Tropical Tidbits – Winter 2024-25

by Sue C Travel

I regret to announce that the final sun will be setting on this column now, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring so many Tropical Tidbits to World Traveler readers over the years. It’s been a pleasure, but work commitments make it impossible now to give it the time it deserves. So, for my swan song (or should I say flamingo farewell?) I want to showcase a favorite tropical destination that’s still off-radar for many, and that is Bonaire.

Bonaire is where?

This enchanting little island outpost is just 37 miles off the coast of Venezuela, the “B” of the Dutch Caribbean trio of sister islands often referred to as the “ABCs” (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao), and though each share commonalities, idyllic, sunny year-round weather outside of the hurricane belt, semi-arid desert like climate, and cultural and historical colonial similarities, each is extremely different in development and vibe. Bonaire is most famous for early adoption of marine life preservation. The surrounding waters have been a protected nature preserve since the 70s. Their reputation as one of the world’s most prolific shore diving destinations is well known among scuba fans, and their designation as the world’s first “Blue Destination” is an award well-deserved. But you need not be a diver to enjoy a unique holiday here. Especially now.

My love affair with Bonaire

There are few islands to compare it to by way of bucket list activities, but trust me, in my 25 years of writing about this quirky oasis, it’s been a colorful tapestry of ‘firsts’. (Many of which I didn’t even know I wanted to experience until I did!) Here are a few things I’ve checked off my list here…

The surreal sight of wild flamingos feeding with massive white mountains of salt behind them? Check. An ethereal aerial view of unique pink salt lakes below from a tiny two-seater airplane? Check. Getting up on my very first try windsurfing due to expert instruction from world champions (The Frans Brothers) who now run their own school on Lac Bay? Check. Riding a powerful steed while it swims in the sea and then galloping back through a cacti-studded outback? Check. Spotting wild dolphins, and viewing a baby octopus and spotted eagle ray within arm’s reach while I snorkel steps offshore from a full-service resort? Check. Trying to learn golf on a “greenless” course with the main hazards being wild donkeys and goats? Check. Paddling through a lush mangrove tunnel in a clear-bottom kayak, then swimming with the juvenile fish and sea turtles? Check. Taking a water taxi to explore an uninhabited island (Klein Bonaire) with one of the world’s most pristine alabaster white sand beaches? Then, encircling the same island’s coral reefs in a little red semi-submarine to view the marine life without getting wet? Check and check. Drinking a delicious cocktail made from cactus? (The Cadushy Distillery in Rincón makes the world’s only liqueur from cactus.) Check. Those are just a few cool non-diving focused things to do.

Where to stay, play, and eat, and best ways to explore…

Accommodation wise, Bonaire has grown to cater to all different types of travelers beyond divers. My go-to since the beginning has always been Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino, they offer the best of all possible worlds from families to romantics to divers, they have it all. They have an all-inclusive option, too. Its downtown location is also ideal. Those seeking seriously upscale digs flock to Harbour Village Beach Club for beachfront villas with big marble bathtubs and old-world luxury furnishings. And legendary Plaza Resort has upped their game big time since they were taken over by the famous Dutch Van der Valk family. Now they are a snazzy all-inclusive. If budget is a consideration, Bonaire Oceanfront Apartments downtown are still a best bet, especially for extended stays. The owners also operate SunRentals Bonaire, a superb collection of deluxe private villas ideal for small groups and big families at exceptional prices.

But it’s the newer resorts that are responsible for igniting an explosion of foodie-focused dining options lately. Like Delfins Beach Resort and their Brass Boer- created by Dutch Michelin Chef Jonnie Boer offering world class fusion cuisine. And I was seriously impressed with the chef’s table experience at the brand new Chogogo Dive & Beach Resort’s signature restaurant Biña. New little Wapana Boutique Hotel also offers an impressive intimate chef’s table.

(For reviews of some of these resorts, visit our Stay & Play archives:
https://worldtraveler.travel/category/stay-play/)

And many off-resort trendy eateries have blossomed up all over the island. In fact, there are so many foodie options now,( including a spot named “Foodies”, ) a 15-day culinary event called Bonaire Culinair (www.bonaire-culinair.com) is now held twice a year to introduce all the offerings with special tasting menus. Lots of new downtown nightlife also beckons. Follow your ears to find karaoke, live salsa music, and DJ driven beats all over the tiny grid after dark now. And the addition of the newly imagined Karel’s Beach Bar palapa, and its sister overwater luxury dining lounge Pier Dos have become the crown jewel of the tiny capital- day and night.

Ensuring an eco-friendly evolution

But though the island has been developing at a dizzying pace, eco-conscious growth is still top of mind. Many resorts are part of the Reef Renewal project that build new coral gardens in front of their properties. And the new Blue Defender program helps WWF protect breeding grounds for marine life. Visitors and locals can send locations to help their data when they spot a dolphin or a whale nearby. There are also many new environmentally friendly ways to explore the island. Choose from electric golf carts, electric cars, electric tuk-tuk tours, and even solar powered fat bikes! And new activities like Lady Bellaïs party/ snorkeling schooner keeps local culture alive with lots of authentic local food on their buffets. Now, locally made arts and crafts are the only souvenirs to be found at the lively pop-up market that greets each cruise ship arrival, it’s a must-visit in Wilhelmina Park. And if you want to explore Washington Slagbaai National Park- the protected nature reserve, I recommend a private tour with a reputable operator like HopiBonaire. They specialize in off-the-beaten-path locations, are extremely environmentally conscious, and will even curate personal itineraries to your liking that include snorkeling in off-radar regions. They’ll also take wonderful photos as personal keepsakes.

So, what are you waiting for? Cross Bonaire off your bucket list this winter! Visit: www.bonaireisland.com

So, I will sign off now and wish you all safe and sunny travels. If you wish to follow my further adventures, you can always find me on social @suectravel. Susan Campbell.