Bonaire has played a special role in my life from a very young age. What started as a place I visited frequently as a child has grown into an island that truly feels like home. The genuine hospitality and relaxed atmosphere, combined with sun and sea, have led me to make Bonaire my home.

In this blog, I would love to take you along my five favorite experiences that make the island so special to me, in the hope of making your stay unforgettable as well.

The magic of Bonaire’s underwater world

As a family, we are true diving enthusiasts, and it is a passion I am happy to share with you. My father taught me how to snorkel when I was young, but after my first dive, I knew I never wanted anything else. Together with my younger brother and sister, I earned my PADI Open Water certification at the age of fourteen with Toucan Diving on the resort, under the guidance of Chantal.

For more than eight years, Chantal has been sharing her passion for diving with our guests. She is very straightforward, and you will notice that immediately. If you say “flippers” instead of “fins,” you owe her a beer. So you can imagine that after getting my certification, I was quite a few beers in debt… but it was all worth it, because diving in Bonaire is truly spectacular, and even after all these years, I still love doing it.

My favorite dining spot: Sebastian’s Restaurant

Just a few minutes’ walk from the resort, you will find Sebastian’s Restaurant, a charming seaside restaurant. For me, it 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 every visit special. My personal favorite is the scallops, a dish I look forward to every time.

Explore the island by golf cart

Renting a car is convenient on Bonaire, but for me, a golf cart is by far the most enjoyable way to explore the island. It gives you a true sense of freedom. The wind in your hair, the sun on your skin, and no rush at all. Just like the island itself, it encourages you to slow down.

My favorite route heads towards 1000 Steps and then continues on to Goto Lake. Along the way, the landscape keeps changing, and because you are moving at a slower pace, you take it all in much more. The silence, the nature, and flamingos in the distance make it special every single time.

A stop at Posada Para Mira is a must for me. Sitting down for a while, enjoying something local, and taking in the view, simple but exactly right.

To end the day, I like to visit the Cadushy Distillery. Learning about and tasting a truly local product.

Ultimate freedom at sea

There are few places where I feel as free as I do on the water. The moment you step on board with Bonaire Yacht Charters and the harbor slowly fades from view, you feel it instantly: peace and freedom. There is something magical about the Caribbean Sea. Whether you go snorkeling, fishing, or simply relax in the sun, every trip feels like a true escape.

What makes it even more special to me is the personal welcome. From the very first moment, you feel at ease. The service, the quality of the food, and the relaxed atmosphere make it, for me, the ultimate day at sea. And with the ease of departing directly from our own marina, this is without a doubt one of my favorites.

Where nature comes alive: Bonaire’s mangroves at night

Bonaire has so much more to offer than just its beaches. What I personally find most special is the island’s nature. On your way to the mangroves, you will often pass flamingos and donkeys, as if the landscape is slowly preparing you for what is to come.

Once you enter the mangroves, everything changes. It becomes quieter, calmer. The water, the surrounding nature, and the sounds around you make you slow down without even realizing it. It is a place where you do not just see, but truly experience.

What I personally love most is the Night Kayak Tour. Paddling under the stars while the water lights up with bioluminescence is simply magical.

Through The Mangrove Center, you can explore this in a beautiful and responsible way. It makes the experience not only special, but meaningful. A place that truly shows how pure Bonaire is.

We hope that you will enjoy Bonaire as much as we do. It is our home and we sincerely hope that it will feel the same for you. 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