Bonaire
Bonaire
Eloïse van der Valk
Bonaire has played a special role in my life from a young age. What began as a place I regularly visited as a child has grown into an island that feels like home. The genuine hospitality and relaxed atmosphere, combined with sun and sea, have made Bonaire my home. In this blog, I would like to take you through my five favorite experiences that make the island so special for me, in the hope of making your stay unforgettable as well.
The magic of Bonaire's underwater world
As a family, we are real diving enthusiasts, and I am happy to share this passion with you. My father taught me to snorkel when I was young, but after my first dive, I knew I never wanted anything else. Together with my brother and sister, I obtained my PADI Open Water certificate at the age of fourteen with Chantal from Toucan Diving at the resort. For more than eight years, Chantal has been sharing her passion for diving with our guests. She is straightforward, and you'll notice that right away when you say “flippers” instead of “fins”; you'll owe her an ice cream.So, you can imagine that after obtaining my certificate, I owed quite a few ice creams.... but it was all worth it because diving in Bonaire is truly spectacular, and I still enjoy it very much after so many years.
My favorite dining place: Sebastian’s
Just a few minutes' walk from the resort, you'll find Sebastian's, an atmospheric restaurant right by the sea. For me, this is a place where I love to gather with family and friends, especially around sunset when the pier takes on an almost magical atmosphere. The attentive service and the quality of the dishes make it special every time. My personal favorite is the scallops, a dish I always look forward to.
Discover the island by golf cart
Renting a car is convenient on Bonaire, but for me, a golf cart is truly the most fun way to explore the island. It gives a sense of freedom. The wind in your hair, the sun on your skin, and no rush at all. Just like the island itself, it forces you to take it slower.
My favorite route goes towards 1000 Steps and then on to Goto Lake. Along the way, the landscape keeps changing, and precisely because you drive a bit slower, you take everything in better. The silence, the nature, and flamingos in the distance make it special every time.
A stop at Posada Para Mira is really a must for me. Sit down, eat something local, enjoy the view, simple but just right. As a conclusion to the day, I like to go to Cadushy Distillery. Learning about and tasting a real local product.
Ultimate freedom at sea
There are few places where I feel as free as at sea. As soon as you step aboard at Bonaire Yacht Charters and the harbor slowly disappears from view, you notice it immediately: peace and freedom. The Caribbean Sea has something magical for me. Whether you're snorkeling, fishing, or just lying in the sun, every trip feels like being completely away.
What makes it extra special for me is the personal welcome. From the first moment you feel welcome. The service, the quality of the food, and the relaxed atmosphere make it for me the ultimate day at sea. And because you leave so easily from our own harbor, this is undoubtedly one of my favorites.
Where nature comes to life: the mangroves of Bonaire in the evening
Bonaire has so much more to offer than just beaches. What I always find special is the island's nature. On the way to the mangroves, you often encounter flamingos and donkeys, as if the landscape is slowly preparing you for what is yet to come.
Once in the mangroves, everything changes. It becomes quieter, more peaceful. The water, the nature, and the sounds around you make you automatically slow down. It is a place where you not only look but especially experience.
What I personally find the most beautiful is the Night Kayak Tour. Out on the water under the stars, while it lights up through bioluminescence, truly magical.
Through The Mangrove Center you can discover this in a beautiful and responsible way. It makes the experience not only special but also conscious. A place that shows how pure Bonaire is.
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We hope you'll enjoy Bonaire as much as we do. It is our home, and we sincerely hope it feels like home to you too. Relax, enjoy, and cherish the memories you will make here.
If you have any questions or would like additional tips, please feel free to contact us. Our dedicated team at Plaza Resort Bonaire is always ready to assist you.
Warm and sunny regards,
Eloïse Van der Valk
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