Hi,
I'm new to this forum and a non-diver (sorry!) but I've always wanted to go to Bonaire as I'm bilingual and Dutch is my second language.
I'm coming to Bonaire for two nights with my new boyfriend on route back from Peru and am looking for a romantic getaway.
We want to be on a beach and preferably somewhere small but idyllic rather than a big resort. It has to be clean as I'm a bit fussy!
Harbour Villas looks great but is out of our price range so I was wondering if anyone had stayed at any of the following:

Tropical Inn

Ocean View

Belmar

I think Ocean View or Tropical Inn are probably my first choices as they look smaller.
Are they on the beach? Could we swim from the beach?
What are they like?
Thanks !
Jen

Jen, welcome to Bonaire Talk! Belmar Belmar Belmar The units are very nice, the pool is right there on the water. They have a sunbathers dock and the diving dock. The units are fully stocked as well if you want to do cooking. Each unit has a nice patio/balcony with very nice wicker furniture (wish I had it on my patio at home!)

Here is my trip report from last year.

Tropical Inn and Ocean View Villas are not on the water (although they are both nice places as well). You have a bit of a walk to get to the water from Tropical Inn, Ocean View Villas are about 2 blocks from Bachelors Beach.

"Beach" - not a lot of them on Bonaire. Most resorts have docks that stretch out to the water. Divi, Eden, and Plaza have "beaches."

Might want to look at www.sorobonbeachresort.com
Very very nice, romantic, beautiful, nice beach...
only for some though.

Yes, Sorobon is by far the BEST!!

Just so that Jen knows, Sorobon is a clothing optional/naturalist resort

Thanks for those suggestions.
Didn't know about Eden Beach so have had a look at their website.
It's now a toss up between Eden Beach and Belmar. Which is nicer? Which would be more romantic for sitting out in the evening, sipping a glass of wine?
Finally, would I need to hire a car to visit the Washington/Slagbaai National Park? I don't particularly want to do it on a trip!
And one more thing - if we wanted to have a go at diving, we're both asthmatic. Do we need any doctor's certificate to say we are fit to dive?
Thank you.

Jennifer,

Can you elaborate more on what you want aside from romantic, on the beach and not a resort? There are so many wonderful options on Bonaire but as you know only a few on a sandy beach.

Do you mind being in or outside of town? Do you need seclusion? Tell us more.

Yes, you need a truck to go to the park.

Have fun..oh by the way, there are many romantic activities here and dining, look out..

Ann

Jen, I think Belmar is probably a little more "upscale" than Eden, but Eden has a great beach and Bongo's restaruant is right there...so that would be a toss-up. A glass of wine on the balcony at Belmar watching the sunset is pretty romantic

The park is a 5 hour drive (just through the park) and it is hot, bring water and sunscreen. The road is rough.

Diving, you will need a SCUBA certification card in order to dive. If you are not certified you might be able to take a resort course. Once you decide on accommodations you can email the dive shop at the hotel/resort and inquire.

Ann has a wealth of information about places on island, you might want to "pick her brain"

GH didn't you have a whirlpool tub built for two at the Belmar?? right in the openair livingroom overlooking the ocean,tucked away enough for privacy?? that would cinch it for me for sure....

Freddie, yes, unit #22

Jaime and Robert,
I'm lurkin' right along with ya. Can't touch Sorobon.

What about Den Laman...?
Hop skip and a jump from Bongo's.
We are staying at Port Bonaire this time..will let you know how that goes...looks good...
plane noise may be a distraction..but then the tequilla should help !

Jennifer
Since your flight arrives and leaves in the middle of the night you might want to try to squeeze in 1 or 2 more days. You won,t have many daylight hours to actually do anything otherwise.
Mickey

Joe and Dawn,

There few places as special as Sorobon. My wife and I would stay no where else.

Sorobon is the only place to stay, especially if you want romance!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jenny,

Quote:
Do we need any doctor's certificate to say we are fit to dive?

Please have a doctor familiar with diving medicine evaluate you both fully. If you were to have a bronchoconstriction while underwater it could lead to an overexpansion injury in your lungs during your ascent which could be beyond serious. I had asthma as a child, but luckily in my 20's I outgrew it. My pulmonologist did clear me for diving but if I ever have any question about my lungs, I don't dive!