We're staying for 2 weeks and are wondering if there are laundry facilities on site. If not, can you suggest nearest laundromat?

Also read in Bonnie's report (August 21, 2005) that one could ask for iron/ironing board, as well as coffee maker for the room ... is the hotel still offering this to its guests (we're not staying in the time share units.)

Any other suggestions that you have that may lighten our load would greatly be appreciated.

One more thing (I've contacted the Dive Shop but am still waiting to hear back) perhaps you can tell me if the shop has dive skins for rent?
We would like to do our first ever night snorkel and want to be protected from 'stingy's.

Thanks in advance,

Cheryl

After paying rental for a dive skin you could own one for the same money.. Ron

Hi Cheryl,

I don't know a dive shop on island that does not have rentals. You should be fine. I dive and snorkel using a full skin for both snorkeling at night and diving anytime. Hubby uses a shortie, but is thinking about getting a full this coming trip from Bruce at Carib Inn. Had his eye on the Henderson Hyper something or other one. Now, if you are planning on using a dive skin the whole time you are there, Ron may have a point in that you may be better to buy one. You can do so on island too. If you are only planning to use it for one time, then rent away. They do last, so a worthwhile investment if you plan on coming back again and again to Bonaire. Where is Kelly? She has some awesome dive skins that are quite the dive goddess look! I almost bought one of them, still thinking about it. I got a trip coming up soon and was thinking about a new look!

Thanks Ron & Debbie, we were just thinking of using the skins for the one night of snorkeling...but who knows, we might like it so much that we may rent it for more than one night and that's where your advice comes in Ron ;o) Thanks!

I have been in touch with dear Kelly and I've checked out the dive goddess link, but we're going to be there in 15 days, 1 hour and 56 minutes (God willing) so that does not leave me enough time to order from the site (I live in Toronto).

I have cruised 2 of the local dive shops and they may have them in, in time for our trip ... but the Christmas rush cleaned them out.

One more thing .... if it's in our 'stars' we will be back because we all know 'there's no place on earth like Bonaire'. :D

My 2 cents. Buy the skin. They don't take up any room in the luggage and can be great sun protection for day snorkels. Also our experience in August was the water was a bit chilly for us. Others seem to feel the temp is good. Personally next time I will use at least a 3 mil all the time.

Hi John, thanks for your 2 cents worth, we've been converted .... hopefully the local dive shops will have them in in time.

Is there anyone out there who has stayed at Divi Flamingo recently that could answer my other questions regarding laundry facilities, coffee maker in rooms, etc? Thanks very much!! Cheryl

cheryl, i'm not sure if there are laundry facilities for you at the divi but island laundry is right near the stadium and is pretty reasonable.

Cheryl, I don't remember if I told you this, but request a small fridge in your room. It's great for leftovers from Casablanca (you'll have them if you get the mixed grill!) and for keeping your drinks cold. The last time I stayed there it was $6. per night for the fridge.

Breakfast at Divi is GREAT, but a little pricey if you don't have vouchers. I highly recommend the Lost Penguin in town for ANY meal, but breakfasts are great.

Yes Kelly, you did mention the fridge and I've made a note of it, that's a good idea, thanks!! I've not been to Casablanca or the Lost Penguin before so we will definitely give it a try.
I was not offered vouchers (that I know of) how does one get these? Does it come with a special package? I'm having a blast gathering all sorts of info for this trip, but I'm not getting anything else done LOL. I keep telling Aubrey that we're leaving next week (and he flips out) but it's in 2 weeks... can't tell that I'm excited can you!

Cheryl,
I know there has been threads on laundry so if you do a search you might find the info you are looking for.

Both times I stayed at Divi, it was a package that included breakfast.

Hi, Cheryl, There are no laundry facilities at the Divi unless they installed them since last summer, but I doubt it. You will love the Divi! We are there every year. Carole

Kelly, I had one question on the breakfast vouchers at the Divi. Is there a option to switch sometimes for lunch or dinner or do you always have to do breakfast with them. We will be there in 3 weeks and the breakfast came with our deal but it would be nice to have a chance to try Lost Penguin for breakfast. Kent

Kent, we always used them for breakfast, but my understanding is that you can use them for lunch as well. Someone jump in and correct me if you have contrary information but that's what I was told the last time we were at Divi.

Thanks alot Kelly.

Thank you Pat & Carole, we'll no doubt check out the stadium if our clothes get too stinky!! Thanks for your help!!

There's a company in town that does laundry with washing machines and dryers. It's actually cheaper if you leave your laundry there and let them do it. They put your stuff in a bag, separating colors, and wash it in a large machine. When you pick it up it will be folded and ready to take home. It's located just past the stadium. While washing our clothes we noticed all the locals just dropping off their clothes. That's when I discovered it's better to let them wash it.

I just returned today from Divi Flamingo. There are no laundry facilities on site. All other kitchen appliances are in the units and all have been recently unpgraded. The property looks wonderful and is in very good shape. You can't trade your breakfast vouchers for lunch. However, you can use dinner vouchers for lunch. All breakfasts are served in the Calabas Restaurant while lunch and dinner are in Chibi-Chibi. You can purchase your vouchers in advance from Divi in North Carolina.

You probably won't use as many clothes as you think. We were there for over 2 weeks and I returned with some clean items even though I packed less than ever. We seem to live in our bathing suits and are not afraid to wear the same outfit more than once in the evening.

George, thank you for this information!! I contacted the Divi about the breakfast situation and have not heard back from them as yet, so the Carolina lead looks promising. We will do our best to avoid anything that remotely resembles housework!! Thanks again :o))

George, Thanks for the info. Thats really nice when it comes HOT off the press. Its really nice to know that kind of stuff. That way we can snorkle longer when we get there. I like getting my homework done at home before I get there.

I am also wondering about coffee makers in the regular rooms.

Hi Cheryl,

I will be at Divi at the same time you are. We are arriving there on Feb 3. I love the place. I have been going to Bonaire for 12 years and have stayed at other places but always end up back there.

Buy a skin. My son dives in shorts and T-shirts but I am much more comfortable in a skin. I use a polar tech since I get cold but any will help. If you do not find one at home, check downtown and at some of the local shops. I found that the prices for dive equipment are not much more than at home, if any.

We always stay in the time-share units for the convenience. If you want a frig I would request it early. George's comment about kitchen appliances refer to studio time-shares which have a full kitchen.

I am pretty sure that you cannot use your breakfast vouchers for any other meal, since it is a buffet. Have not stayed in the regular rooms in years, so I do not know about coffee makers. Look forward to seeing you in Bonaire

Linda, My wife and I are also going to the Divi Feb 3 for our first trip. Hope to see you there.

Hi Linda, thank you for the advice.

This will be our 3rd visit to Bonaire and our 3rd stay at the Divi, and have enjoyed our stay there very much so we have not looked elsewhere.
I have been in touch with them and they have been very helpful.
Also, We managed to get skins at the local dive shop so we are ready :o))) - especially for our first ever 'night snorkel.

We were not able to get breakfast vouchers as we did not purchase a 'package', so that's not a problem .. when your on the island ..nothing is a problem because it's just so darn good to be there!!

Hopefully we'll see you at the resort, if not there then at Gibi's for sure. Do you know how to get there?

I'm not sure. I know that it is up near Golden Reef Inn so we will find it. Anyone with more specific directions?

Linda, try this link: http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/27/252012.html?1136064720
It has a map of how to get to the 'new' Gibi restaurant.

Cheryl and Linda (or anyone else planning to eat tat Gibi's), do call him -- let him know that you are coming. It will give him an idea of how many will be dining.

Mare

Thanks Mare, I have that on my 'list to do'. How much notice does he need? Thanks, Cheryl

we usually call gibi sometime between 11AM and 330PM. he can handle it if you just show up but if a bunch of people "just show up" he might not have enough of some of the food.

Thanks Pat, we'll certainly do that. I'm anxious to see his new place :o)

cheryl, his "new" place is his house (so don't panic when the directions take you into a residential neighborhood). he's got all his kitchen equipment from the restaurant there and you sit out back on the patio...works out really well when it's raining. it's just a couple of minutes drive from where his restaurant was.

I did not realize this Pat, this will be 'extra special' for sure!! If all goes well we'll be in Bonaire in 3 days ... I can hardly stand it :-)

Thanks a lot Pat. I will definitely call and will see all there.

have fun....about 2 1/2 weeks till we get to bonaire but it could be about a month from now (feb. 21) till we get to gibi's. (i'll have to remember that in the future and get plane tickets for monday instead of wednesday).

Cheryl, Linda, and Kent-
We will also be at the Divi. We arrive the 4th of Feb -providing all goes well with our flight. It is our 4th trip and we always stay at the Divi, but I have forgotten if they have in room coffee makers. I don't drink coffee, but this is critical for my mom. I'm going to call my travel agent. She can find out.
Will let you know.

Hi Ginger, thank you for offering to do this. I contacted the hotel and asked for one and they said it was no problem.

Ginger, We hope to meet you at the Divi. Maybe you can show or tell us where all the good snorkle spots are. We are ALL EARS when it comes to great snorkling. We will be there 1 day before you so we will get all practiced up. Kent

Hi Cheryl and Kent. I did find out that the Divi rooms do have coffee pots. Kent - I would be glad to help you with snorkle spots. Right in front of the hotel is good. I saw a young eagle ray there on one visit. Hope to meet you both in just over a week. Can't wait to leave!