Hotels and Lodging

News about hotels, resorts, apartments, villas, condos, and other lodgings,

Monday, September 11, 2006

Capt. Don’s Habitat Celebrates 30 Years

During the month of September, Captain Don’s Habitat will be celebrating its 30 anniversary in Bonaire and its tenth anniversary in Curacao with special events. 

To prepare for this special anniversary, the resort has undergone many renovations and improvements to raise guest comfort to the highest level.  These improvements include the refurbishment and expansion of units, the upgrading of resort infrastructure such as waste water treatment and telephone system, and the introduction of new activities, such as cave snorkeling/exploration.

Join Habitat on September 29th, 2006 starting at 10:00 PM at Rum Runners Restaurant for a live performance of Sugaro. Sugaro is no stranger to Bonaire, having played at Habitat events many times in the past.  Their eclectic blend of rhythm and blues, jazz and rock, provides for an unforgettable evening of musical enjoyment.

On October 1st, 2006, Sugaro & the Freewinds band will be jamming live in Wilhelmina Plein, with plenty of food, drinks, handicrafts, and souvenirs for sale with all proceeds benefiting special organizations on Bonaire. 

For additional information, click here.  (Source:  Capt. Don’s Habitat Press Release)

Monday, September 04, 2006

Buddy Dive Announces DEMA and 2007 Specials

With the DEMA diving trade show fast approaching, Buddy Dive on Bonaire announces their show special for groups, as well as a 2007 special for individual travelers.

The DEMA special is for groups and is perfect for either small or large groups since every eighth diver is free.  Also, guests receive a complimentary upgrade to unlimited nitrox and, on top of that, 50% discount on every group member’s restaurant and bar bill (maximum USD $75.00 per person per week). To make it even better, all group members receive a free upgrade to unlimited boat dives (when booking the 6-boat dive package) if the reservation is booked and deposited prior to the DEMA show. This offer is valid for travel, stay and departure between April 15th and December 14th, 2007. Reservations need to be made prior to January 31st, 2007.

If you’re traveling with a smaller group or your family, there’s no need to feel left out as because Buddy Dive has decided to continue Buddy’s Super Spring Saving--giving you free unlimited nitrox and a 50% discount on food and beverages (maximum USD $75.00 per person per week) when staying between April 15th and May 31st, 2007.

For more information, please contact your favorite travel partner, call 1-866-GO-BUDDY or mail to .

Please note these specials are for new bookings only and cannot be combined with other special offers. Food and beverage credit cannot be used at Lions Den Restaurant.  (Source:  Buddy Dive)

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Wind & Sun Vacations Offers Low-Season Dive, Windsurf, and Kiteboard Specials

Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations has teamed up with various Bonaire tourist-sector companies to provide a variety of low season packages for divers, windsurfers, and kiteboarders.  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations is owned by windsurfer and event promoter Ann Phelan, who has over 19 years experience in Caribbean travel planning. 

For the full news release, click here.  (Source:  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations)

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Harbour Village Beach Club Gets High Marks for a Thrilling Family Caribbean Vacation

Parents today are interested in giving their children unique experiences when they travel. While amusement park vacations remain popular, many enlightened parents are looking to put a different spin on the traditional family vacation.

"When our twins turned seven, we decided it was finally time to embark on a family vacation of a lifetime. However, we didn’t want to spend our time traipsing around an amusement park, waiting in long lineups and eating fast food,” states Tanya Jensen, 36 from Nebraska.

She continues: “We want a real travel experience that allows us to enjoy being together, but provides opportunities for our children to learn and experience new things. Our travel agent suggested a Caribbean family vacation. After doing some of our own research, we discovered that Harbour Village Beach Resort in Bonaire offers a Caribbean family vacation that fulfills all our dreams!”

Harbour Village Beach Club is proud of their Caribbean family vacation programs. Their unique partnership with Sea & Discover, Bonaire’s Marine Education Center, enables children to experience and learn first hand from a leading marine biologist. Classroom and water sessions combine to teach children about the marine environment and ecology of Bonaire in a safe and fun atmosphere.

“Harbour Village Beach Club is proud of our adventure programs that are just perfect for a family looking for a thrilling Caribbean family vacation. Our suite of programs offers complete flexibility for our guests. Children can partake in some programs on their own, others are for families as a whole, and we even offer programs geared for adults to learn more about marine life,” Jessica Gonzalez, Harbour Village Beach Club comments.

For those looking for an exciting Caribbean family vacation as an alternative to amusement parks, Harbour Village heeds that call. Their programs include Family Fun Snorkel, Discovery Dive, Fish ID and Mangrove Snorkel for children ages 7 and up.

Harbour Village Beach Club is a luxurious residential resort community and club on the Caribbean island of Bonaire located just off the northeast coast of South America and named the Top Caribbean Dive Destination for four consecutive years (2003 to 2006) by Scuba Diving Magazine’s readers. Harbour Village offers luxurious amenities and countless beach activities such as, diving, snorkeling, boating, kayaking, and sun-bathing for families, couples, and individual travelers. Harbour Village provides more than the typical Caribbean vacation experience; it will give you a lifetime of memories.  (Source:  PRWeb Press Release)

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Divi Flamingo Bonaire Announces Create-Your-Own Dive Packages

For divers who want to make each dive vacation a unique one, Divi Resorts has introduced the new Create-Your-Own Dive Packages.  These fun and flexible packages are available throughout 2006 and 2007 at the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino in Bonaire. 

With the Create-Your-Own Dive Packages, divers can dive as little or as much as they like by creating a personalized package which features discounted room rates and meals.  Three-night dive packages including accommodations, breakfast and round-trip airport transfers start at just $238 per person based on double occupancy at Divi Flamingo (this price does not include diving).  Divers are required to purchase at least two days of diving per person, and then may add additional nights, meals and diving as desired. 

Add-on diving options to the Create-Your-Own Dive Packages at Divi Flamingo include unlimited shore diving, one-tank afternoon boat dive plus unlimited shore tanks, two-tank morning boat dive plus unlimited shore tanks, and three-tank boat dive plus unlimited shore tanks.  Prices for dive options at Divi Flamingo start at $23.10 per person per day. 

For more information or to book a Create-Your-Own Dive Package contact Divi Dive Reservations at 1-800-801-5550 or visit http://www.diviresorts.com/.

Located on the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire, the beachfront Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino features 129 guestrooms including 89 hotel rooms and 40 timeshare units each with private balconies or patios; secluded beach and sunbathing pier; two freshwater pools; two restaurants; two bars; a state-of-the-art fitness center; on-site car rental and activities desks; beauty salon with spa services; sundries and gift shops; and Bonaire’s famous Barefoot Casino.  Divi Dive Bonaire, the on-site full service PADI Gold Palm and National Geographic Dive Center is equipped for handicapped divers and offers 24 hour access to tanks, five custom dive boats and full technical dive service including guided technical dives, gear rental, mixed gas fills and the complete TDI instruction program.  (Source:  Dive News Wire)

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

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)

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)

Saturday, July 08, 2006

The Lizard Inn Announces New Website and Re-Opening Special

The Lizard Inn has also announced a new web site, in coordination with the opening of their new location. With a company motto of “clean, cheap, and casual”, Lizard Inn’s new location will offer an expanded number of rooms, along with new services and activities.

Their Grand Opening Special can be booked online, and consists of a 7 night stay while you pay for only six nights Offer valid from October 1st - November 30th 2006 ("Regatta-week" excepted, October 8th-October 15th).

For more information, visit their web site at www.lizardinnbonaire.com, or email . (Source: The Lizard Inn)

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations Launches New Web Site

Just launched is Caribbean Wind & Sun’s newly renovated web site. Now everyone can get up-to-date information when planning your dive or windsurf vacation to Bonaire.

Ann has over 19 years experience in Caribbean travel services. She is also an avid windsurfer and Bonaire resident. Ann offers her professional expertise to plan a customized trip for you and your friends and family meeting any budget.

Peruse the new site for information about the many island properties Ann represents, as well as banner updates on special events and groups. All aspects of your vacation from airfare, accommodations, windsurf gear rentals, concierge and vehicle rental, can be handled at Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations. For more information visit www.bonairecaribbean.com. To make an inquiry online, go to: www.bonairecaribbean.com/inquire.html.  (Source:  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations)