My husband and I are planning our third trip to Bonaire - this time for 2 weeks. We need recommendations for a facility that has a one -bedroom apartments and an on-site dive shop.

Belmar has 1-bedroom apartments but they are all on the 2nd floor (1 flight up). We usually take a 2 bedroom even though we don't need the second bedroom but it is on the ground floor, which means we can walk out to their dock right from our patio without having to climb stairs. Both the one-bedroom and the basic 2-bedroom units are the same size and the same price for two people, with the space from not having the second bedroom providing a larger living room, which is not really needed.

Carla, Black Durgon has 1 bedrooms and an onsite dive shop. Others that come to mind are Sand$, Dive Inn, Carib Inn, Divi, Den Lamen, Buddy's, Cap Don's. Just depends on how much you want to spend!

We love Black Durgon (heading there for our fifth visit this Tuesday!), but I think it's a stretch to call their rooms "apartments". They are rooms, with private baths (showers). (The rooms are called "spartan" by some, but my wife and I think they have everything we need.)

Down at the waterside is the communal kitchen and dining area, where the included breakfast is served each morning. There are two refrigerators for guest use, one down in the kitchen and one up on the bluff where the inn rooms are. We make heavy use of the kitchen. Often we have it to ourselves, but if two groups are trying to prepare meals at the same time, lots of friendly cooperation is required. Kitchen cleanup also has to be somewhat more meticulous than it might be if it were the kitchen in your own apartment, since you are always leaving the area ready for the next person.



Obviously it suits us fine, but I just thought I would clarify.

David

Although I have stayed at the Black Durgon - if I didn't have a place to stay - this would be one place I would stay. Very laid back, nothing fancy. Staying on the island - you need to decide what you need for comfort.
The best thing about staying there is small wall - you are right there.

Dr. Director: Does the Belmar keep one bedroom locked when only 2 persons are staying in the basic 2 bedrooms? Thanks.

Aquarius Lodge has an one bedroom and a studio apartment too. Nice and clean, own and operated by a young Italian Lady. Options include diving; breakfasts and rental vehicle...

www.aquariuslodge.com is her website - she's been in business for over an year. Completely legal with Bonaire permits & fees Charges fair prices - only minutes from the beach by foot.

Tell her "jimini" sent you.

Ask for Stefania

jiminiŽ

No, you have access to the full apartment. We use the second bedroom for luggage and gear storage, a closer bathroom to the kitchen and patio, and whatever else.

There are only 22 units - 10 on the ground floor, 10 on the second floor and two deluxe suites on the third floor. In a very quiet neighborhood although a little further from town than most other places. Very quiet itself. Full kitchens (no oven, but each with a microwave) and fully equipped with all dishes, towels, etc. Maid service 3 times per week. Security guard at night. Swimming pool, and two docks for sunning, swimming and water access. On-site dive operation is run by Buddy Dive. Only down-side is if you do boat dives with Buddy, you usually have to drive to Buddy's on the other side of town (about 10 - 15 minutes each way) to get to their boats unless there are enough guests at Belmar diving with them to justify having the boat pick you up at Belmar. Some people elect to dive with other operators and not use the on-site shop to avoid the drive.

Hey Cynde & David,
Just wanted to clarify - Black Durgon does have one bedroom apartments, but they are located closer to town not at the Inn itself.

Rona, if someone is staying in the apartments that are not at the Inn, do they have access to the dock at BD?

Yes, grasshopper they do.

We agree with what Dr. Director said about the BelMar apts, we also use the 2nd bedroom for gear, luggage and other items that we don't want in plain sight. The 2nd bedroom also has a full bath and it is nice to not have to wait for the shower after a day of diving/snorkling. The price for the 1 & 2 bedroom apts for 2 people is the same price and no stairs to climb and that is nice.