The tiny Dutch-Caribbean territory of Bonaire is big with divers, who flock to its fish-filled waters, thriving coral reefs and 89 dive sites. And there’s plenty for landlubbers to enjoy as well (see our recommendations, here). But whether you dive or you don’t, you’re going to need somewhere to stay. So here are our picks of the Best Bonaire Hotels.
Harbour Village Beach Club Bonaire’s biggest (and only five-star) resort has spacious condo-style suites, so it’s perfect for families. Its own white-sand beach; the waterfront, ship-shaped La Balandra restaurant (order the tuna tartare); and a location just a 15-minute kayak ride from offshore islet Klein Bonaire add to its appeal.
Sorobon Beach Resort In the southeast, 30 cottages punctuate this Lac Bay hotel, which is lapped by warm shallow waters that are perfect for snorkeling and blessed with breezes ideal for windsurfing. Studios here start at just $150 a night, making this a good option for Bonaire-lovers on a budget. And Courses, the Indonesian restaurant on site, gets rave reviews. This is a classic beach bungalow hotel. It’s also home to perhaps the island’s best true beach bar.
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino Only a five-minute walk from the capital of Kralendijk, this hotel recently launched a new all-inclusive package, bundling drinks, meals in three restaurants, yoga and a snorkeling excursion. While the diving and snorkeling offshore is superb, the resort’s beach is petite, so sand-seekers may want to look elsewhere.
Buddy Dive Resort “Eat, Sleep, Dive” is the mantra at this classic hotel (incorporating the old Lion’s Dive) that’s been welcoming divers to its clutch of one- to three-bedroom units for decades. Divers appreciate the convenient on-site drive-though air and nitrox filling station (handy for the resort’s rental fleet), while non-divers will enjoy soaking up the sun by the resort’s two pools.
Bellafonte Luxury Oceanfront Hotel All 22 plush apartments in this complex have water views so you can take in the Caribbean vista as you kick back on the balcony with an icy Bonaire Blond. Bellafonte’s in-town location makes it convenient for dining and shopping, and diving, of course, is easy to arrange (look no further than the hotel’s Instagram-worthy pier).
Caribbean Club Bonaire
A delightful little hotel that marries Bonaire’s classic cool with the feeling of staying somewhere on the frontier. The rooms are rather spacious with a nice contemporary design, from studios to penthouse cottages. And there’s of course an on site dive shop, operated by Buddy Dive.
Captain Don’s Habitat
Perhaps the most famous hotel in all of Bonaire, this is named after Captain Don Stewart, the renowned environmentalist who turned Bonaire into one of the world’s great diving destinations. It’s a throwback Caribbean hotel, with a great waterfront bar and a totally relaxed vibe. It’s an easy pick for one of the Best Bonaire Hotels.
Coral Paradise Resort With a location “100 steps from the sea,” this petite boutique is perfect for divers, who can relax after daily descents in one of only eight comfy rooms, all with full kitchens and free WI-FI. Bonus: Complimentary airport transfers, and each room comes with a pickup truck for easy island exploration.
Plaza Beach Resort Bonaire
While we typically only include EP hotels on our lists of best hotels in the Caribbean, we made an exception for the Plaza Beach Resort given the dearth of all-inclusive options on the island. The property offers the convenience of a traditional all-inclusive with an authentic Bonaire identity.
Sand Dollar Condominiums
This condominium-hotel has one of the most loyal followings on the island, with guests drawn to the very affordable prices and a decidedly comfortable vibe. In many ways, this is the essence of Bonaire: it’s friendly, kind and it makes you feel like you’re at home, whether it’s your first visit or your 20th. And there’s great shore diving, too.
So now that you’ve seen all the best Bonaire hotels, the only problem you’ll have is choosing how long to stay. Our recommendation? Buy a one-way ticket.