We are planning a trip to Bon in late Aug/Sept. Want to spend a week or so diving. This will be our first trip. Any suggestions of where to stay for a honeymoon? Preferably something romantic and private. Also, is it worth going to check out either Aruba or Curacao?

Steve,

I'm not going to recommend a place to stay, I've never tried to do romantic & private on Bonaire. But I will tell you that the answer to the question of Bonaire vs. Aruba vs. Curacao really depends on what your goals are for the trip. If its mostly just diving, then IMHO Bonaire wins, hands down. If nightlife & casinos and other non-diving activities are of interest to you, Aruba has much more of that type of thing....with bigger resorts, & more "tourist" type stuff. I would say Curacao is probably somewhere in between.

Steve, do a keyword seach using the icon at the bottom of the thread and search for "honeymoon" and you will find several discussions on that theme that should answer most of your questions.

You might want to check out BelMar if you plan on visiting Bonaire. They have a website with pictures of the grounds, rooms, and views. If memory serves me right each room has an ocean view.

I will second the vote for the Belmar. Small property, quiet. You will get lots of suggestions, there are many great places and most folks have a favorite. It depends on what type of a feel you want to your accomodations....

www.belmar-bonaire.com

For our honeymoon we went to Sorobon. Don't know if that would be your thing or not, but I really can't imagine anyplace being as relaxed, romantic, peaceful, and beautiful as this place. You may just want to check it out. BTW, #30 is absolutely spectacular, sticking out into Lac Bay.
See http://www.sorobonbeachresort.com/index.html
Congratulations!!!!!

Thanks for all the help. We are in the midst of making the final decision. One thing I noticed was that none of the hotel packages offer "all inclusive". I assume that dining is not a problem on the island, however, should one try to find a place close to town so that there is more variety? How important is it to have a car?

Steve,
Yes!!! You'll find that there are absolutely wonderful restaurants. And very reasonable too for the quality of dining! Do check out the Dining section of this board for some great recommendations. Also, don't overlook the absolutely spectacular local places like Gibi's, Rose Inn, and Maiky Snack. Sometimes out of the way but well worth it.
Absolutely get a car (or pickup if you're divers); they're cheap enough and you will want to get all over the island to check it out!!! And it's a must if you are divers (sure you can boat dive from one resort, but why limit yourself!) And nothing beats heading to an absolutely isolate beach (like Pink Beach or Lover's Beach to share a glass of wine and watch the sunset and green flash. Also, the north is very different from the south and well worth the exploration!
If you need any recommendations or directions for our favorite restaurants lemme know...

Where is lovers beach?

Oops! Actually I was thinking of the beach at "Sweet Dreams." Can't think of why I would call it that... no ice cream involved either!
Anyway, pretty little peaceful place!

What is this place? Is this a place that honeymooners should know about?

Sorry Steve, actually the only place you really need to know about is "Bonaire"! Sweet Dreams is just one of the countless yellow stone-marked dive sites along the road. It's down south. We stopped there cause it has a nice little patch of sand, was beautiful (OK where's NOT?!), no one was anywhere, and the sun was dipping down. Point is-- get a car and you can find these peaceful, private little romantic spots ALL OVER!!! Personally, every day my wife and I think about how soon we can get back. It was just that nice.

Steve,
whether you go to Bonaire, Aruba or Curacao, for a honeymoon go to Bonaire. My wife and I spent our honeymoon in Bonaire 20 years ago. There is no other place like Bonaire to start you lives together.

Steve,
I second the comment from Mark, Bonaire is the best place I could think of to start a married life together. In fact 4+ years ago that is just what my husband & I did. We go back every year for a 2nd, 3rd, etc. "honeymoon" and find it just keeps getting better. I personally found diving & relaxing a fantastic way to spend romantic time with my new husband. Enjoy!