Archive for November, 2011

Rainy Season

November 27, 2011

When booking vacations to the Caribbean, many clients ask me, “When is it rainy season”. Unlike the Eastern Caribbean, Bonaire has a very low average rainfall, about 16 inches a year. Most of our rain falls in the Oct.- Feb. timeframe. Some years I can recall hardly any rain and others, a lot. For about 6 weeks we have had tremendous rainfall which is great for the plants and the critters on island. This week, it was quite something. Enjoy a few photos of my yard. The ground is so saturated, I am growing mushrooms, something I have never seen.

I am pretty much a weather junkie so pop a question anytime about the weather. Remember, Bonaire is outside the hurricane belt and is pretty much a dry island so if you see a rain free vacation in the Caribbean, look no more. Just be forewarned it can be rainy during the fall to early winter months.

Ann is a windsurf and dive specialist living on Bonaire. Contact her at 011 599 786 3134 or email ann@bonairecaribbean.com

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Van den Tweel Supermarket Bonaire

November 22, 2011

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 http://www.bonairecaribbean.com

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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.

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Jamaican Food at Kishikishi

November 21, 2011

Kishi Kishi Lunch Cafe is an oasis out in the kunuku not far from windy Lac Bay. Dianne and Georgie have hired an amazing staff to create some lovely healthy menus. I was at Kishi Kishi twice this past summer and had lovely Jamaican fare. Before or after, stop in the lovely butterfly farm. It is a tranquil setting perfect to enjoy nature.

Butterfly Garden Bonaire / Kishi Kishi Lunchcafe
Kaminda Lac 101
p.o. Box 769
Bonaire
Dutch Caribbean
Cell: 00599 795 8989
E-mail: info@butterflygardenbonaire.com

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Bistro De Paris – Delightful French Bliss

November 21, 2011

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.

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Sorobon Beach Resort

November 19, 2011

I live 4 miles away but spent a blissful weekend here. It was so good, I have booked a surprise stay for my family at Christmas. The setting is serene and tranquil. The views are amazing. At night, the wind picks up for a moonlit windsurf session. If you seek solace and respite and a rustic Caribbean escape, look no more.

My repeaters are booking for their return stay for the winter of 2012. Won’t you try this amazing spot? Contact me for details..it’s magical at Sorobon. Call 001 508 737 5245 or 011 599 786 3134 today. I offer windsurf packages as well and free Concierge Services.

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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.

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Photo of the Day

November 2, 2011

Lac Bay Marina

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