First of all, thanks to each of you for all the excellent information! I am planning an end of July honeymoon which will include 4 nights in Aruba and 3 nights in Bonaire. I have researched extensively the hotels on Bonaire but am really having trouble deciding on where to stay. We are in our 40s, are not divers but are looking forward to snorkeling much of the time we are there. We would like a place on the beach, with a pool and a restaurant that is clean and friendly. I would even be willing to pay the rate at the Harbour Beach Resort if your recommendations pointed us in that direction. So how about it, give me your bottom line choice ... thanks so much! Bill

I would stay at the Divi. It has a small sandy beach, pool and a very good restaurant all on premises. It is an easy walk to town with lots of good restaurants and if you walk away from town it is 5 min. to Richard's restaurant(great food) where you can eat out on his dock which he has made into a romantic dining spot for 2. Call him before to reserve that spot. Divi also has great snorkeling right from the dive pier.
Have fun Stu

Where did you decide to stay in Aruba? Do you need dining tips?? haa...

We haven't decided on a place in Aruba yet .... any suggestions??

Hi Bill
We have been to Aruba for the past few years and I would suggest staying on Palm Beach which is considered the high-rise area. Palm Beach is a great beach but also a busy place. This is if you want to be where many of the resorts and many nice restaurants are, also casinos. You won't need a car if you are planning to just hang out close to your resort.

If you are renting a car then the low-rise area would also be a nice choice. The resorts on the low-rise area are somewhat older and not as crowded but the beaches are not as nice as Palm Beach.

We always stay in a time-share unit rather that a motel room because they are so much bigger and you have a kitchen area. Even if you are not planning to do any cooking it's nice to have a refrigerator for drinks and snacks. Go to www.visitaruba.com for info and forum.

The Playa Linda on Palm Beach is a time share resort but they will rent units by the day when available. It is a beautiful resort. My son and future daughter-in-law are staying at the Playa Linda for their honeymoon the end of August.

Come to think about it probably most of the time share resorts will rent by the day. A few of them are not on the beach, some across the street others away from the beach so beware when renting. Many of them have their own member area on their web page with lots of info.

We are going to Bonaire about the same time as you - July 25th thru August 2nd. We don't dive either - just snorkel. We were in Bonaire two years ago and can't wait to get back.

The snorkeling is fabulous! We went with Renee one day for a private snorkeling trip and she is very good - pointed out things we would never have seen and took us to very easy entry/exit locations and her prices are reasonable. We also went with her on a night snorkel at the Divi and we loved it. She provides the underwater lights.

Have a great trip!
Tom

Harbour Village is the nicest hotel/beach on Bonaire and probably the best for a honeymoon and non-divers. Used to stay there years ago, but migrated to Belmar for the 2-bedroom apartment units. Ran into folks in late April on the same airline combo via Aruba who were staying at HV, and after their stay, said it was excellent. They did say they enjoyed the restaurants away from the resort more than those within or affiliated with HV, except for breakfast.

I love some of the villas in Malmok. The hi rise area is very crowded, the water clarity not great and it's people traffic galore if you like that. I prefer Eagle Beach near Bacuti as it's a longer bigger beach.

Here are my fav restaurants:

Chez Mathilde
Driftwood
Buccaneer
Gasparito (very romantic in the courtyard)
Flying Fishbones (way down in Saventa)
Que Pasa
Tierra Del Sol for Wed. Luncheon Fashion Show
Cuba's Cooking for majitos at the bar
King Rib for local ribs
Jamaican me Crazy for what else..

CA Lighthouse is very pretty..the coast up there...traffic prevails in town..there are hundreds of jewelry shops. I recommend AUA first then Bonaire to chill.

Annie

If you do not need oceanfront and like low key, I love in addition to the villas in Malmok, Boardwalk Apartments across from the Marriot. Very romantic with gardens, small pool..a little self catering oasis close to all yet private.

Annie

Bill, We've been to Aruba 14 times now . If you need any help with places or restaurants, let me know. I will help. Diane

I agree-stay at the divi flamingo-food not bad and great food in either direction you walk. Richards is our favorit-You can make arrangements to eat on the dock under the hut.

Bill, I would stay at Harbour Village, especially since it's your honeymoon. We just returned after 10 days and loved it. Very quiet, uncrowded and relaxing. And dinner on the beach was very romantic. The boat snorkel trips were very good, too. We felt it was well worth the extra money. Enjoy!

Judy ... since you just returned and stayed at Harbour Village I would really like to e-mail you directly ... if your comfortable doing so you can send your address to me at vaughanwm@aol.com

Thanks so much!
Bill

Welcome to the board Bill.

If you would like to email users of this board, it's simple. Click on their name(in blue)on any of their post. On the next screen look about mid left screen. You will see a little envelope with "click here" in blue. That will let you email them if they have an email address on the board, most do.

(Message edited by hmowery on May 11, 2006)

Bill-
If you have the resources, which you do, I'd definitely stay at Harbour Village. It is quiet and romantic, and a great beach. It is also within walking distance of all the good restaurants along "hotel row" north of the rotary, as well as those south of the rotary (like Pasa Bon Pizza, and Bistro de Paris). Have fun!!!!

Bill,
My wife and I spent our Honeymoon at Harbour Village in October 2005. It was fantastic!! So much so in fact, that we are returning in early August for an early first Anniversary trip. It's definitely worth the extra expense.

You also must book the pier at Richards for dinner (one table on the end of a pier at sunset with walkie talkies to call the servers)...a great dinner and unbeatable setting!!

We ate breakfast at HV and dined in town most other nights. Even walked to It Rains Fishes for a nice meal (pretty long walk, but we had no where else to be!!)

Have Fun!!