Bonaire's exalted status as a diving destination means that most of its hotels cater to the underwater crowd. A number of small hotels and condominiums are perfect for couples and families. And if you're looking for a bit more pampering, there are two upscale properties - Harbour Village Resort and the Plaza Resort - both of which also have excellent dive operations.
Harbour Village Resort occupies its own sandy little peninsula on the leeward side of Bonaire where it is the harbor of choice for yachties . There are as many boat slips at the resort as there are guest rooms - 64 of each - including one slip that can accommodate up to a 240-foot mega-yacht.
The spacious rooms and suites feature French doors, ceiling fans, balconies and even hammocks. There are also some 30 condominiums that are permanent residences, some of which are rented by the week or month. The property's colorful Caribbean-Dutch-style architecture is accented by winding paths, Spanish-tile roofs, stucco walls and quaint garden gates.
The tennis center and luxurious spa are among the happy surprises that consistently earn Harbour Village its five-star resort rating. The Peter Burwash International-managed tennis facility has four tennis courts, an extensive program of group and private clinics and a fully-stocked pro shop. The stucco spa villa is an enclave of pampering, from its signature Bonairrean Salt body polish, which uses crystals from the island's spectacular salt flats, to its rooftop solarium with outdoor massage alcoves.
Seven-night wedding, honeymoon, dive, tennis and spa packages are available. Non-guests may book tennis and spa services for a daily fee. Something to keep in mind: a golf course is in the works - Bonaire's first.
Call 800-424-0004 or visit www.harbourvillage.com for more information.
The Plaza Resort, just south of Kralendijk, is another solid option. Home to the largest casino on the island, the property has 225 rooms, suites and villas situated on 12 extensively landscaped acres. Ceiling fans and Italian tiles mark the accommodations and air conditioning, refrigerators and coffee makers are standard. Suites face the ocean or lagoon, home to an on-site marina, and the one- and two-bedroom villas with full kitchens are great for families.
There's plenty to keep you busy here. In addition to the dive center, there are four tennis courts, a pool, volleyball, a fitness center and day spa. The beach is a nice sandy strand, perfect for lounging, and there's great snorkeling as soon as you hit the water. If you'd rather venture off-property, a variety of island excursions can be arranged.
All that action will give you quite an appetite. The on-site convenience store will cure the munchies while Plaza's three restaurants provide indoor and open-air options and a variety of food from local seafood to international fare. The beachfront Tipsy Seagull is a favorite for a light bite and sometimes hosts nighttime entertainment.
A variety of packages are available. For more information, call 800-766-6016 or visit www.plazaresortbonaire.com.
Posted online 06/01/00.
