We are thinking about traveling to Bonaire this fall and are looking for villa recommendations. There will be 2 couples. We would like a 2 bedroom/bathroom arrangement with a kitchen, living room, privacy, and a nice location. We plan on doing some boat and shore diving and exploring. We do not have to be close to the "hot spots" as we prefer finding our own fun. If anyone has any experience based on these needs, please write. Thanks.

Jennifer

Look at Lion's Dive 2 bedroom 2 bath units. Shore diving right off the pier, nice condos with full kitchens, small complex (31 units), great dive shop!

We spent a week in April in a villa in Belnem called kas di ambiente. You can find info about this villa by going to www.infobonaire.com and clicking on accomodations. It is I believe listed in the "deluxe" section under "Bonaire Lodgings" (they have a variety of properties). We were two couples and the house worked out well for us. It is in a convenient neighborhood, well stocked, nice patio for relaxing and dining, has a small pool and place for rinsing and storing gear. Once you are in the house or on the patio you feel a million miles away from everything. We loved sitting out at night listening to the wind and donkeys and looking at the stars. Let me know if you have any other questions!

My friend has a beautiful villa in Belnam.E-mail me and I'll give you his adress and tell you about his lovely place.

We really enjoy staying at Caribbean Court. They have 3/3, 3/2, and 2/2 (Bedroom/bathroom). The whole apartment is airconditioned not just the bedrooms. They have a dive shop (Photo Tours) and the boat dock runs the length of the complex. Making it very easy to get to the boat for any boat dives you may book. Down at the dive shop they have stainless steel lockers with locks for storing your gear. We have booked Caribbean Court 3 times and plan to do so again this Oct. Take a look at their website caribbeancourt.com. This site will allow you look at their floor plans and what they have to offer.

Thanks for all of the info so far. It has been very helpful. On what part of the island is Belnam located?

It's Belnem, and it is just south of the airport (basically between Winsock beach and Punt Vierkant). Nice neighborhood.

Does anyone have any experience with Lighthouse? Good or bad.

Jennifer,

All the units at Lighthouse Beach are individually owned, so one could be great, and the one next door scary. Post the name of the person/company offering you a stay at Lighthouse, and then you'll probably get more concrete feedback...

Jake

Jennifer,
We just returned from Capt. Don's Habitat (see trip report) and thoroughly enjoyed our 2 bedroom (each with King or you could make it into 2 twins), 2 full baths, kitchen, wrap-around porch, quiet, clean cottage. Specify the newer cottages if you make an inquiry. If you'd like some photos - email me and I'll forward some to you.
Linda

Jake,

We own the unit at LBR next to Stefanie W....I don't consider my neighbor to be scary! We have had nothing but great tenants (we rent out to vacationers)and have never had a "scarry" problem. We love our little slice of heaven! It has a wonderful pool and great access to a small beach and great snorkling! A lot of our friends that own there too are Americans and their places are great! Have you been in them lately? If not, call Ditta Morrison and she will be glad to show you our unit, hopefully changing your mind. LBR has done a 180 in the last couple of years...don't you think its time you guys give us a chance...

I think the point Jake was trying to make was that each LBR unit is rented out by the owner and not an association so that possible renters should ask about a certain unit or owner to get a good handle about the amenities and visitor experiences at that unit.

I agree with Linda's advice to get as much info as possible on individual units. On our first trip to Bonaire my husband, daughter and I had a lovely unit at LHB. My brother-in-law and his wife were with us on that trip and their unit was indeed scary -- entire unit was dirty, there were broken appliances and windows, one bathroom was inoperable, one ac unit did not work, the list went on and on.

Linda explained my point well. I have every faith that your unit is in good shape Liz because I know you take care of it. But not everyone is as conscientious as you are (as Susan Taft's experience shows).

Jake

Try www.bonaire-exclusive.com They have nice bungalows in the center of Kralendijk. Starting at 70$ a day. We've stayed in bungalow number 13, a nice 2 bedroom/bathroom bungalow.

Greetings

Bob & Others,

See my comment about them over in http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/24/18874.html

Jake