Archive for the ‘Where to Stay’ Category

Dunkerbeck Pro Center Opens on Bonaire

April 22, 2018
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Photo Courtesy of Sorobon Beach Resort

Bonaire is best know as one of the world’s best spots to windsurf.  All eyes are on the news of a cutting edge windsurf center on island. Windsurf pro, Bjorn Dunkerbeck and Phillipe Bru, founder of Defi Wind have partnered with Sorobon Beach Resort, opening a Pro Windsurf Center. Located on the Dutch island of  Bonaire, the center is situated on windy Lac Bay. This expansive bay features gin clear water, shallow depths and on shore trades.  Windsurfers around the globe come to this pristine water to train, learn or simply hone their skills. Dunkerbeck, Bru and the managers at Sorobon had a vision to bring a high performance center for guests of the property.

The Center will feature Goya and Starboard boards as well as Simmer Sails.  There will also be foil boards and stand up paddle boards.  The team at Dunkerbeck Pro Center will be hosting windsurfing events and clinics. The next Defi Wind event is slated for June, 2018. Defi Wind

Sorobon Beach Hotel offers Caribbean inspired rustic bungalows set in a tranquil mature garden setting. On site is a yoga center and spa, two restaurants and a beach bar. Cozy cabanas are spread about on the beach as well as beach loungers. The views of the bay are expansive. This is the perfect setting for those who wish to unwind and unplug from the realities of day to day life.

The Pro Center and Sorobon’s bayside setting makes for a perfect windsurf holiday. To learn more about windsurfing on Bonaire or to book your stay, contact Ann Phelan, a former PWA Event Promoter and 31 year seasoned travel consultant.  Caribbean Wind and Sun

Email ann@bonairecaribbean.com for details. Bon Bini /Welcome soon to Bonaire

dunkPhoto Courtesy of Sorobon Beach Resort

Sorobon Beach Apartments Sale

March 5, 2018

Are you seeking a low cost getaway to Bonaire? Sorobon Beach Club recently having purchased the former Lacbai Apartments, has a super sale. Now called SOROBON APARTMENTS, this bay view property features modern upgraded apartments included new bedding. There is a shuttle to the main property.  Breakfast is included in the daily rate. The setting is a favorite for windsurfers due to the location on the bay. Feel the trades and have a restful vacation, close to the windsurfing launch.

Check out the new sale, for new bookings only. Call for details! April 1-June 16 and July 1- Dec. 15, stay 7, pay for 5, stay 14, pay for 10. 

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Romantic Bonaire

March 3, 2018

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Besides the sunshine and warm temps, inspired travelers seek romance when venturing south, to warmer climates. Visions of slushy tropical drinks with toes in the sand beckons those who seek to get away. Magical sunsets, swaying palm trees and island music entice travelers. Bonaire is arguably one of the Caribbean’s unspoiled island. Those in the know head to the island for the slow pace. Others seeking a romantic island getaway are treated with lovely tropical vistas, romantic dining spots and a plethora of exotic villas for the perfect escape.  Here are my top picks for absolute romance.

Hotel

Delfins Beach Resort – new to the Bonaire scene, this low key low rise beachfront property features stunning European inspired suites with comfortable bedding, sea views and high end amenities. The pool is Bonaire’s largest with romantic sunning beds in the middle of the pool. On the beach, loungers are scattered around the mature palm trees, shaded with massive umbrellas. Bar staff discreetly serve chilled glasses of Savignon Blanc from their impressive wine collection. Wade into the sea, hold hands with your loved one and snorkel the tropical garden, teeming with sea life.  Delfins exemplifies pure romance.

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Photo Courtesy of  Delfins Beach Resort

Dining 

Brass Boer – Located at Delfins Beach Resort, is one of the island’s hottest spots on the dining scene. Not only is the menu expansive and the food sublime, the setting inspires romance. Tables are set discreetly apart, allowing for a private dining experience. All face the sea with stunning views and gentle trade winds.  Service is slow paced to allow the diners time to savor their cuisine. For those seeking something more private, head into the indoor dining area which features alluring lighting and furnishings reminiscent of a Middle Eastern Tent gone modern.  Reservations are a must in this new hot spot

 

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Beach 

Wayaka II is my pick for one of Bonaire’s most romantic beach. This pretty secluded cove is located in Washington Park. Plan a day, packing a cooler with food and drink and your snorkel gear.  Head into the park taking the short route and meander along the rough terrain, enjoying views of massive cactus and interesting rock formations. Wind along to Wayaka II (not to be mistaken for Wayaka I) and park your vehicle and head down to the cove. There is a sheltered area to leave your belongings while you snorkel amongst the amazing reef.  A house Angel Fish will greet you as you wade out. Massive Parrotfish nibble at the reef, providing lively entertainment.  The romance is the amazing views, the fantastic unspoiled snorkel experience and the solitude. Tip: arrive early to have the place to yourself. After, head over to Slaagbai to jump off the cliff, pure adrenaline and pure fun. There is a fee to enter the park. Enjoy the amazing museum and take time to chat with the park rangers.

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Photos Courtesy of Jeanine Clark Bremmer

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If you are seeking a romantic getaway, contact Ann at ann@bonairecaribbean.com today for your custom designed Bonaire vacation. Ann has a collection of lovely villas and bungalows offering a romantic escape. Concierge services include relaxing massage, Bonaire Salt Scrubs, private yoga classes and sunset cruises. You deserve to be pampered and to experience an escape that soothes the soul and inspires passion. Bon Bini, welcome soon, to Bonaire,

 

Winter Respite in Bonaire

February 15, 2018

 

Klein BonaireAs the winter season continues, do you find yourself contemplating a Caribbean escape? Bonaire is one of the last unspoiled islands where guests can come decompress and escape from the cold.  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacation specializes in small intimate properties that feature comfortable amenities, stunning views and superior management. Allow us to individualize your vacation planning staying in rustic seaside bungalows or luxury villas.   Welcome to Bonaire Bliss. Contact ann@bonairecaribbean.com today.

Last Minute Deal – Windsock – Windsurf Bliss

January 14, 2018

If you can get away next week, Windguru is promising some incredible wind on Bonaire. I have a last minute cancellation at Windsock and can offer 100.00 per night for an amazing 2 bedroom, across from the sea and minutes to windy Lac Bay! Add discounted gear rental and you have a windsurf score. WIndsock

Email ann@bonairecaribbean.com today for details.

 

Delfins Beach Resort

January 6, 2018

When you consider your dream getaway, does your vision include a beach with swaying palms, a tropical blue pool with sweeping sea views? Do you year to sip a tropical drink with your toes in brown sugar Caribbean sand? Imagine waking from your comfortable bed with crisp linens, walking across the cool tiles to your ocean view balcony and sitting outside, feeling the tropical trade winds and the smell of salt air and tropical foliage. Delfins Beach Resort was designed with a vision of Caribbean comfort in a casual yet luxurious setting. All attention to details that would insure a relaxing yet high end experience were considered. The European design features bright colors with comfortable furnishings.  The pool, phew, it’s the largest on island featuring a tropical bar.

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Choose a lazy day, poolside or jump in the tropical blue and snorkel the house reef to discover the teeming sea life. Dive enthusiasts will enjoy the first class on site dive shop run by Dive Friends, one of Bonaire’s best dive operations.

Delfins has an onsite windsurf shop run by Jibe City, Bonaire’s premier windsurf operations. They offer high end high performance gear rentals and in the future, will have foil boards.

Lazy days or adventure vacations, take your peak but do choose Delfins. This is Bonaire’s newest and brightest properties and will meet all expectations. Whether you choose a studio, 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom or even a 3 bedroom, you will be pampered and indulged. To book your vacation or to learn more about Delfins, contact Ann Phelan at ann@bonairecaribbean.com

 

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Photo Courtesy of Delfins Beach Resort

Wellness Retreats

September 16, 2017

101.pngClose your eyes and slowly breathe in, and breathe out. Imagine this; a Caribbean vacation to a warm and sunny island. Imagine cooling trade winds blowing gently as you sit under a shady palm tree. Picture the Caribbean blue with glistening lights on the tops of small crests of water. Visualize seabirds playing in the waves, tropical birds drinking nectar from colorful flowers and pelicans cruising along the shoreline.  The images of a Caribbean escape immediately evoke a feeling of calm.

Bonaire is arguably one of the last unspoiled islands in the Caribbean. There are no traffic lights, nothing higher than four stories and a slow pace that allows visitors to immediately settle into an “island vibe”. Surrounded by pristine waters, the island is home to a plethora of skilled wellness practitioners. Healing artists include those skilled in Reiki and Energy Balancing. There are several yoga instructors, trained in the various schools. On island, find a seaside spa or a healing center to ease your weary body. Come practice Mindfulness and slow down to the speed of living.

Caribbean Wind and Sun Vacations specializes in Wellness Vacations. Luxury Wellness Packages include magnificent seaside and ocean view villas. Individualized wellness programs incorporate treatments to fit every need. Finding a balance between mind, body and spirit can be achieved while enjoying a Caribbean escape. In between your wellness retreat, learn to dive or windsurf. Snorkel amongst the healthy reefs. Dine on vegetarian cuisines. Savor the local flavors found in the many sea view restaurants.

Get back to who you were intended to be. Discover wellness on the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire.  For information and a wellness consultation, email ann@bonairecaribbean.com.

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Hurricane Irma and Jose- What Now?

September 11, 2017
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View of Klein Bonaire

The storms have passed and no doubt, Hurricane Irma was  one of the most  devastating storm that has hit so many islands.  The fury of Mother Nature left a bold reminder of the fragility and vulnerability of the islands. In the aftermath, social media has allowed us a first hand glimpse into the chaos along the Eastern Caribbean island chain. Barbuda, a small island of about 1600 is uninhabitable. Anguilla has lost many business and homes. Sint Maarten and St. Martin are both incredibly impacted. Other islands significantly impacted include but are not limited to Saba, St. Barths, The BVI’s, Cuba, Puerto Rico and St. John and St. Thomas. The visual images reveal mass destruction. It is clear, restoration will take time. In some case, months.

As tourism is the primary income of the islands, one cannot worry about the future of so many that rely on the hospitality industry for their livelihood.   What next?  Donate to a charity or rebuilding effort of your choice.  Plan a trip! Yes, some of the islands, whilst damaged will be able to welcome tourists soon.   The Caribbean is one of the closest international tourist destinations to the US. Come back and come back soon.  Foliage will return to it’s original splendor and properties will be re built.

Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations is offering discounted vacations for all new bookings for those who require a rebooking from an originally planned vacation. If you had a vacation planned with another company, have them contact me and I will be happy to re book on Bonaire.   For inquiries contact ann@bonairecaribbean.com today.

May all the islands restore and revitalize soon.  The people of the Caribbean will demonstrate resilience and grit during this very difficult time. Lend them your support. Come back soon.

Bonaire – Is It Safe to Travel To Bonaire

September 8, 2017

First and foremost, thanks everyone for checking on my welfare. I am fine, actually on Cape Cod for my annual fall respite. Bonaire has not been impacted by Irma. Allow me to share a bit about Bonaire.

Bonaire is outside the hurricane belt. Located north of South America, the three island chain of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao rarely see hurricanes. As a result, they are also quite arid.

As we read about the devastation from Hurricane Irma, it is important to know, whilst many islands were impacted, there are a group of Caribbean islands typically not impacted by hurricanes. They include but are not limited to:

  • Aruba
  • Bonaire
  • Curacao
  • Grenada
  • Barbados
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • The Grenadines

The Caribbean islands rely on tourism. Continue to visit the islands prepared for tourism. Keep the Caribbean vibe alive. For those islands that have suffered devastation, fear not, they will rebuild. As of press, Antigua is open and ready for business.

For questions on Bonaire, contact ann@bonairecaribbean.com

Sorobon Beach Club – Expansion and News

September 6, 2017

Sorobon Beach Resort has announced news of an exciting expansion. The owners of Sorobon have recently acquired the former Lacbai Resort.  The new name is Sorobon Apartments.  This expansion adds 10 apartments, connecting two properties both in the center of the Bonaire windsurf scene. Specializing in windsurf vacations, Sorobon is synonymous with island -style hospitality. Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations is proud to collaborate with Sorobon in providing windsurf and wellness vacations. 

The 10 Lacbai apartments were renovated  in 2015 with new flooring, beds, bathrooms, bedrooms, living room furniture and fixtures. The setting is at the end of windy Lac Bay. Enjoy comfortable cooling trade winds as you watch the windsurfers glide on the bay. The property is surrounded by nature so is conducive to rest and relaxation.  On site is an amazing restaurant, Foodies. 

Sorobon Apartments is situated 1 km from Sorobon Beach Resort and full use of ALL facilities of Sorobon Beach Resort & Wellness are included when booking @ Sorobon Apartments.  There are plans for a Magna pool and in the future, expansion of new apartments. 

Included in new reservations:

–       Full american breakfast at Sorobon Beach Resort

–       Free use of the Magna Pool at Sorobon Apartments (completion expected by winter 2018)

–       Free access to all the Sorobon Beach Facilities including WIFI

–       Free use of our Beach & Beach Chairs

–       20% discount on our windsurf Gear and rentals

–       Free shuttle service between Sorobon Apartments & Sorobon Beach and back several times daily

 

To book your winter stay or to inquire of rates, contact Ann Phelan. Ann has been booking both properties since 2001 and inspects rooms on a regular basis. She will create the perfect windsurfing vacation. Ann specializes in family vacations as well as groups. For those seeking to learn to sail or hone their skills, lessons  are available. News regarding the expansion of a windsurf center will be revealed soon, so watch for updates. To contact Ann, email ann@bonairecaribbean.com or Contact Ann Phelan

 

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Photo Courtesy of Sorobon Beach Resort