Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

New Villa in Bonaire

February 17, 2012

New Villa in Bonaire

CROWN KEYS 6, SABADECO, BONAIRE
Villa Vista Mare is a luxury Mediterranean style ocean-front villa located in the upscale Sabadeco neighborhood on the island of Bonaire. From the moment you enter you get the sense of privacy and tranquility you deserve.
Villa Vista Mare is situated in a picturesque and mature tropical garden frequently visited by parrots and parakeets. The large main home (5,500 sq ft) and separate beach house (1,000 sq ft) provide you with everything you need for an incredibly relaxing vacation.
The main house has four bedrooms with private bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, an exquisite custom bar with wine cooler, ice maker and refrigerator, a large owner’s suite with sitting area, office, gym and huge walk-in closet, and an enormous covered porch for the ultimate in outdoor living.
The main house has a large apartment, with a separate entrance located on the upper level. The apartment includes a full kitchen, living room, bedroom (sleeps 2), bathroom and private roof terrace with views of the garden and the sea.
When you take a short stroll through the tropical garden you arrive at the beach house which features a beautiful infinity edge and built-in bar stools, large exposed areas for sunning, and extensive covered sitting areas when you want some shade. The beach house has everything you need for relaxing by the ocean, and features a built in gas BBQ, stocked kitchen cabinets, sink, stainless steel refrigerator, a large bathroom and outdoor shower. Upstairs is a large covered seating area that is perfect for viewing the coast and watching the sunset.
Walk down a few steps and access the secluded beach along Bonaire Marine Park sites of Andrea I and II. It’s your choice, enjoy lazy afternoons at the pool watching for flamingos, dolphins and pelicans, or visit the incredibly vibrant underwater world.
Location:
* The villa is located about 4 miles from the main town, Kralendijk.
* 6 miles from the Airport.
* Close to popular dive shops, groceries and restaurants

Accommodation:
* 4 bedrooms (all air conditioned with private bathrooms, 3 queen beds, 2 twin beds)
* Fully furnished and equipped.
* Tropical garden, beautiful ocean views and direct private beach access
* iPod speaker docks in each bedroom, living room, beach house
* Flat screen HD televisions with DVD players in each bedroom, living room, porch
* Hundreds of DVDs available for your use
* Library with a wide range of books for your use
* NON smoking and no pets: smoking permitted at beach house
Complementary services:
* Free airport pick-up
* Groceries on your day of arrival
* Utilities: electricity, gas, water, included
* Mid-week cleaning
* Wireless Internet
* Telephone (local calls)
* Access to private tennis courts
RATES AND FEES
High season: December 15th to April 14th
1-2 persons US$ 4,300.- 3-4 persons US$ 4,450.- 5-6 persons US$ 4,600.- 7-8 persons US$ 5,200.- (including the apartment) (excluding service charge of 15% and tourist tax of USD 6.50 per person per night)

Low season: April 15th to December 14th
1-2 persons US$ 4,000.- 3-4 persons US$ 4,150.- 5-6 persons US$ 4,300.- 7-8 persons US$ 4,900.- (including the apartment) (Excluding service charge of 15% and tourist tax of USD 6.50 per person per night)
Service Fee (includes airport greeting, food to start with, cleaning): 15%
Damage Deposit: 25%
Tax: $6.50 per person per night (unless under 13 years of age)

Kontiki Bonaire

January 8, 2012

Kontiki Bonaire

One of my favorite lunch spots is Kontiki Bonaire. The setting is serene on the southeast coast of Bonaire. Kontiki is nestled at the bottom of windy Lac Bay. This is windsurf paradise. My daughter and I dined recently. John, the waiter is amazing. We had lovely cold slushy drinks, amazing food and views that were striking. The steady trades cooled our dining experience. I love the Dutch Kibbling, fried fresh local fish in an amazing batter. Love Kontiki in Bonaire.

Hotel Roomer On Sale

December 4, 2011

Hotel Roomer has a sale running through December. This charming boutique style hotel features a lovely pool and patio, a inviting bar and restaurant serving local fish and regional cuisine including chicken roti. Nicole and Martin run a great operation. It’s my go to place for a low key evening. I held my 50th b day party at Roomer!

Roomer is 5 miles from windsurfing, minutes to over 20 south shore dive spots and Kite Beach.

The rate is 645.00 a week pp for a standard room including breakfast or 750.00 a week for a deluxe room including breakfast. Rates are based on double occupancy.

Call 011 599 786 3134 or 001 508 737 5245 to book Hotel Roomer today. You may also email ann@bonairecaribbean.com

Capriccio

November 22, 2011

My friends have owned Capriccio’s since as long as I have been traveling or living on Bonaire. They moved from their location next to City Cafe and have settled where Blue Moon used to be on Kaya Charles Helmund near the cruise ship/Don Andres dock. The building is massive and quite modern. The outdoor setting has several private booths I highly recommend. There is a small bar for two to pick up take out and perhaps have a drink. Inside the walls are lined with large wine racks. I believe Lola has the best wine list on island and if not the ABC islands. The room is brightly lit with modern fixtures. The ceilings are high. This does create a rather lively dining environment when the room is full as it was last night. There is also a boutique with assorted Italian gourmet items.

The servers are the same. The menu remains the same. Capriccio’s features homemade pasta which in my opinion is sublime. The bread is always outstanding, the bruscetta full of fresh tomatoes,extra virgin oil oil and lovely fresh shaved garlic. My friends (from Italy) and I ordered pasta. I had the shrimp and pasta which was garlicky and delicious. A small house salad accompanies the meal. My friend ordered a bottle of Torcicoda Primitivo (Twist the Tail). It was full bodied perfect to a rich savory pasta.

The table had expressos, I passed. I enjoyed my dining experience with great friends. I wish Lola, Andrea and Mauro the best in their new venue. It’s quite lavish and special.

To book your Bonaire getaway, contact me at ann@bonairecaribbean.com All bookings include free Concierge Services. Or call 001 508 737 5245 or 011 599 786 3134.

Sorobon- Windsurf Heaven

November 15, 2011

The east coast of the US has enjoyed some lovely winds and balmy weather. But beware, before you know it, the Alberta Clipper will arrive sending an Arctic blast to your neck of the woods. It’s the perfect time to start planning your windsurf vacation to Bonaire. Airfares are running 600-900 from most US cities. Ask about my winter repeater specials and booking incentives. There’s something for every budget.

Call Ann the Bonaire windsurf specialist at 001 508 737 5245 (US and Europe) or 011 599 786 3134 (Bonaire) today. She can plan your entire windsurf land package. Accommodations start at 75 USd a night.

Photo of the Day

November 2, 2011

Lac Bay Marina

August Sunset

October 19, 2011

August  Sunset

I love taking photos of Bonaire’s amazing sunsets. Please share yours!!

PWA Aruba

June 24, 2011

Cheering for Amado from Bonaire!!

ABK Boardsports 2011 Camp Schedule

December 2, 2010

Bonaire Mon, Dec 6 — Fri, Dec 10 2010
Bonaire ** Mon, Jan 24 — Fri, Jan 28 2011 freestyle available
Bonaire Mon, Jan 31 — Fri, Feb 4 2011
Bonaire Mon, Feb 7 — Fri, Feb 11 2011
Aruba Mon, Feb 21 — Fri, Feb 25 2011
Bonaire Mon, Mar 7 — Fri, Mar 11 2011 5 sold out!
Bonaire ** Mon, Mar 14 — Fri, Mar 18 2011 5 freestyle available
Bonaire Mon, Mar 21 — Fri, Mar 25 2011

Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations is a proud sponsor of the ABK Camp Tour. To book your package including hotel, gear, vehicle and clinic call 800-219-0118 or email ann@bonairewindsurfing.com. Discounted packages are available.

Andy Brandt and His Kids Camp

Mount Scenery Saba

August 9, 2010

I live in Bonaire and always wanted to visit our sister island Saba. Saba is a few hundred miles away but so close with DAE and Insel providing air service to Sint Maarten. There I can arrange your quick flight on Winair to Saba. The prices in Saba are from budget to high end. This island is about eco tours, diving and hiking. Hiking was on my agenda and I had plans to try a few trails and Mount Scenery. The base to Mt. Scenery is in Windwardside and the hike is around 2.5-3 hours. I also hiked the Dancing Place Trail. Lovely views of Statia, St. Kitt and Nevis.

There are 1064 steps up the 877 m elevation (almost 3000 feet). It is the highest point in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and I hiked it!

Breakfast at Scouts Place

I had a light breakfast at Scouts Place and borrowed a walking stick and bought a 2 liter bottle of water. I started up the hill at 8:15. Recently I had some sort of horrid flu whilst in Ecuador so still felt clammy and feverish. Still I was undaunted by my malady and headed up. The grade is quite steep and the cement steps are slippery from moisture and moss. When I reached the House on the Path and then the Eco Lodge I was quite winded. I took a break to listen to the tree frogs and the birds.

House on the Path

Along the way I saw some Saba Anole Lizards, Thrashers, I think a Purple Throated Hummingbird and Red Bellied Racer Snake. I also saw a fat rat, a black bull and a sad donkey tangled up near the Eco Lodge. Can someone check in on this fellow?

Near Eco Lodge

The flora and fauna was massive and beautiful. When I sat and rested I found the sounds of the rainforest calming and delightful. It was truly an amazing place.

I wish I could have shown the entire leaf..all over the Elfin Forest

The trail is pretty steep and the moisture and moss make for slippery conditions. There were three shelters thanks to Cable and Wireless for rest. I was all alone on the trail until 9:30 when I came upon 4 medical students heading down. They were covered in mud. I was advised to stick to the right trail at the top. They told me I was more than half way there.

The final 3rd of the trail was grueling. I felt lightheaded and was soaked in sweat. The walking stick was essential. I had already consumed a liter of water. I forged ahead.

The Summit

At the top I stayed to the right passing the cell towers. The clouds were intense but I did get a 30 second glimpse of the village below. I prayed and meditated up top and enjoy feeling so close to the sky and nature. It was pure joy.

Descending was tricky. The cement was slick and my legs were like rubber feeling a little shakey. I came upon about 30 hikers all around 20 ish and most medical students. A few were zipping up the hill and most heaving with winded breath.

At the bottom I met James Johnson at the Trail House and had a nice chat. I earned a certificate of completion and had a long rest. I arrived at 11 AM, it took about 3 hours with many stops on the way up and no stops down.

Hiking Trail Center run by James Johnson


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