like to know how to get cheap tanks and refills while we are there. Most of the packages we see are for only a week we need longer. One more question how much is food in the store down there. Like I said we want to spend our money diving.
Thanks
Rick

Rick, check out this place www.diveinnbonaire.com Small Dutch owned Appartments on the sea across the street from Cha Cha (public) beach with a dock for Dive-Inn's boat. Located just north of the Divi you will see a tall windmill that is the place. Not classy but clean, with a kitchenette, bathroom, shower and A/C. Nice community porch with flowers and trees. No pool, but the sea is right across the street. House reef is great for snorkle or diving. PADI Diveshop on site with good DM's. Babs is the owner/operator and can set up a dive truck for you if you wish. Shore diving is charged by the week and it covers the whole Island. Food in the markets is higher because it has to be imported. We bring precooked bacon and frozen waffles with frozen roast beef for lunch when we go. Out to dinner every night. I do all the cooking as my wife needs a rest from doing that at home. Location is everything!! Dive-Inn has been there for 20 years and is in a prime location. Town is 4 blocks away and across the street in the evening we sit on a park bench and watch the sunset.... Well all I can say is 78 and a wake up and we will be in #3 seaside at the Dive-Inn for another 15 days. Our third trip this year... Ron

Wow, I never expected so much comment.

But to clarify, its only my preference to stay privately. Anyone can stay where they want.

And so far as using resort "facilities", the ocean is free, the beaches are accessible, the happy hours are open to anyone, the restuarants take my money as well as any registered guest and I can walk the grounds as a visitor.

Someone is low on lawn chairs? chances are its the registered guests who are using them up, lying out there all day, drinking, not me.

Be charitable, people. No one is stealing anything from you, and by the way, I dont smoke.

Alan, Tom, thanks for your nice comments.

I think many people are unaware that most small properties offer the things listed above. When you're next on the island, take a look at some of these places. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.