We are considering taking the Full American Plan at the Divi. It includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Does anyone know if it includes soft drinks with the meals-coffee, OJ, soda?

Also, we were wondering if the full meal plan includes snacks or do you get coupons or something for meals only. Same with non-alcoholic drinks during the day. I would assume these things would be included but I'd like to be sure.

Also, does the hotel have two restaurants. I thought I heard that one was under renovation-but maybe that is completed.

Any comments on the food. The menu of Chibi Chibi looks nice. We're wondering if they have any kid type foods too.

Thanks in advance for responses.

Don't tie yourself into a meal plan at any one place. There are many, very good, reasonably priced restaurants around Bonaire to eat at.

I agree with Alan and Joan. Part of the fun in traveling to the island, is searching out and enjoying the different eating establishments there. If you're on a somewhat strict budget, perhaps you could work out a partial meal plan where you are, say breakfast and/or lunch for instance, and leave your family to opportunity to try several other places. I believe there is a Bonaire Restaurant Guide published [ bonairenet.com/diningguide }, that will give you insight as to locations, prices, foods, and even a bit of kids info. Best of luck, and keep asking those questions. You'll find people on this sight very helpful and friendly. For a fun part of the day, stop by Cultimama Store, and pick up some carrots for the donkeys at the Sanctuary. Admission if free, and you'll make lots of friends.
Clownfish.

The Divi does have partial meal plans available. I have reservations there for May 25-Jun 1. When I booked the room, I asked about partial meal plans and they have the following three. Plan 1 is 7 breakfasts & 3 dinners, Plan 2 is 5 breakfasts & 2 dinners, and Plan 3 is 3 breakfasts & 3 dinners. We did an all-inclusive at the Divi in Aruba last year on our honeymoon. We decided that on our vacation this year to Bonaire, we'd like to try some local resturaunts, too. Plus, the full meal plan was a little out of our budget. So, we are going with the 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners which will give us a chance to try a couple other places while we are in Bonaire. The best of both worlds.

You had better check with the hotel itself about the drinks/snacks questions you have (personally i'm doubtful if they're included at non-meal times). I'd be more concerned with the service charge, and whether or not it's included in the meal plan prices you are looking at. I haven't been there lately, but I do remember Chibi adding on a 15% (as do many, but not all resort restaurants) service charge, and then of course, our mandatory 5% sales tax.

Like the others have said, there are many restaurants within walking distance of the Divi, many with a budget minded selection of items, and kid friendly food, such as pizza.

I'd definitely do a partial plan at the most, as Bonaire has some great restaurants, many within walking distance of the Divi.

I ate there in Feb. with people who had a breakfast plan only. It appeared that tax/tip was included. They had vouchers and only had to provide the vouchers for the meal.

I'd bet between-meal snacks aren't included -- didn't seem to be any way they'd be provided.

If you're on a budget, I'd bet you could do better eating some meals at more "local" places --- snacks and local restaurants. Gibi's is great and is just down the road from the Divi, open for both lunch and dinner (except on Wed, I believe) -- you could even walk there if you wanted.

I agree with Josie. As much as I like haveing the breakfeast buffet at the Divi, I wouldn't want to tie myself down just to Divi's resturants. There are many good resturants within walking distance and that way you can "taste" your way around. May I suggest Michael Gaynor's," Dining Guild to Bonaire".Has great info about the different resturants on the island and recipes too.
I have lots of favorite's and I bet if you ask, we can fill you in on a few from the board.There are numerous price ranges to choose from too. But NO McDonald's or the like, not here!!

Hi, Chris! I agree with the other BT'ers on the many great restaurants on Bonaire...it is so much fun just exploring the place and checking them out one at a time. We will be at the Divi the same time you will be there....see you in the water! Carole (Shutterbug)

Hi, Chris and Carole
My wife and I will be at Divi 5/21 - 5/28. See you in the water, too.
2 more weeks from today.
Ernie

Thank you for your advice. We have decided to heed it and not take the meal plan. We found out that we can always take the plan once we are there. You are right, why lock into something.

This is such a helpful site. Thanks for responding.