Archive for the ‘Kitesurfing’ Category
Autism Spectrum Vacations
April 17, 2018Bonaire Loves Kids
September 20, 2017Kids love Bonaire and Bonaire loves kids. Families flock to the Dutch Caribbean island for good reason. Best known as Diver’s Paradise, there are so many other amazing diversions, perfect for families. With easy air access from the US, Canada and Amsterdam and a plethora of family friendly hotels and condos, Bonaire is the spot to plan a winter family vacation.
Take your pick as to one of the many kid- oriented activities. Every family must visit the Donkey Sanctuary. Rent a pick up truck, most everyone does on Bonaire, and pack up the kids. Make a pit stop at the bakery or grocery and pick up a bag of day old bread and carrots. The Donkey Sanctuary is located on the Sorobon Road. Open 10-5 daily, there is a visitors zoo and a self-guided driving tour. The Sanctuary is home to orphaned and injured donkeys as well as a safe haven for others. Donkeys have been a part of Bonaire’s landscape since the 17th Century when Spaniards brought them to the island. Now, it is common to see them on the sides of the street in the countryside, “Kunuku”. Unfortunately, traffic hazards, illness and lack of water and food have compromised the lives of Bonaire’s donkey population. The Sanctuary seeks to provide a home for many of these lovely creatures. Kids can feed the babies or sit in the truck and drive through the car paths. It’s fun for all.
Donkey Sanctuary Photo by Mike Burns
Windsurfing is big on the island. Some of the world’s top freestyle windsurfers hail from Bonaire. There is a professional team that has received fame and notoriety around the globe. The windsurf scene is found at windy Lac Bay. Young and old take to the water to sail across the tropical blue. Shallow depths and gin clear water make it perfect. Kids start young on Bonaire, some, right out of diapers. The small kids rigs and expert instruction make Lac Bay, kids paradise. Parents can take to the water while their kids attend on of the yearly kids camps. There are two professional shops on the bay and three restaurants. In between sailing, kids love to play in the shallows, searching for sea creatures. It’s a kid’s playground on one of the island’s most picturesque settings.
Under the sea, Bonaire is blessed with healthy coral reefs and diverse sea life. With two kid oriented dive programs, kids can experience diver’s bliss. The Junior Open Water Diving and Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth program (SASY), allow kids as young as 5 to take to the water and experience diving. There are several dive shops on island that specialize kids diving programs. For those that prefer snorkeling, Bonaire has over 50 shores sites that the family can stop and enjoy.
Photo by Casper Douma
Other activities suited for children include mangrove kayaking, Kitesurfing, beach combing, caving, hiking and stargazing. Along with activities, Bonaire has many family friendly restaurants featuring pizza and burgers as well as pasta and sushi for the more adventurous eater.
With easy air access, family-friendly accommodations and an array of fun filled activities, Bonaire is a top choice for families in the know. For more information or to plan your family vacation, contact Ann Phelan at ann@bonairecaribbean.com today.
Spectrum Adventure Vacations – New Launch
June 28, 2017Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations is proud to launch, Spectrum Adventure Vacations, trip planning for individuals on the Autism Spectrum to the island of Bonaire. Ann Phelan, owner and tour operator is professionally a counselor. Her specialty is working with young and older adults on the Autism Spectrum. She understands the social and emotional needs of the individual on the spectrum. Ann’s vision was to create individualized vacations on Bonaire, featuring Discover Diving with her partner, VIP Diving Along with Discover Diving, there will be snorkeling tours, windsurf lessons, mangrove kayaking and horseback riding.
Photo by Casper Douma/ http://www.nature2experience.com
The vacations are organized and individualized to create a stress -free and memorable experience. Each package will include family- friendly accommodations with pools and views. Additional features include airport meet and greet, vehicle rental, individualized itineraries and tours. Free Concierge services are included to include babysitting and childcare, dinner reservations and spa services.
For more information email ann@bonairecaribbean.com for a trip consultation.
Fall Festival on Bonaire
May 20, 2017Press Release
BONAIRE LAUNCHES THE 3RD ANNUAL BONAIRE FALL FESTIVAL
**Program Supports Airlines’ Fall Service to Island and Offers an Array of Hotel, Excursion and Cuisine Specials**
Kralendijk, Bonaire (May 16, 2017) – In continuous efforts to support United and Delta’s fall airlift to Bonaire, Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB) will be launching the 3rd Annual Bonaire Fall Festival: Dive-Dine-Discover program. From mid-August through early November, the Bonaire Fall Festival has a lineup of accommodation packages, unique excursions, underwater and topside adventures and culinary specials that will make Bonaire the top spot to Dive-Dine-Discover this fall.
“Maintaining a continuous flow of visitors from North America to Bonaire during the fall season is not only a top TCB objective, but a priority for the entire island and this can only be achieved by uninterrupted airlift,” commented Maurice Adriaens, Director of Tourism Corporation Bonaire. “The Bonaire Fall Festival will serve as a catalyst to attract visitors to Bonaire during this time of year. From mid-August through October, divers can witness Mother Nature’s phenomena of the coral spawning; visitors can enjoy the festivities surrounding the 50th International Sailing Regatta in October; and foodies can discover the award winning culinary scene the island has to offer. A fall vacation to Bonaire should be on everyone’s bucket list!”
United Airlines flight 1402 departs George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Saturdays at 1:00pm, and arrives in Bonaire International Airport (BON) at 6:50pm. The return flight 1401 departs Sundays at 8:20am, and arrives in IAH at 12:25pm. United’s non-stop from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) returns October 7, 2017. Flight 1422 departs EWR Saturdays at 9:00am, arriving in BON at 1:40pm. The return flight 1420 departs BON Saturdays at 2:45pm, arriving in EWR at 7:40pm.
Email ann@bonairecaribbean.com to book your windsurf, dive or wellness vacation today!
Bonaire’s premiere oceanfront villa!
Kitemanera – Kite Surfing Fun Event
February 19, 2016It’s on, Kitemanera, a fun and freaky kitesurf event slated for March 19 and 20th. The event, limited to 100 slots has 20 openings for competitors so sign up today. There are great prizes and lots of fun. This non profit event has gained popularity in the South American and Caribbean community thanks to a great format and super organization.
To book your accommodations for Kitemanera, contact ann@bonairecaribbean.com. She has the insight into the closest and best accommodations near kite beach, Atlantis.
For Kitemanera information check out http://www.kitemanera.com
Photo Courtesy of TCB Inc.
New Website, New Look
February 14, 2016Bonaire – Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations, owner, Ann Phelan announced a complete rebranding and new website for her specialty niche agency. Phelan specializes in the windsurf market and is a windsurfer herself. At the cusp of her 27th anniversary in business, Phelan, celebrates her many years in the industry and is enthusiastic to share her new website for her discerning clientele. The new and improved features of the website include a navigation bar that ensures travelers can quickly find exactly what they are looking for; tourist information, detailed accommodation listings and an online inquiry process that will lead to almost instant replies. A special feature is her informative blog which highlights island information including weather and wind updates, dining reviews of island hot spots and windsurf news. Phelan also unveiled her new product, Bonaire Intimate Properties, a collection of what she describes is the best of Bonaire’s windsurf accommodations. She chose her select inventory considering location, management, amenities and quality. Ann inspects her properties often and takes pride in knowing all she sells. For more information click on http://www.bonairecaribbean.com/
Klein Bonaire Meditation
Mindfulness Meditation Retreats in Bonaire
June 28, 2015
Klein Bonaire Meditation
“Mindfulness is often spoken of as the heart of Buddhist meditation. It’s not about Buddhism, but about paying attention. That’s what all meditation is, no matter what tradition or particular technique is used.”- Jon Kabat-Zinn
Mindfulness Meditation is about becoming one with your own silence. By focusing on the breath, the mantra or the music, you will learn to immerse yourself a beautiful and quiet state of being. Mindful meditation has grown in popularity and participation in academia, industry and in the holistic world. A myriad of benefits for the mind and body have been revealed. Studies show that daily practice enhances overall well -being including stress management, heightened cognitive functioning, improved immune functioning, enhanced interpersonal relationships and increased productivity. Ann Phelan, owner of Caribbean Wind & Sun is pleased to offer two Mindfulness Retreats for the summer of 2015. She has been trained in Mindfulness and has practiced meditation for over 25 years. She is bringing her practice to her guests on the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire. She has chosen her island home as the location to offer this wonderful experience. Immerse yourself in a peaceful and mindful environment. Ann welcomes you enthusiastically.
The focus will be on guided meditations. Bonaire, best known as one of the Caribbean’s most pristine island is the perfect setting for this experience. Ann welcomes you to find your center and immerse yourself deeper into your practice. The retreat provides a nurturing and gentle experience for both beginners and more experienced participants. There will alternating periods of seated and walking meditations as well as 1-1 supported sessions to discuss your practice and expand on your personal goals. Yoga and nature hikes will be incorporated into the retreat. There will an Ayurvedic lunch and healthful community meals as well as opportunities for independent dining. The level of your engagement will be individualized towards your personal goals. Each guest will have an initial phone consult and discussion and then an individualized program will be created.
We believe the mind and body are best supported together. To enhance your experience, there will be Ayurvedic spa services offered as well as traditional spa offerings include Bonaire Salt Scrubs and Hot Stone Massage. Reiki and Reflexology services are also available.
Accommodations include an oceanfront property where most of the retreat will be held and several budget minded accommodations within 4 miles of the meditation site. Group discounts will apply to all accommodations. There will be activities for those who wish to dive, horseback ride, stand up paddle, snorkel, windsurf, kayak or kitesurf. Bonaire is a nature lover’s destination. Come immerse yourself and become one with nature.
2015
Aug. 1 Full Moon Yoga, Tai Chi and Meditation – Hosted by Lolymar Sanchez at Earthship -17.00 pp – tea and snacks and optional Henna Art – Blue Moon Festival
Aug. 15 – Mindfulness Retreat – 10-6 – guided mediations (walking, eating and silent), yoga and Ayurvedic lunch- 75.00 pp (reply with interest by Aug. 10) *5 person minimum to run the retreat
2016 dates: July 11 -18
For more information email ann@bonairecaribbean.com or call 011 599 786 3134
Sunrise Hike
Kite Week in Bonaire June 11-16
May 24, 2013
Photo by Hagen/ Cactus Blue Food Truck
Press Release from Kite Week Bonaire – Edited by Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations
International Kite Course Racing Event Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
Bonaire – For decades the trade winds have blown across the oceans and sailors from many lands have enjoyed the freedom of the seas and the love of salt water spraying in their face. Bonaire is a small island located in the southern Caribbean basin, outside of the hurricane belt, once known as the Netherland Antilles. Despite political changes and collapsing global economies, the island and the people continue their lives interacting with nature and the wind and ocean, much the same way their fore fathers did previously. With a fringing reef that encompass the island and an abundance of fish, the locals are still able to rig their sails and continue to fish for Wahoo or Mahi Mahi, using the simplest of techniques.
Sailing and cruising visitors enjoy the facilities laid out by the Bonaire National Marine Park, with moorings close to the shore and even more importantly, close to the main town, Kralendijk. The Marine Park also helps keep our pristine reefs healthy where even the license plates proclaim our connection to the sea, “Bonaire Divers Paradise”.
With such perfect wind conditions that are steady and consistent, you will see windsurfers, optimists, sunfish sailors as well as kite surfers enjoying the conditions on a daily basis. Larger sailing boats too, will cruise daily up and down the coast as well as taking a short sail around Klein Bonaire, which is a small island in visible proximity to Bonaire itself. To supply these boats with all of their needs there is a small, but well stocked Budget Marine Chandlery. Bonaire is home to one of the oldest Sailing Regattas in the Caribbean and hosts world class events for windsurfing and other sailing classes. Bonaire is quite famous for its windsurfing already. Now it is time for Kite Surfing to take the spotlight.
This year, between 11th and 16th June, Bonaire will be hosting an International Sailing Event, the South and Middle American Kite Course Racing Championships. This event will award 100 ISAF points toward the world rankings so it is a must for all of top level sailors. It will take place in an area to the south end of the island located at a site called Atlantis “Kite Beach”.
To have a kite course race event, where the conditions allow the racers to come within twenty feet of the shore line, is very unique as it is bringing the action right up close to the spectators and photographers. Side off shore winds which are steady and constant mean that the regatta will see plenty of action. A planned schedule of after race events will entertain not only the racers but also visiting sailors and other tourists who visit our beautiful island for the diving, snorkeling or just simply to relax.
With an estimated 90 top professional riders coming from all parts of the world, Bonaire will enjoy a spectacle never seen in our waters before. The excitement is already building and some local riders are training on a daily basis to ensure that the island gives a great performance during the week of racing.
There will also be a spectacular final race, to be called the Bonaire Classic which will see as many as 70 kites racing from Atlantis into the bay of Kralendijk, rounding the island of Klein Bonaire before heading back upwind to the finish line at Atlantis with a distance of 40 km plus, this will be a sight worth watching. This event will be open to amateurs and Pros alike. The action does not stop there; stay tuned for a free style event during the following week.
Kite beach is a unique high energy location where sailors can easily launch their kites and enjoy the perfect conditions. It is also the home to 2 mobile kite surfing schools and the Cactus Blue mobile restaurant to keep you well fed and refreshed. During the rest of the year, the schools offer lessons and rentals as well as sales of equipment to keep sailors of any level happy. There are several safety boats to give those who have not mastered upwind sailing or have equipment difficulties a ride back. Even if you are not sailing, it is worth a trip to the kite beach to watch the action.
To book your accommodations and vehicle rental, contact Ann Phelan ann@bonairecaribbean.com. She has accommodations 65 USD a night and up for two and car rentals for 271.00 a week.
Photo Courtesy of Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations
The First Annual Bonaire Kite Week June 11 through 16, 2013
January 6, 2013
Kiting is alive and exciting on the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire. The kite scene is located at Atlantis Beach in sunny Bonaire. Two kite schools, two food trucks and a hip and fun kite scene prevails on this little Dutch Caribbean outpost.
The organizers of the “Bonaire Kite Week”, together with the Bonaire Kitesurf Association (BKA) are planning an annual course race event to be held in June. This will be an adrenaline packed event for all kitesurf enthusiasts. Caribbean Wind & Sun is featuring several accommodations for guests to enjoy while on island attending this event. The accommodations include a small boutique hotels with rates starting at 90.00 a night and a lovely 3 bedroom condo priced at 1440.00 for the week. Contact the watersport experts on Bonaire at Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations. Email ann@bonairecaribbean.com today.
Lionfish and Cactus Blue Food Truck
December 1, 2012
Chef Hagen Wegerer
My friend Hagen formerly owned one of Bonaire’s most beloved Caribbean inspired restaurants. When not cooking, his passion is kite surfing. During a moment in life, Hagen decided to switch directions, simplify his life yet maintain his love for cooking. He scoured the internet and located a food truck in Texas. He and a friend flew to the US, bought the truck and had it shipped to Bonaire. The colorfully painted truck is a fixture now at Kite Beach in Bonaire. Atlantis is where kiting happens and now, Hagen camps out here daily turning out some sumptuous cuisine including my new favorite lunch treat, Lionfish burgers. Lionfish, non indigenous to Caribbean waters is decimating the sea life in Bonaire and around the Caribbean. Local divers take to the waters legally catching the fish. There are over 300 lionfish hunters on Bonaire including Hagen. I was a bit skeptical to try this really beautiful but spiny fish. Thanksgiving morning I decided to make a day of it and head to Atlantis.
Upon arrival, Hagen’s colorful truck was beachside. It was a light wind day so the beach was quiet. Hagen showed me his spiffy truck with all the bells and whistles needed to turn out simple beach cuisine. I asked for the popular Lionfish Burger. The filet itself is very light and tender. He marinates it in a secret seasoning blend and places it on the hot grills. He serves it up on a toasted bun with a lovely creamy sauce. My first bite was pure ambrosia. I could have eaten two but I was in a bikini. Nuff said!
Once sated from my Thanksgiving lunch, I took to the beach and strolled the long expanse enjoying the glistening water and warm Caribbean sun. I looked back and saw a small crowd socializing around the truck. It is truly a fun, chill spot. Hagen is open 7 days a week when there is a light to high wind. He is closed during completely dead low wind season.
To learn more about vacationing in Bonaire, or to learn about the kite scene, contact the local expert at ann@bonairecaribbean.com. Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations books kite vacations to Bonaire.
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