Are you heading to Bonaire anytime soon? Your adventure starts with choosing the perfect base. Bonaire offers a wide variety of accommodations: from large-scale beach resorts to unique, intimate boutique hotels in the ‘kunuku’ (the Bonairean countryside).
What we consider a huge plus is that Bonaire doesn’t cater to mass tourism and prohibits buildings taller than four floors. Because of this, even larger resorts maintain an intimate, personal atmosphere. You won’t find extreme, cold luxury here, but rather pure beauty and comfort at its finest.
To help you book your dream stay, we’ve put together our personal insider tips per category!
1. Comfortable (family-friendly) resorts with private pools and beach access
Looking for an all-in-one vacation? A stay where you have direct access to both a swimming pool and a sandy beach lined with comfortable sunbeds? Then we highly recommend the options below.
Handy budget tip: Major tour operators often offer attractive package deals for these resorts. Booking a package (flight + stay) is usually more cost-effective than booking your flights and hotel separately.
Delfins Beach Resort
The moment you step foot into , you’ll immediately feel the ultimate, serene vacation vibe. Although it’s a spacious resort featuring many rooms and apartments, you’d never notice while walking around. Thanks to the lush tropical flora and fauna and its clever layout with cozy nooks and lounge terraces, it feels remarkably intimate. The sunbeds surrounding the impressive pool are luxurious and comfortable, and the views over the Caribbean Sea are simply breathtaking.
It’s also a culinary hotspot. There is a wide variety of dining options available on-site. No fewer than three restaurants on the premises are run by the famous Dutch hospitality family Boer (renowned for their Michelin-starred restaurant De Librije), complemented by two excellent restaurants run by Delfins itself. You barely need to leave the resort for an unforgettable culinary evening!
Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire
Plaza is a stunning, fully renovated all-inclusive location that looks absolute fantastic. The style is a trendy fusion of Bali and Ibiza vibes. Personally, we aren’t always the biggest fans of all-inclusive stays, as buffet-style dining elsewhere can sometimes be a letdown. However, speaking from experience (we’ve stayed here ourselves!), the food at Plaza is top-tier. They offer a wide selection featuring daily fresh catch-of-the-day fish and plenty of healthy options. Highly recommended for a worry-free vacation.
Chogogo Dive & Beach Resort
Out of these three large resorts, Chogogo is the newest addition. It is a beautifully designed, spacious complex. While all mentioned resorts are family-friendly, Chogogo takes the crown if you’re traveling with (young) children. The pool has a shallow, gradual entry, making it easy to keep a watchful eye on the little ones from any angle. On top of that, the resort features a unique lazy river, where you can drift around lazily on an inflatable ring.
The ambiance is relaxed and cozy. You can enjoy informal dining at the Bari Beach Bar (offering something for everyone) or treat yourself at the excellent fine-dining restaurant Biña. We frequently dine here ourselves because the food is exceptional and the service is truly sublime.
Extra tip for fitness enthusiasts: Every Monday and Thursday you can join yoga classes hosted by Joy of Being, and on Tuesdays and Fridays, Bon Bini Booty provides energizing pilates sessions (also open to non-guests!).
2. Unique boutique resorts in Bonaire
Do you prefer smaller-scale, unique accommodations where peace, privacy, personal service, and an eye for design take center stage? Then these will quickly become your favorite spots on the island.
Windhoek Resort Bonaire
Located in Belnem, in the quiet southern part of the island, you’ll find Windhoek. This is an exceptionally stylish resort featuring villas designed by the renowned Dutch designer Piet Boon. At Windhoek, personalized service is truly paramount. Whether you need assistance booking activities or are searching for Bonaire’s best hotspots, the team is delighted to help. Situated slightly away from the bustling center of Kralendijk, you can enjoy ultimate privacy while remaining just a stone’s throw away from the salt pier and popular wind- and kitesurfing spots.
Belnem House Bonaire
Searching for a place that feels like a luxury home away from home? Belnem House offers modern apartments, suites, and penthouses with a sleek, contemporary design. The resort is boutique-scale and exudes an intimate, exclusive atmosphere. A wonderful laid-back vibe surrounds the shared pool area. It’s the perfect sanctuary for travelers who appreciate modern luxury, comfort, and quiet surroundings close to the best diving spots in the south.
Bamboo Bonaire Boutique Resort
Bamboo Bonaire is a hidden, tropical oasis boasting a romantic and intimate vibe. The exclusive cottages are nestled within a lush, Asian-inspired garden filled with palm trees and atmospheric lighting. This resort is tailored for couples and honeymooners seeking privacy and relaxation. Many cottages even feature a private plunge pool or jacuzzi in their private garden. The ultimate place to fully unwind.
Hotel Wanapa
In our opinion, Hotel Wanapa is the most unique hotel in Bonaire, both in terms of location and design. This colorful hotel with a creative music theme is situated right in the heart of the tranquil kunuku. The owners run this boutique hotel with complete dedication and passion. Personal service is key, every detail is carefully thought out, and they collaborate closely with local partners (for example, serving coffee and tea from local artisans). Stepping inside instantly transports you into a serene world of peace.
In the evening, you can sit down for a fantastic fine-dining surprise menu created by Chef Melvin. As co-owner, cooking is his absolute passion—something you’ll taste in every bite. Melvin personally comes to your table for every course to present his creations. This is fine dining taken to the highest level!
3. Prefer renting a private villa or apartment in Bonaire?
Looking for ultimate freedom during your stay? Want to skip rigid breakfast schedules and enjoy the privacy of your own kitchen, private terrace, and often even your own private pool? Renting a private apartment or a luxury oceanfront villa is the ideal choice. It’s perfect for larger families, groups of friends, or travelers who love to explore the island at their own pace.
To access the best and most reliable selection of vacation rentals in Bonaire, we love partnering with these local specialists:
- Sunwise Bonaire: Sunwise rents and manages vacation homes across the island, ranging from compact apartments to spacious villas with private pools. Their team knows Bonaire inside out and is always ready to guide guests with tips on top dive sites, local dining, and hidden gems you won’t find in standard travel guides.
- Sunrentals Bonaire: A long-standing, trusted name on the island. Sunrentals manages beautiful properties (many located directly on the waterfront) and will happily assist you with renting a car or setting up dive facilities.
- Bonaire Bay Rentals: The go-to specialist if you’re searching for a stay with breathtaking views of the bay or the Caribbean Sea. They strictly curate their portfolio based on quality, comfort, and unique locations.
Our Golden Tip for Extra Comfort
Whether you opt for a luxury villa or a cozy boutique hotel, once you head out to explore the island’s beautiful, pristine beaches, you’ll notice that public beaches offer almost no facilities. Want to relax in comfort without lugging heavy gear in your luggage?
Easily rent your beach chairs, coolers, and beach umbrellas in advance through Joor Beach Rentals. We deliver the items directly to your accommodation for free, ensuring your vacation gets off to a comfortable start!