Photos Courtesy of Ioana, a recent guest at Pelican Reef.
To book your dive vacation contact ann@bonairecaribbean.com
Caribbean Wind & Sun has dive specials April 1- July 1 so call now!!
The 50+ intrepid traveler will find Bonaire to be the perfect location for their well deserved holiday. Whether you seek an adventure filled vacation caving, kayaking and windsurfing or a low key dive or snorkel holiday, Bonaire has a fit for all. This small intimate island is a tranquil respite for those seeking a quiet escape. For the adrenaline junkie try kiting or windsurfing? If you love the undersea world, look no more.
For those traveling from Europe there are easy connections from Dusseldorf and Amsterdam. North American travelers can fly non stop from Miami, Newark, Houston and Atlanta. There are also easy connections from other US cities so call for details. Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations owner Ann Phelan is the Bonaire expert offering a plethora of accommodations from budget low key to high end villas. Check out her website at
Ann is organizing 50+ single vacation packages to Bonaire for the summer of 2012. These special weeks will feature individualized programs by day for divers, snorkelers, windsurfers and adventure travelers. There will be opportunities for photographers and artists to enjoy the picturesque and scenic vistas, landscapes and architecture making for a perfect holiday. Call for pricing and details.
The 50+ traveler is vibrant and seeks to explore and fully immerse in the sights and sounds of island culture. Come experience Ann’s Bonaire. Welcome / Bon Bini !
Jibe City has a large stock of 2012 windsurf gear rigged and ready. Bonaire has been experiencing their best steady winds of the year with the average sail size being 5.5 for men and 4.2-4.7 for women. It’s been a great holiday windsurf season so far. With brand spanking new year, it’s time to book your windsurf vacation.
I recently demoed an amazing 99 liter JP Freestyle board. The graphics were cool but more important this is a sweet board. This light weight super wide board was a breeze to sail during a high chop session. I teamed the board up with a 4.9 Neil Pryde Fusion. It was a light sail with plenty of low end power to get up to a plane quickly. I didn’t full appreciate the sail as the wind conditions were a bit gusty but feel this HD version sail.
Jibe City is staffed by a tight cohesive group of dedicated professionals available to rig and caddy your gear, lend some gear advice or to offer lessons to hone your skills. Jibe City is the official site of Andy Brandt’s ABK Boardsports School. On site is Hang Out bar serving refreshing drinks and libations as well as healthy and delicious food treats.
To book your gear and ABK Board Sports clinic or lessons contact Ann Phelan, the Bonaire specialist at ann@bonairewindsurfing.com
Look for a more detailed gear review in next week’s blog post. Bon Anja, Happy New Year from Bonaire!
Kontiki is spotlighting a special Christmas menu Dec. 24-26. The decadent menu includes a choice of five hot and col appetizers, 5 entrees including a vegetarian item and lovely desserts including Tiramisu. Appetizers are 11-16 USD including Tower of Salmon, entrees are 20-30 USD including rack of lamb and desserts 10-16 USD.
To reserve your table call the Concierge specialists at Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations 011 599 786 3134 or email ann@bonairecaribbean.com
I just completed a tour of the quite impressive new grocery, Van Den Tweel. It is located on Kaya Industria on the outskirts of town. I met the delightful Store Manager Eefje van Rassel for my tour. The actual store boasts 2000 square meters of shop space. To support the inventory, there is 1500 square meters of stock space in a massive storage room. Adjacent is their own in house butcher shop.
Van Den Tweel specializes in a variety of goods from Holland (via boat and KLM), the US (via boat) and South America. There is an in house bakery creating a wide array of baked goods. The store also features a massive cheese shop with wheels of Dutch cheeses and other treats from around the world. Adjacent is a lovely deli and chicken rotisserie. They will feature all varieties of deli delicacies and pates as well.
Van Den Teel offers a lovely cafe and bar for your pleasure. There is also a 24 hour laundry and dry clean service. Bonaire has long awaited a one stop shop. With ample parking and what is promised to be reliable product availability, it’s time has come. Welcome Van Den Tweel to Bonaire.
Store hours are 8-8 7 days a week. The store opens Friday at 8 with a public ribbon cutting ceremony.
Story Courtesy of Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations www.bonairecaribbean.com
Patrice Rannou opened Bistro de Paris in 2004 down the street from my former home. When my daughter was finished school work, we would walk down and have a lovely lunch . My favorite was the lovely salads, she loved their panini’s. Patrice always welcomed us with open arms and still does today. My discerning clients always make a stop to Bistro. One of my VIP windsurf pros, Mike Burns, swears that the lamb shank is the best anywhere.
Sometimes I prepare dinner at home and head over later in the evening to savour some wine and dessert. Patrice’s Tarte Tartin is divine. Maggie loves his mousse. One can dine al fresco or inside in AC comfort. Wherever you sit, Patrice will offer a casual and relaxed experience with delicious cuisine. To book your table call 717 7070 or arrange your entire vacation with me and utilize my free Concierge Services. I can be reached at ann@bonairecaribbean.com.
My colleague and I had a delightful luncheon at Sorobon yesterday. The views are stellar, the breezes cooling and F&B Manager, John Ceballos insures everything flows perfectly. I loved my seared tuna salad and my friend loved her grilled salmon. I typically take food photos but yesterday, focused on the sea. After, I went for a swim and read a few chapters. My Bonaire Bliss.
To book your stay at Sorobon or simply a delightful lunch contact the Bonaire specialist, Ann Phelan at ann@bonairecaribbean.com today. Ann recently inspected and stayed at Sorobon so will hand pick your bungalow. Ann is also booking weddings at Sorobon. The beach deck is the perfect setting for your post wedding lunch or brunch or dinner. Sorobon really is pure romance.
I am excited to offer a new property to my inventory, Villa Ganshi. This upscale yet casual villa is on the sea in tranquil Bonaire. The closest dive site, Something Special and the sea in front is teeming with sea life. I have enjoyed night and day snorkeling off the beach at this villa and have been amazed at the variety of fish. It’s a special location. The villa features open air design with comfortable furnishings, airy fabrics and intriguing art.
The villa features a master suite set in a private entry near the living area. A second bedroom is in the main house facing the sea. The modern compact kitchen has all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. The property is enhanced by mature tropical gardens and many outdoor seating areas including an upper deck with splendid views of the sea and coastline. This is the perfect spot for stargazing.
Villa Ganshi is conveniently located in Playa Pabou with 5 restaurants within a 5 minute walk and town center, a 15 min stroll down the seaside promenade. Windsurfing is 15 minutes south and there are a plethora of dive sites within a short ride.
Please call Ann Phelan at 011 599 786 3134 or 508 385 8174 to book your stay. You may also email ann@bonairecaribbean.com
Caribbean Wind & Sun has joined up with Jibe City and Kontiki to offer a super “Last Minute” windsurf package,.
Last Minute Windsurf Special, Including;
* 7 nights stay in a one bedroom apartment (single, double or triple) incl. breakfast and
* 6 days unlimited windsurfing gear provided by Jibe City.
(Add on: half board, full board and one way or return transfers.)
Rates are 735.00 for singles and 575.00 pp for doubles. Taxes and marine park fees are additional. Conditions apply, not applicable for existing reservations.
Call 508 737 5245 or email ann@bonairecaribbean.com today for details.

Jibe City is ready to welcome you for their 2011 winter season. They have 30 new JP’s, 89 liter- 160 liter as well as 86 2011 Neil Pryde sails. Also in stock are 25 Ezzy’s, some F2′s and 21 Gaastra Kid Rigs.

Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations is the only Bonaire based windsurf travel agency owned by a windsurfer. We have wholesale rates and offer competitive packages. Of course all of our clients have access to full island Concierge Services. Call 011 599 786 3134 or email ann@bonairewindsurfing.com.


