Rum Runners Bonaire

Always our choice for our first night’s dinner when visiting Bonaire, Rum Runners Bonaire did not disappoint.  Food is always fresh & delicious and the variety is great.

I ordered the “Main Bowl”. It was delicious and super fresh, as always. The variety of their menu is awesome. The kids all had pizza, with enough leftover for lunch the next day.

 Steve and I each enjoyed a Cucumber Mojito – definitely refreshing, and the perfect way to end a long day. 

Rum Runners had some great renovations since our list visit. The restaurant is looking more modern and welcoming, the pizza kitchen has some nice signage and the bar is super cool. 

 

The Ocean Oasis – A Magnificent Way to Spend the Day

The Ocean Oasis – A Magnificent Way to Spend the Day

A new beach resort opened on Bonaire, and it is fabulous! The Ocean Oasis in Bonaire is a great way to spend the day.  The Ocean Oasis has beach beds & chairs, great food and magnificent drinks.

When we visited in August, we rented a cabana – for the girls – and Steve and I stayed up in the chair section. The chairs are free to use and very comfortable.  The beach bed rentals are a bit pricey – $20 a pop at the time, but they come with towels, water, and snack. The cabana rental also comes with these amenities. For our family, the cabana rental was a more affordable option for the 4 girls to share. Depending on your preference and how you want to spend your vacation dollars, you have several of choices to lounge your day away.

 

We arrived early in the afternoon and enjoyed a delicious meal and great drinks. The service was truly fantastic, and the food superb.  Take a peak at their menu for some ideas. I had the Wahoo Risotto which was delicious, and Steve opted for the equally yummy Butter Paneer.

There are several relatively easy water entrances to enjoy swimming or snorkeling. We highly recommend water shoes, as you will be walking over the rocky shoreline.

The Lunt Family gives the Ocean Oasis a thumbs up all around. We do consider this to be a money well spent splurge day. We hope you feel them same!

Enjoy.

 

 

 

Villa Lunt Spa Day

Villa Lunt Spa Day

On our most recent visit to Bonaire, I needed a little down time. It was Janique to the rescue. Janique is a wellness trained Bonaire specialist. She offers manicures, pedicures, lower back massages, necks massages … Her service is wonderful and I high recommend her.  You will find her phone number in the mobile phone we provide – +599 782 1687.

My friend Brenda & I opted for the manicure and pedicure. Next trip, I will try one of her massages. She has a table she can bring along as well.

Janique brings all the equipment with her, and sterilizes everything in front of you. She has an assortment of polish colors and all the tools necessary to give you a wonderful spa treatment right in the comfort of Villa Lunt.

Grab glass of wine, sit back, relax and pamper yourself. Then, jump in the pool

Enjoy.

Villa Lunt Spa Day

 

Coco Beach Club Bonaire

Coco Beach Club Bonaire

Bonaire has a new beach club, and it is so much fun! Coco Beach Club is in Playa Lechi, next to Spice Beach Club. With many options for lounge rentals, you will find a comfortable and relaxing setting for a day of pure enjoyment.

Their bar and restaurant offers many options for food and drink, and the nice white sand of the beach with the Caribbean back drop is simply delightful.

At Coco Beach Club you will find sand courts for volley ball, beach tennis or other sports.  The snorkeling is great, and they have a nice pier you can jump off from.

Coco Beach has a great night life several evenings a week. Check their facebook page for the latest upcoming events.

Washington Slagbaai National Park

Boka Kokolishi in Washington Slagbaai

Washington Slagbaai, Bonaire’s National Park, was the first Nature Conservatory created in the Netherland Antilles. This national park & reserve, covering close to 22 square miles, is located on the northern end of Bonaire and managed by STINAPA Bonaire, a non-profit foundation, on behalf of the Bonaire government. When you arrive at the visitor center, you will be given a map of the park, which details all the stops and activities.

Our family takes the long route through the park, stopping for a picnic at Boka Kokolishi. There are rock areas which provide some shade. The warm bay has natural whirl pools, and very calm water.

We always leaving enough time to go snorkeling in Wayaka. The cliff jumping at Boka & Salina Slagbaai looks incredibly fun, but not something I have mustered the courage for! Across from Salina Slagbaai is a flamingo preserve where you can admire this beautiful bird from afar.

Visiting the Washington Slagbaai is a wonderful all day activity.  There are no services in the park, so pack up all your drinks and food for the day.  We bring along a garbage bag as well. You are required to have the marine park tag to go through the park. If you already have it, make sure to bring your receipt and ID, both are required. If you don’t already have the tag, you can buy one as you enter.

 

Wayaka in Bonaire Bonaire Blow Hole

There is so much to do in the park – hiking trails, biking trails, snorkeling, sightseeing, birdwatching, cliff jumping … the list goes on.  This is a day well worth spending.

Suplado Blow Hole

Epic Tours Chill and Grill

Chill and Grill

Our family had an amazing time on the Mushi Mushi Chill and Grill tour – it was one of the highlights of our vacation.

When we visit Bonaire, we take a sail trip to reward ourselves for the work we put into making Villa Lunt spectacular for the year to come.  This year, we took 2 trips, and highly recommend both of the amazing operators. We previously posted about Bonaire From The Sea and recommend them for a private tour.  For a group tour,  Epic Tours Chill and Grill is AMAZING.

The snorkeling was unbelievable, and the guided tour was one the best we have had. Maria was incredible, she was kind and patient with all of us! She would point out all the sea life, and come up for air and tell us all about it. Our trip made 2 snorkel stops. The first by Klein Bonaire, and the second just off the coast of Sabadeco.

Michiel, our captain, cook & one of the owners, was wonderful.

The food & drink on board were delicious. Prepared to order with many options. We had steak, seafood and chicken. All yummy!

We had booked our tour online with Inka (the other owner) who was pleasant and worked with us to find the perfect time to plan our day.

Bonaire Semi Submarine Trip

Bonaire Semi Submarine Trip

Ever want to experience the best Bonaire under the sea has to offer, but you don’t want to get your feet wet? Well, the wait is over! Bon-Sea offers an air conditioned semi-submerged Bonaire experience that will take you to the most beautiful spots in the Caribbean Sea.

The Bon Sea will partially submerge itself in the crystal clear waters of Bonaire to provide you with breathtaking views of some of the most diverse marine life that you’ll find anywhere in the world.

They depart from the water taxi pier at Karel’s beach bar. From their, the captain will take you to a protected area close to the island Klein Bonaire where the semi-submarine’s high visibility windows will give a picture-perfect view of Bonaire’s abundant marine life. From tropical fish and majestic sea turtles to the occasional manta ray, you’ll see it all from the comfort of a 12-seater air-conditioned submarine without ever having to immerse yourself in the water.

After 45 minutes of exploration, jaw-dropping views, and plenty of photo opportunities, you’ll be brought back to the dock safe and sound where you and your group can revel in the marvels you saw under the sea. There’s no better way to see Bonaire beneath the surface–why not take the plunge today?

 

What’s On At The Cinema on Bonaire

What’s On At The Cinema on Bonaire

A cinema on Bonaire? Who knew!?! One of the fun things about detailing the activities on Bonaire, is learning about them, too. I think it is likely one of the best kept secrets of Bonaire – I only recently learned about a the outdoor movie theatre on Bonaire. A definite must for our next trip to Bonaire!

Empire Cinema is an open air movie theatre on Bonaire. Park your car, grab a chair and table, and enjoy a family movie under the stars while you are cooled by the lovely Bonaire breezes.

There is a Thai restaurant on site where you can order a great, fresh meal and enjoy a cool beer or bottle of wine. Of course, you can grab some popcorn and candy as well.

We’ve been told you MUST call ahead in the afternoon if you would like Thai food for dinner. Click the menu here. Arrive early to beat the movie-time rush to dine.

Bonaire Outside Movie Theatre

Tour The Streets of Rincon

Rincon Bonaire

Bonaire’s oldest town, Rincon, is an oasis of Bonaire culture.

Rincon is the oldest settlement in all of the ABC islands was originally settled by the Spanish in the 16th century and the cradle of Bonaire’s rich culture. In Rincon you will find many festivities throughout the year.

Many of the first slaves that were brought to Bonaire by the Dutch lived in Rincon, and were either tasked with tending to the settlement’s crops or the island’s salt flats in the south. After the abolition of slavery in 1863, many former slaves stayed in Rincon, maintaining their culture. Today, Rincon is an oasis of peace and serenity in an often hectic society. The atmosphere is relaxed and the streets are quiet.
To discover the true beauty of this town, stroll along the streets and stop in to one of the many bars and restaurants and chat with a true Rinconian.  This map of Rincon will help you navigate the streets and attractions. While visiting Rincon, make sure to stop at the Cadushy Bonaire, and grab some rum made from cacti!

Dive Friends Bonaire

Dive Friends partner Villa Lunt

Bonaire is well known as a diver’s paradise. When you arrive on Bonaire, you may question which dive vendor you should work with. We recommend Dive Friends Bonaire, with  7 full-service locations, assistance is always nearby & tank exchange is a breeze. They are a PADI 5- Star IDC Dive center, and cater to divers of every skill level and all ages.

All Dive Friends facilities are fully equipped with rental gear, should you require any. They offer the Bonaire Marine Park orientation during normal business hours. And, they offer Villa Lunt guests a 10% discount. When you reserve your vacation at Villa Lunt, we will contact Dive Friends Bonaire on our behalf, with your permission. After the initial contact, they will create a voucher for your group, and assist you with any reservations you would like to make.

What we admire most about Dive Friends is their commitment to the health of the reefs and sea life on Bonaire. Dive Friends plans quarterly cleanup dives – these well advertised, well attended events are coordinated for the purpose of keeping Bonaire blue and beautiful. Below is a video from their April 2018 clean up dive. If you are interested in participating in one of their cleanup dive, please let us know.