We are a family of 2 diver adults and 1 non-diver adult, 1 junior open water diver (age 13) and a 7 year old non-diver. We have holidayed in a number of places to accommodate all of us with the divers choosing the location and the non-divers the accommodation. Have stayed in villas in the Canaries, hotels in the Red Sea and a yacht in BVI so open to all suggestions. Bonaire has come up as this year's dive location. We think we would like the idea of a 2/3 bed villa-type accommodation within a hotel "complex". I appreciate from reading many of the postings that the hotels are not the "Sandals" type (thank god) Can anyone suggest somewhere with a beach, villa-type rooms, a pool for the non-divers and a bar/resturant (I'm assuming everywhere has a dive centre on site!) So looking forward to visiting Bonaire

may not be exactly what you are saying, but very close maybe --- check it out

http://www.habitatdiveresorts.com/bonaire/

Captain Don's Habitat

I am biased because we just got back from Habitat this morning and had a great time, they have a good mix of properties and Rum Runners is now a fine restaraunt with fantastics sea views and great food. We stayed 17 nights and ate at Rum Runners for all our breakfasts some lunches and 12 dinners, they do a meal plan which saves money as well. We only had one bad meal in Bonaire and that was one of the five when we ate away from the resort (the last night)luckily we had no real problems during the journey home.

I'm personally a fan of Buddy Dive Resort right next to Capt. Don's -- stayed there around 8 times. Three pools, raised beach-like area (just like Capt. Don's), fine breakfast buffet, 2 (and I believe, 3) bedroom units available with kitchen, living room, etc; great dive operation; truck included as part of your package.

I would suggest the Divi, perfect for families. I believe your 7 year old would be very happy there.
Everything you need there, close to town so those not diving can walk to town and shops too. Before my family all became divers, I had to choose a location close to things so those not diving could also get around while the divers had the truck! LOL The other places above are good too, I just really like the Divi and the Woodwind is there too for guided snorkle tours if the non-divers snorkle or they can just hang out out the resort/pool/beachside and swim/snorkle right at the Divi. Water is shallow enough for 7 year olds to swim as it gradually gets deeper.

We were with our 15 year old at Buddy's for the holidays. There were lots of kids and teens there--and the DMs were great with them, too. I did not see any special children's activities, however. Perhaps that goes on in the summer?

We had a three bedroom/three bathroom apartment (we only needed two, but that's what they gave us.) and there was PLENTY of room to stretch out. Nice balconies for eating. And--if I may mention it again?--fantastic showers!

The pools are small. The beach is small, too. The breakfast buffet is good, the bar/restaurant is okay, and the Lion's Den (right next door) is a great place for a more special meal.

I'm sure there are lots of good places for you on Bonaire, but I do recommend Buddy's. Some places you go and notice that children/teenagers are barely tolerated. That wasn't the case here. They seem to be welcomed and encouraged. It's not a wild Party crowd, either, but I don't suppose any place on Bonaire fits that description, thank God. Doesn't mom have it tough enough?