Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Crystal Cruises Teams up with Cleveland Clinic and Brings a Health & Fitness Cruise to Bonaire

10-Day Caribbean Cruise Focuses on Overall Wellness and Prevention

LOS ANGELES, PRNewswire/—Doctors from the renowned Cleveland Clinic will take to sea aboard the luxurious Crystal Serenity this December with experts on yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, and even a PGA golf pro. Guests intent on restoring life balance will enjoy progressive seminars, wellness programs and fitness-focused shore excursions during Crystal Cruises’ 10-day Caribbean Health & Fitness cruise.

“Wellness is a hot topic among today’s consumers, and Crystal Cruises provides complimentary access to some of the most respected names and institutions in the wellness community,” says Kristin Turner, manager, entertainment at Crystal Cruises. “Amidst the pampering services of Crystal Serenity, this cruise enables guests to experience a renewed focus on their own lifestyle and well-being.”

Traveling round-trip from Miami on December 5, 2006, Crystal Serenity journeys to the idyllic Southern Caribbean ports of Aruba, Dutch West Indies; Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles; Grenada, Barbabos, and Antigua, West Indies.

For additional information, view the news release.  (Source: Crystal Cruises)

Divi Group Announces Plans to Build Beachfront All-Inclusive Resort on Bonaire

The Divi Group, which operates nine Divi Resorts on six Caribbean islands, as well as two all inclusive resorts in Aruba, has announced that it will build a new beachfront all inclusive resort on the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire.  Construction of the resort is expected to begin in spring 2007, with completion scheduled for the end of 2008.

Offering an all inclusive program based on the same successful all inclusive concept as the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives in Aruba, the new resort will rise to four stories and will feature 275 spacious ocean and beach view units plus sixty ocean view condominiums adjacent to the property.  The condos will available for full ownership with a hotel rental program and people who own/use these units will have access to all resort facilities. 

Resort amenities will include a large beach, full service dive center, state-of-the-art fitness center, rock climbing wall, large infinity pool, a selection of restaurants and bars, on-site spa, casino and shops.  All food and beverage outlets will be open to non-hotel guests as well as guests of the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino, Divi Resorts current property in Bonaire.  Management of the new all inclusive resort will fall under the Divi All Inclusive Group in Aruba, with both properties on the island sharing a management team.

“As the first all inclusive on Bonaire we will be able to introduce the island to a new segment of travelers that enjoy the ease and wide array of amenities offered by an all inclusive property,” said Alex Nieuwmeyer, who oversees Divi’s operations in Aruba and Bonaire.  “The untapped market potential of Bonaire and the opportunity to expand the Divi brand in a destination that is committed to sustainable tourism and that we have a history in (as the operators of the Divi Flamingo) made good business sense.”

The Divi Group includes Divi Resorts, the largest Caribbean-only hotel chain, as well as two all inclusive resorts in Aruba, the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives.  Divi Resorts operates nine resorts on six Caribbean islands including the Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino in St. Croix; Divi Little Bay Beach Resort in St. Maarten; Divi Southwinds Beach Resort and Divi Heritage Beach Resort in Barbados; Divi Tiara Beach Resort in Cayman Brac; Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino in Bonaire; and Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort, Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort and Divi Dutch Village Resort in Aruba. (Source: The Divi Group)

Thursday, August 10, 2006

New Airport Security Procedures in Bonaire

Bonaire’s Flamingo Airport has indicated that it has upgraded its security procedures to be in line with those announced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States today.

Effective immediately, passengers will be asked to put any gels, liquids, beverages, etc. in their checked bags. Once the secure areas (gift shops behind security) are cleared, passengers will be able to purchase beverages and the such there, but they must be consumed before boarding. Duty free liquor and perfume sales will be affected.

Exceptions for infants/toddlers will be made (breast milk, formula, fruit juice) as well as for liquid prescription medicine in the name of the passenger.

We have also been informed that both KLM and Martinair have also instituted such screening procedures, but only for those flights which are destined for the United States. Flights to non-U.S. destinations fromBonaire are not affected by these procedures at this time. (Sources: TSA Web Site, TSA Update, American Airlines web site, U.K. Department of Transport, BAA (British airport authority))

Note Update August 17, 2006: These security requirements are applicable to U.S.-bound flights. However, if U.S.-bound passengers cannot be segregated from passengers with other destinations, the requirements are applicable to all passengers entering the departure lounge (sterile area). This means that at Flamingo Airport Bonaire, passengers on all flights departing between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM may not have liquids, gels, or aerosols of any size at the screening area.

U.S.-bound passengers must consume any beverages purchased in the sterile area (departure lounge) before boarding the aircraft. All passengers may purchase duty-free liquids, gels, or aerosols. For U.S.-bound flights, these goods will be delivered to the passenger immediately before boarding.

The requirement to remove passengers’ shoes is no longer applicable.  (Source of Update:  Bonaire International Airport, N.V.)

Monday, August 07, 2006

New Tourism Specials Are Announced

Bonaire tourism companies announce new specials for the coming months.

Bonaire Lagoen Hill is offering a package that includes 7 nights accommodation, 6 days of unlimited shore diving and 7 days vehicle rental. Package prices starting at $353.00 per person, based on 6 people in a 3-bedroom cottage.Lagoen Hill is located in the rolling hills near Lagoen Bay, a quiet residential setting with great island views of Bonaire, only 2 miles from the capital city of Kralendijk . The resort features 30 private cottages, set among lush tropical gardens. The cottages are provided with cable TV, radio, ceiling-fans, personal safes, hot water facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious bathroom with shower and large bedrooms with air-conditioning. Homes with all the comfort and modern amenities needed for a perfect and affordable island getaway. Package prices are valid until December 19, 2006. For more information visit the Lagoen Hill Web site.

Divers Paradise is offering a seven-night special including 6 days of unlimited shore diving, plus 7 days vehicle rental. Package prices starting at $383.00 per person, based on 3 people in a one-bedroom apartment. Located a short drive from Kralendijk in the quiet residential area of Hato. Divers Paradise offers seven comfortable apartments complete with fully-equipped kitchens, cable TV, radio, personal safes, bathroom with shower and bedroom with air-conditioning. Package prices are valid until December 19, 2006. For more information visit their Web site.

AB Carrental, located at the Airport of Bonaire, is offering a Special for Divers and Non Divers, through December 21, 2006: For Divers, a Mazda Pick Up Double Cabin with power steering and A/C for only USD 30.00 per day or USD 200.00 per week. Also available “ 4WD Drive Pick Up Trucks and 4WD SUVs” with automatic transmission. For Non Divers: A Kia Picanto, 4 door economy car with A/C for only USD 27.00 per day or USD 175.00 per week. Also available with automatic transmission. Visit the AB Carrental Web site for further details and make your reservation through their on-line-reservation system.

Fox Discount Car Rental, has a Special for Divers until December 15 - 2006:  Pick Up Truck Double Cabin Standard for as low as USD 23.00 per day or USD 145.00 per week, taxes not included. Pick Up Truck Double Cabin Deluxe with power-steering and A/C for USD 29.00 per day or USD 183.00 per week, taxes not included. For more information, visit their Web site.  (Source:  Bonaire Entre Nous Newsletter, August 7, 2006)

American Airlines Announces Special Fares to Bonaire

As part of American Airlines’ NetSAAver’s program, which typically offers reduced airfare between city pairs, American Airlines recently started offering significantly reduced fares to Bonaire from all major U.S. cities.

These new fares can be as low as $348.00 from Boston, $371.00 from Chicago, or $424.00 from Los Angeles, and are valid for travel between August 7 and December 13, 2006, and must be booked by August 16, 2006. (Source: American Airlines web site)

Friday, August 04, 2006

Den Laman Restaurant

Den Laman Restaurant, located directly west of Bonaire’s only traffic circle has announced that it will feature a Sunset Jazz & Creole Buffet on Saturday, August 5th.

Featured musicians will be The Bonaire Jazz Group, with music starting as the sun sets. The buffet will open at 7pm, and will feature a selection of local food, including: ceviche, escabeche criollo de pescado, ensalada rusa, Caribbean black bean salad, piska hasa ku salsa criollo, tutu, baka stoba, funchi, arroz estilo espagnol, banana hasa, galina al formo, papaya den pika, and budin di pan.

Reservations are strongly recommended. Phone: +599 7174106. (Source: Den Laman Restaurant)