villaluntvacationrental

Buddy Dive & Blennies

Merrill Lunt Activities, Bonaire, Restaurants , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment

My kids love to spend the day at Buddy Dive, and we join them for dinner at Blennies.  Buddy Dive is a fantastic resort, and super welcoming to non-resort guests visiting their facilities.  Our kids tend to visit early and make a day out of enjoying their pool, water access and beach beds. Set high up from the water, their sun beds are on soft sand beach just in front of the pool.  The pool has is very refreshing, with a swim up bar. As most of you know, we are not divers, but love snorkeling. Buddy Dive has a great dock, and the kids (& me, too!) will enter the lovely Caribbean sea and swim around enjoying all the amazing sea life. 

We always have at least one meal while using their facilities, sometimes two. Blennies is on site,

very low key and super convenient.  The food is good, but the sunset is what really makes this bar type restaurant spectacular.  I was pleasantly surprised with the service this year – they really stepped it up. We came back a second evening to meet a friend for drinks at the bar, and were entertained by a local musician.

Enjoy !

 

Capriccio – Delicious, Great Views, Romantic

Merrill Lunt Bonaire, Restaurants , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment

Taking six 17 year old young ladies to Bonaire can have its perks, they suggested we take a romantic evening to ourselves, Capriccio was a logical choice for us.  Serving delicious Italian food, Capriccio is located in downtown Kralendijk, with great service and an amazing view.

We didn’t have a reservation (strongly suggest you make them!), but lucked out as they had an indoor table available. The indoor seating has a nice perk of air conditioning. We asked to be considered for outdoor if space became available, and they were happy to accommodate us when a table opened.  We enjoyed a cocktail inside followed by apps, dinner & wine outside – it was quite perfect.

I wish I took a picture of the menu. Unfortunately, I cannot find it on their website, but below are some pictures of our dinner choices. They taste as good as they look.

   

 

Personally, I find their salt and pepper shakers adorable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TAXI !!!

Merrill Lunt Bonaire, Practical Information , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment

Taxi, Taxi … ever wonder how to hire car service on Bonaire? Taxis seem to be located at the airport, but when you are out and about, they are no where to be found.  Bonaire does not utilize Uber or Lyft services, either.

We have been visiting Bonaire for over 10 years, and never hired a taxi service. This last trip, our 17 year old daughter and several of her friends wanted to go out, and we wanted to stay in and enjoy a nice, fresh mojito.

What is the solution???

TAXI DRIVER #34, Hilario Bernabela to the rescue !!!!

bonaire Taxi Driver

 

A wonderful taxi driver on Bonaire named Hilario (nickname Layo). We hired him to arrive at our villa at 8:00 PM to pickup the young ladies, and asked that he bring them back at 11:00 PM. Layo provided an on time, reliable, safe mode of transportation for our young ladies.

Young ladies – Happy  : Parents – Happy

Highly recommend !!!

 

 

Bonaire International Airport Adds A Ramp

Merrill Lunt Bonaire , , , , , , , ,
Bonaire Airport Adds Boarding Ramps

Flying into and out of Bonaire just got a little bit easier, especially for passengers requiring extra assistance at the airport. Bonaire International Airport, also known as Flamingo Airport, added 2 sized boarding ramps.  One for larger aircraft, and one for smaller ones.

In the past, when your flight landed on Bonaire you would look at the window and see all the beautiful palm trees.  As you were doing this, the ground crew would be rolling a metal staircase to the plane. All passengers would need to walk down these stairs and head toward customs. The addition of the gently sloped ramps create a more efficient boarding and disembarking process for all passengers

Dive Friends Bonaire Octopus Dive Video

Merrill Lunt Bonaire, Diving , , , , , , , , , , , ,
octopus dive video

Amazing octopus dive video, courtesy of the Dive Friends Bonaire Facebook Page

“The Octopus has an amazing body design. They are able to defend themselves in a variety of ways. The most common is flight since they can use jet propulsion to quickly move through the water. Their flexible body has no bones so they can escape into small cracks, rocks, crevices, and even into bottles and cans that have found their way into the bottom of the water. Check out the encounter with the Damsel fish! “

I find their videos fascinating, they keep me dreaming of coming back to Bonaire and staying in Villa Lunt of course.

 

The Octopus has an amazing body design. They are able to defend themselves in a variety of ways. The most common is flight since they can use jet propulsion to quickly move through the water. Their flexible body has no bones so they can escape into small cracks, rocks, crevices, and even into bottles and cans that have found their way into the bottom of the water. Check out the encounter with the Damsel fish! #Octopus #Cephlapods #fishbehaviour #fishid #octopuses #bonaire #bonairediving #divebonaire #scuba #scubadive #observation #divefriendsbonaire #letsgodiving

Posted by Dive Friends Bonaire on Saturday, March 31, 2018

 

Landsailing on Bonaire

Merrill Lunt Activities, Bonaire , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
Landsailing on Bonaire

Landsailing on Bonaire???? What is it??? I came across this newly returned to Bonaire activity and it is AWESOME! Land Sailing involves 3 wheeled Blokarts, or go-carts, with a large sail attached – it is sailing on land. The Blokarts are powered by the fabulous trade winds of Bonaire. Bonaire Landsailing Adventures offers unique, safe, adrenalin-filled fun for the whole family.

Bonaire Landsailing Adventures says no experience is necessary as they will provide all training & they are absolutely right! After a few runs around the track, we felt like experts.  The kids were racing each other, and I am embarrassed to say, they lapped me several times.

Landsailing in Bonaire

Reservations are highly recommended to ensure your Blokart will be waiting for you. Which is much nicer than you waiting for it 🙂  Our group chose to rent the entire track for an hour. This is a good, and economical, option if you have a larger group.

Located off the road to Rincon, you can find them on google maps, they show up almost directly across the island from Villa Lunt in Sabadeco.

Here are links to the Bonaire Landsailing Facebook Page  & the Bonaire Landsailing Adventures Website where you can get more information on this fabulous activity including prices, hours of operation and contact information.

 

Blokart Land Sailing Bonaire

Experience the thrill! Join us at the blokart track!

Posted by Bonaire Landsailing Adventures on Saturday, February 17, 2018

Travel Tip created by Merrill in association with Vacation Soup

The Donkey Sanctuary on Bonaire

Merrill Lunt Bonaire, Sightseeing , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
The Donkey Sanctuary on Bonaire

Donkeys were introduced to Bonaire in the 17th century by Spaniards who used the animals to perform hard labor.  As Bonaire became industrialized, the Donkeys were no longer needed and set free.  Unfortunately, these animals are not well adapted to Caribbean weather and the traffic of Bonaire. In an effort to save and protect these animals, the sanctuary was created as a safe haven for the donkeys.

The Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary is home to more than 600 donkeys who roam in the enclosed land. The animals are fed and cared for daily by the wonderful and loving staff of the sanctuary.  Open to the public, you can visit any day between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. A small fee will allow entrance to drive through the sanctuary, and enjoy these fun animals. As you drive through their land,  the donkeys will surround your vehicle, poke their heads in, and enjoy treats you are willing to share. (hint, they love carrots)

When we visit the sanctuary, we enjoy spending time in the small enclosure just behind the little office building. There you will find the younger donkeys, and the mommies with their babies.  Just behind this enclosure, is a small turtle sanctuary. There you will find turtles of all ages.

We like to visit the donkey sanctuary on a day we go to Sorobon. Located up the road from Sorobon, it makes for a well-rounded day.

Enjoy.

Travel Tip created by Merrill in association with Vacation Soup

Yes! Bonaire Is A Very Cool Island

Merrill Lunt Specials and General Info , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
Yes! Bonaire Is A Very Cool Island

Loved coming across this fun article in Forbes, photo and article by Breanna Wilson, about Bonaire. Bonaire is a cool, unspoiled island in the Caribbean. 11 square miles of sunshine, warm weather and cool breezes. The beautiful waters around Bonaire are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, boating and just about any water sport you can think of. Bonaire boasts some of the top rated restaurants in the entire Caribbean. But, one of the most special things about Bonaire is the laid back lifestyle afforded to you. Bonaire is not a touristy island, it is simply paradise.

Enjoy !

Forbes Article on Bonaire

Travel Tip created by Merrill in association with Vacation Soup

This Just In – American Airlines Flying Direct to Bonaire

Merrill Lunt Specials and General Info , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
This Just In – American Airlines Flying Direct to Bonaire

We were so glad to hear American Airlines will be offering non-stop roundtrip service to Bonaire weekly beginning in June 2018!!!!

American Airlines will add to the United States based carriers flying direct  to Bonaire every Saturday. The flights are currently scheduled to depart Miami early afternoon on Saturday. The return flight will take off on Saturdays from Bonaire flying direct to Miami.

There are now 4 airlines serving 5 cities flying direct from North America to Bonaire. In addition to American Airlines, guests arriving from the United States and Canada have the following options:

  • United flies via Houston and Newark direct to Bonaire weekly. United has increased the number of flights offered a week depending based on demand.
  • Delta flies via Atlanta direct to Bonaire seasonally up to 3 times a week
  • Sunwing flies via Toronto direct to Bonaire weekly during high season

For more information on traveling to Bonaire, check out our Travel Information page.

 

Travel Tip created by Merrill in association with Vacation Soup

At Sea Restaurant

Merrill Lunt Restaurants , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
At Sea Restaurant Bonaire Villa Lunt Bonaire

At Sea Restaurant in Bonaire has been a top rated Caribbean restaurant for many years. The food is spectacular – beautifully presented, amazing tastes of local and imported cuisine! Each time we visit Bonaire, we try to plan an evening At Sea. Their menu is available on line and they usually offer a surprise menu as well. The restaurant is well-suited for a family meal as well, and our kids do enjoy going – but we prefer the treat of a romantic couples evening.

At Sea restaurant is located on the boulevard with beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. At Sea has a bar, terrace  and an indoor room with air conditioning. We have experienced At Sea dining in each seating area, and find  we prefer to sit on the terrace under the large umbrellas. The Bonaire trade winds keeps us very comfortable and if you make an early enough reservation, you an enjoy a glass of wine and gaze at the beautiful Bonaire sunset.

The service is wonderful and the owners are usually on site.

Their website claims  “the finest dishes you can find on Bonaire we Strive to make your evening one out of a million!” We think they meet these expectations!

Call for reservations as they do book up.

At Sea Bonaire