Category Archives: Hotels & Lodging

Djambo Bonaire Announces Spring and Summer Special

Djambo offers a low-season special, just in time for those planning their summer vacations to Bonaire.

DjamboDjambo is a mid-sized, family run resort on Bonaire. is a mid-sized, family-run resort, tucked away in the area between Flamingo Airport and Kralendijk.  It offers 17 apartments made up of one-bedroom or two-bedroom units, all with pool and garden views.

Low season specials are available now through September 1st, 2017.

Now through September 1st, 2017, a one-bedroom apartment is only $99.00 per night, including all taxes.  Guests can opt to add in a pick-up truck, also including all vehicles taxes, for only $149.00 per night.

Djambo’s two-bedroom apartment is only $139.00 per night and makes for an economical stay for a family or two couples.  Add in the pick-up truck for only $189.00 per night.  Once again, these rates include all government taxes.

Terms and conditions.

The minimum stay to receive these rates is seven nights.  Do be aware that there is limited availability, so be sure to inquire as to your dates and book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

For those who opt to add in a pick-up truck, it is offered with full insurance ($0.00 deductible) and a second driver is free.

About Djambo.

Each one-bedroom unit at Djambo has a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with wooden shutter doors, which allows Bonaire’s tropical breezes to pass through.  Bedrooms are screened and have air-conditioning.

The two-bedroom apartments have a spacious bathroom with two wash-basins and offer living and dining areas on the large porch.

Djambo's two-bedroom apartments offer a spacious porch.Free WiFi is available to all guests and ample, free parking.  It is minutes away from the shore, restaurants, and supermarkets.

Water-sports enthusiasts can avail themselves of the fresh water tanks for rinsing equipment, as well as the lockers (provided with locks) right on the premises.

For additional information, visit Djambo’s website or email them for further information about their special rates.

(Source:  Djambo)

 

Susan Davis, Bonaire InsiderSusan Davis has been living on Bonaire for over 25 years. She is a PADI Master Instructor, and an underwater and topside photographer. She also enjoys writing for The Bonaire Insider tourism news blog. 

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Hotels & Lodging

Boutique Hotel Sonrisa Launches New Website

Boutique Hotel Sonrisa Launches New Website.

The popular Boutique Hotel Sonrisa has just announced the launching of a new website. With online availability checks and online bookings, the new site makes it particularly easy to make your reservations, just in time for Bonaire’s busy winter season.

View the new website.

Boutique Hotel Sonrisa's new website offers easy availability checks and online bookings.

Boutique Hotel Sonrisa’s new website offers easy availability checks and online bookings.

Online bookings for Boutique Hotel Sonrisa are now available.

Sonrisa offers ten units in a private and intimate setting, literally less than five minutes from Bonaire’s Flamingo Airport. Its prime location also offers an easy walk into Kralendik’s town center, restaurants, or shops. Junior Suites and Master Suites offer luxurious perks such as comfortable, premium mattresses, large flat-screen Smart TVs, and free high-speed Internet access.

Junior Suites are available either pool-side or garden side.  The Master Suites are all located around the pool.  Rates begin as low as $100.00 per room per night (low season, government tax and facility charges additional), and a promotional code can be used to receive a discount when booked directly online.  Each unit offers a small, private deck or balcony, but many visitors to Sonrisa like to gather on the pool deck to swap stories of their day on Bonaire.

Boutique Hotel Sonrisa offers a complimentary daily breakast, served poolside.

Boutique Hotel Sonrisa offers a complimentary daily breakast, served poolside.

Enjoy healthy breakfasts at Boutique Hotel Sonrisa.

And it is on the pool deck, under the palm trees, that Boutique Hotel Sonrisa serves their daily breakfast, which is always included at no additional charge. Guests can enjoy a healthy start to their days on Bonaire with any one of these options for their breakfast:

  • Eggs with cheese, ham, bacon, and vegetables, prepared in any style
  • Brown or white bread, baked fresh from the oven with condiments
  • Dutch-style pancakes, served with or without topping
  • Muesli cereal with either yogurt or milk
  • Breakfast sandwich fresh from the oven with ham or cheese

Additionally, all breakfasts are served with coffee, tea, orange juice, milk, or water.

Boutique Hotel Sonrisa offers some convenient amenities.

After a day of diving, windsurfing, or kiting, relax in Sonrisa's pool.

After a day of diving, windsurfing, or kiting, relax in Sonrisa’s pool.

Guests also enjoy the use of the swimming pool, lounge deck, and a Weber gas BBQ grill is available for the use of guests in the pool-side dining area. Guests also have the use of a storage locker and a fresh-water rinse tub, which are especially convenient for divers or snorkelers who wish to rinse their gear. The storage locker can safely store wet clothing and dive and snorkel equipment.

All rooms have screened windows and doors for those guests who prefer to enjoy the island’s gentle trade winds. Local phone calls are free of charge to assist with making restaurant or activity bookings.

Planning your entire Bonaire vacation is as easy as 1-2-3!

The property’s manager, Viktor, is always happy to help arrange additional Bonaire activities such as diving, windsurfing, or kiting. Rental vehicles can be also reserved. In many instances, significant savings can be realized by booking these other components of your Bonaire vacation through Sonrisa.

Peruse the new website, view the Photo Gallery, or book now.

If you are planning a vacation to Bonaire in the coming year, be sure to peruse Boutique Hotel Sonrisa’s new website. They have a lovely photo gallery of the property and rooms as well.  Or, if you are ready to book, simply click here.

 

(Source:  Boutique Hotel Sonrisa)

 

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Hotels & Lodging

The Latest & Greatest Upgrades at The Carib Inn

Upgrades at The Carib Inn.

Late August and September are always great times to take stock of what needs sprucing up, and getting the jobs done, so those arriving in the winter months can enjoy the upgrades. In this news post, we are highlighting all the latest and greatest happenings at Bruce Bowker’s Carib Inn.

Carib Inn's new pool lounge chairsNew Pool Lounge Chairs

As one can see from the beautiful ladies working on their tans, the new pool lounge chairs have arrived! With comfortable cushions, Carib Inn’s guests will enjoy enhanced  time at the pool.

 

 

New Concrete Back Porch on the Seaside Bungalow

The Carib Inn’s maintenance crew has been busy pouring concrete! The wooden deck on the back porch of the seaside bungalow has been replaced with a beautiful concrete porch. There is now just another reason to spend some quality time there, enjoying life on Bonaire, when a day of diving is done.

caribinn_porch_pouring_concrete

 

caribinn_porch_completed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Entrance to Carib Inn’s Retail Store

caribinn_new_door_retail_storeDivers “in-the-know” have long realized that the retail store at The Carib Inn is one of the best places on Bonaire to get dive equipment or souvenir t-shirts, as prices are comparable, or sometimes below, costs in the U.S.  Because this particular door gets a lot of use, it is now sporting a new glass entry, that will bring in lots of light into the store.  Be sure to notice the brand new door on your next visit to Bonaire as you enter to check out any dive gear you need.

 

For additional information about Carib Inn, visit their website.

(Source:  Bruce Bowker’s Carib Inn)

 

 

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Fabien Cousteau and Harbour Village Beach Club Launch Advanced Coral Preservation Efforts

3D Printers Now Can Create Coral.

Corals made by a 3D PrinterIn an effort to enhance and accelerate coral preservation in Bonaire, Fabien Cousteau, and Harbour Village Beach Club, recently jointly announced their intention to bring 3-D coral printing technology to Bonaire later this year. Through their newly created Ocean Learning Center, located on-property, the cutting edge technology will amplify current restoration efforts in place by various groups and help advance reef growth for many species beyond just the coral itself.

“Coral reefs account for 25 percent of all reef life and $6.7 trillion of global economic development. Bonaire is in a prime position to enhance reef growth because it has so many natural, healthy reefs already. Our initiative with 3-D printing will rapidly assist us in revitalizing more stressed or damaged areas.”

— Fabien Cousteau

3d_coral1Science Imitating Nature

Better at imitating real coral, the 3-D printed reefs will have the same shape, texture and chemical make-up that attract free-floating baby coral polyps. Creating a lush, colorful coral garden, these “crown jewels” of the tropical seas will sustain other aquatic life such as algae, anemones, octopus, crab and more.

The exact locations for the project have yet to be determined and await local input and strategic design to maximize impact. Eventually, 3-D printing will occur on-island through the resort’s Ocean Learning Center, a research think tank with educational programming for guests, designed to raise awareness and seek solutions for ocean conservation.

(Source:  Harbour Village Resort)

 

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Hotels & Lodging, Nature

Carib Inn Announces Dates for 2017 Low Season Specials

Lodging Specials for Bonaire Visitors

Those who plan their Bonaire vacations well in advance can take advantage of the low-season specials at Bruce Bowker’s Carib Inn.  Dates have just been announced for the summer season of 2017.

Low Season Specials

Between May 6th and July 1st, 2017, those who book now can take $20.00 off per night on any non-seaside room or both houses at the popular dive resort.

The same special is still in effect for this year, for reservations from August 27th through November 5th, 2016.

Group Special

Families and friends who travel together can take advantage of the group special.  Simply reserve Carib Inn’s 3 or 4 Bedroom House for 6 or more people and get a reserved dive boat for your group for the entire week!

Make this trip extra special by having a Carib Inn boat and divemaster all to yourselves! Your group of 6 or more can choose your own destination, divemaster, and departure time for your daily 2-tank dives. Also includes unlimited air fills for shore diving.

Both the 3- and 4- bedroom houses are adjacent to Carib Inn with full use of all facilities which include pool, seaside gazebo, BBQ, dock, and dive shop. Each has a large, private, fenced yard and parking. Full kitchens, air conditioned bedrooms, daily maid service, cable TV and free WiFi.Carib Inn's Pool, at night

Rates:

  • Based on 6 people – $659.50 pp
  • Based on 7 people – $636.50 pp
  • Based on 8 people – $619 pp

Prices include 7 nights accommodation, room tax, 6 days of 2-tank reserved boat diving and unlimited air fills.

Last Minute Openings

For those who decide to travel on short notice, Carib Inn usually has some availability with great rates for Last Minute Openings.  These select dates offer great savings, but are open only for the specified dates and room types.  Currently Last Minute Openings provides dates for stays now through the end of the year.

Check Availability Online

It’s always easy to check availability online.  Remember that it is only an availability check and does not automatically make a reservation.  If your desired dates are available, Carib Inn will be back to you with information on how to confirm the booking.

For additional information about any of the Carib Inn Low Season Specials, visit their web site at http://www.caribinn.com.

(Source:  Bruce Bowker’s Carib Inn)

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Hotels & Lodging

Boutique Hotel Sonrisa Announces Summer Lodging Special

The  Boutique Hotel Sonrisa has just announced a summer special available now through September 30th, 2016.  If you plan on taking advantage of some of the airfare sales over the summer months, visitors can  now realize some substantial savings on accommodations as well.

The Boutique Hotel Sonrisa is located about a five minutes’ drive from the airport and in a walkable distance to the city center. Nearby beaches are just two blocks away. The complex offers eight comfortable Junior Suites and two Master Suites (all non-smoking), a swimming pool, lounge deck and a dining area under a large palm leaf roof where a Weber gas BBQ grill and a microwave are available for the convenience of their guests. They also have a wet-cell and a fresh water rinsing tub available for the convenience of divers and snorkelers, to clean and store wet clothes and dive gear safely.

Each Junior Suite comes with air-conditioning, ceiling fan, in-room safe, in-room wireless Internet, large smart flat-screen TV, solar-heated hot water, mini-fridge, facilities for coffee or tea, and cable television.  All rooms have screened windows and doors for those guests who prefer to enjoy the island’s gentle trade winds.  Daily maid service is offered, except for on Sundays.

The Junior Suites, either pool view or garden view, are now priced at only $75.00 per room per night.  This special rate is valid for travel through September 30, 2016, and carries a two-night minimum stay.  The special is subject to availability and includes a free continental breakfast.  Please note that a 15% facility charge and tourist taxes of $5.45 per person per night are additional.

This special rate is available for new reservations only, and must be made directly with the property by emailing info@sonrisabonaire.com and referencing “Bonaire Insider Special.”

(Source:  Boutique Hotel Sonrisa)

 

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Harbour Village Beach Club Announces Partnership With Fabien Cousteau

Harbour Village Beach Club recently announced a partnership with noted filmmaker, explorer, and ocean preservationist, Fabien Cousteau, the grandson of famed explorer Jacques Cousteau, in an effort to raise awareness for ocean conservation efforts among discerning Caribbean travelers.

greatadventures5As the resort’s environmental ambassador, Cousteau will collaborate with the resort on a wide range of issues including ocean preservation and climate change topics through a series of high-level Global Ocean Summits held on Bonaire at Harbour Village. Continuing their shared commitment of researching and exploring the world’s oceans, Harbour Village will also host “Fabien Cousteau Voyages,” providing small groups with high-end travel adventures on an NOAA research vessel and submarine.

“On a recent trip to Bonaire, I encountered Harbour Village Beach Club and it is truly a first-class destination resort in every way with a strong environmental conscience,” said Fabien Cousteau. “From their reef preservation initiatives to their Great Adventures Bonaire program, a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center offering scuba diving, snorkel trips and educational dive courses, the property is committed to an ocean ethic.”

Cousteau will expand his non-profit Ocean Learning Center, based in New York City, to the southern Caribbean with headquarters at Harbour Village, furthering the resort’s eco-friendly amenities and offering educational programming for resort guests of all ages. Additionally, Cousteau will join diving adventures with Harbour Village guests as well as unique experiences curated by the resort and Cousteau himself.

“My vision is for Harbour Village to be the center of a ‘think tank’ on critical conservation and environmental issues facing our planet through two annual Global summits and conferences,” Cousteau said. “Our programs will bring together those working earnestly in the field and some of the best minds in the world in order to seek solutions required to save our water planet, while educating resort guests about the importance of ocean conservation.”

(Source: Harbour Village Beach Club)

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Harbour Village Beach Club Announces Sebastiaan Vink as Chef de Cuisine

Harbour Village Beach Club, considered by many as Bonaire’s luxury resort, recently announced the appointment of Sebastiaan Vink as Chef de Cuisine to its property team. In this role, Chef Vink manages all culinary operations for Harbour Village Beach Club and its signature oceanfront restaurant, La Balandra Restaurant and Bar–located over the Caribbean Sea–giving guests a true fish-to-fork dining experience with daily, fresh seafood.

Hailing from Holland, Chef Vink comes to Harbour Village Beach Club with more than 22 years of industry experience and international influences. In addition to significant time spent at three Michelin One Star restaurants in France, Holland, and Spain, Vink’s resume also boasts an impressive background as Chef de Cuisine in prominent European hotels and restaurants, such as Hotel Splendid in Le Grau du Roi, France, Attico in Javea, Spain, and Villa Da Vinci in Toulouse, France.

“With an intimate knowledge in cuisines across the Mediterranean, Europe and Asia, Chef Sebastiaan Vink’s innovative cooking style expertly combines classic and modern-day cuisine with international flair,” said Frank J. Gonzalez, Managing Director of Harbour Village Beach Club.

Guests savor culinary delicacies and dock-to-dish specialties at Harbour Village Beach Club, courtesy of La Balandra Restaurant and Bar, whether on the dining deck located on a jetty extending out to the Caribbean Sea, barefoot on the private white-sand beach, or in a perfectly packaged picnic on Klein Bonaire.

hvOffering an interactive, unmatched “foodie” experience, morning fishermen arrive at La Balandra’s restaurant dock and Chef Vink selects the day’s menu items right off the boat–allowing diners the chance to relish everything from fresh wahoo, tuna and red snapper to rainbow runners and lion fish, depending upon the day’s catch. Designed after an antique Spanish ship, La Balandra’s location and open-air seating, coupled with its creative specialties and nautical décor, guarantees an unforgettable dining experience.

(Source:  Harbour Village Beach Club)

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A Marriott Courtyard Is Coming to Bonaire

marriottThose with brand-loyalty to Marriott will be happy to learn that the hotel brand is quickly completing construction of a new Marriott Courtyard on Bonaire.

With a planned opening in the fall of 2016, Marriott will have their property located on a portion of the salt-water canal network.  Its location is also near to the new airport terminal, making arrivals and departures easy.

The hotel’s plan calls for 140 rooms, and it is part of a significant expansion of Marriott resorts in the Caribbean region.  The Marriott Courtyard will become the first major branded hotel on Bonaire.

(Source:  Caribbean Journal)

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Ned and Anna DeLoach are on Bonaire from May 28th to June 11th, 2016

Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire is once again happy to announce that Ned & Anna DeLoach, authors of the Reef Fish Identification and Behavior books, will be on Bonaire soon.  Unlike previous years when Ned and Anna would visit Buddy Dive in September for three weeks, this year they will come and stay with Buddy Dive from May 28th until June 11th.

“Over the last years we have been on so many adventures”, Anna says, “but now it’s time to slow down a bit. We always love our visits to Buddy Dive and didn’t want to give this up. This year we will be joining Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire for two weeks during the Coral Lovers month.”

The Marine Life Education weeks at Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire in August and September  will continue. Also the “2nd diver dives for free” special during this period will remain the same as usual.

During their visits over the last years, the Buddy Dive staff has been trained by Ned and Anna DeLoach on Fish & Reef ID.  Ned and Anna are very confident that the Buddy Dive Staff will be able to take over the Fish & Reef ID program they designed. The Buddy Dive guests are in the very capable hands of: Danny, Murphyn, Francesca, Mr G., Lars, Tina, and Bart, all of whom have been working with Ned and Anna since day one.

Last but not least: During the Marine Life Education weeks in August and September, the books of Ned & Anna will be for sale at a discounted rate, so it’s an excellent reason to stop by at Buddy Dive Resort.

(Source:  Buddy Dive Resort)

 

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