My partner and I are two quiet people in desperate need of a vacation! Our only exposure to Bonaire is a day trip a couple years ago during a cruise.

We've been looking at these 4 properties for a two week vacation and newbie basic diver certification. We may or may not have guests join us for part of the time. We don't really want to have to cook if we don't feel like it. Look forward to meeting people, learning to dive, enjoying food/restaurants and getting to know Bonaire.

We've been looking at the following properties:

OceanFront Villa #9
Villa Fleur
Crown Ridge #6
Seru Na Leman

As I said, it's our first time. Learning to dive and seeing the island. We assume we'll need to rent a car or pickup - at least part time. Would be great to be able to walk to eats!

Would really love any advice from locals or visitors who know the locations and properties.

Warnings especially of CONSTRUCTION noise greatly appreciated!!! We've been listening to our neighbor's construction here at home all Summer and would NOT enjoy being next to construction.

Thank you in advance for any advice! We're really looking forward to our visit!

Bill

Bill, welcome to BT! About construction, kinda will be hard to avoid, all over island, but can be done, just let us know where you decide and folks can tell ya if construction will/could be a problem.

At any rate, since you don't really want to cook, I would suggest staying at a resort, Divi Flamingo comes to mind and you can walk to lots of eat nearby. Wonderful location for first timers spending a few weeks, then when on island you can check out other places that may interest you for next trip.

I'm not personally familiar with the other three, but Oceanfront Villa #9 is within walking distance of Rum Runners (at Habitat), which is actually a stone's throw away, as well as Lions Den and The Pool Bar & Restaurant, both at Buddy Dive. Also, there's a new neighborhood grocery that is very close to the Hamlet entrance where provisions could be purchased for snacks and drinks when you don't have a rental vehicle.

We used to rent a room in Villa # 10, has since been remodelled and rented as a whole (gorgeous). 2 years ago 9 was planned to remodel. The location is wonderful. Really enjoyed the walk along the ocean to Capt Don's for dinner. Crown Ridge is further from the water, should have a great view. You will be driving to restaurants, it is quieter still than the villa. People walk their dogs and get their exercise early in the morning. Sorry have not been inside any of your choices, hope info on the area is helpful.

Debbie, Susan, Diane - thank you all so much for the insight and information! We're getting really excited about the trip. We haven't decided yet but are reading as much online as we can. There's really quite a bit if you dig. It's great to hear about the locales and some of the properties. Nothing is better than your first hand information. I appreciate your time and help.

We made a choice and it is none of the above. Through helpful people on island we ended up choosing another villa.

Note: personally, I believe that Seru Na Leman would have been perfect for us. It is truly spectacular but it was already booked.

The only advice I would have for anyone who may read this looking for information is that the booking process is not as simple as you might think. With the property we did eventually did book it was very simple. With the first villa we tried to book a written quote was revoked when we went to pay. Don't get your heart set on a particular property until you have paid and have a confirmation. We paid by credit card.