A rum-on-the-beach party. A rum-infused lunch at an overwater restaurant. Outdoor tastings at oceanfront hotels around the island. 

A final dinner at a restaurant with a three-Michelin-star pedigree. 

This isn’t like any rum festival you’ve ever been to — and that’s why it’s one of the coolest events of the summer in the Caribbean. 

It’s time to make your plan to experience Bonaire Rum Week, the weeklong celebration of premium rum and culinary culture on the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire. 

This year’s Bonaire Rum Week is a spectacular lineup of rum and culinary events across the Dutch Caribbean’s hottest hotspot, running June 12-17. 

“This year’s Bonaire Rum Week will be our biggest edition yet,” said Alexander Britell, editor and publisher of Caribbean Journal, which organizes the annual event in collaboration with Tourism Corporation Bonaire. “If you are a rum connoisseur or simply want to dive into the world of premium rum, this is the vacation for you.”

The event puts the spotlight on the white-hot culinary movement in Bonaire, which has one of the Caribbean’s largest concentrations of world-class eateries and a growing spirits culture, one anchored by the island’s top local rum, Rom Rincon. 

Many of the Caribbean’s top rum brands come to the island for the event, giving visitors the chance to enjoy and educate themselves about fine aged rums in a laid-back, naturally beautiful setting. 

Even better? Almost every event is free. 

So what’s on the agenda? 

Bonaire Rum Week kicks off with a VIP party at Bamboo Bonaire, followed by the grand opening at the iconic Rum Runners bar on June 13; Rum on the Beach at the Plaza resort is set for June 14, presented by Ron San Pablo; June 15 has a pair events: a rum-infused lunch at the Harbour Village resort ($99 per person) and a Rom Rincon happy hour on the Sunset Deck at the Divi Flamingo resort.

There will also be a treasure-hunt-style dive event on the morning of June 16 at the Buddy Dive Resort.

Supporting partners include Moon Tower Bonaire; Brass Boer; Delfins Beach Resort; Harbour Village; Bamboo Bonaire; Grand Windsock; Buddy Dive; Captain Don’s Habitat; Plaza Beach Resort; Divi Flamingo Resort and Wine Factory Bonaire.

The world-renowned Brass Boer restaurant at Delfins Beach Resort is the home of the final dinner ($150 per person)

The following day, Bonaire’s popular Taste of Bonaire culinary celebration includes a strong rum component on June 17. 

All reservations for events should go to rum@caribjournal.com, and spaces are filling up quickly. 

“Bonaire Rum Week’s unique concept lets you experience a rum festival and enjoy a carefree, chilled-out vacation in the Caribbean,” said Guy Britton, EVP and managing editor of Caribbean Journal. “It’s the perfect way to cool down this summer.”

For more, visit Bonaire Rum Week.