Posts Tagged ‘diving in Bonaire’

Mindful Diving

November 12, 2017

“Descriptives for the scuba diving experience include; “freedom”,  “weightlessness”, and “tranquility”. These same words could be used to express being fully immersed in the present, through mindfulness.  The wandering mind jumps here and there, from past to future, and needs help to stay in the present. That help has been found with the use of Mindfulness Based Practices.   Independently, both scuba diving and Mindfulness Based Practices can contribute to our feeling of connectedness,  leading to heightened well-being, when combined, the effects grow exponentially. 

VIP Diving has collaborated with Sarah Wilner, M.A. to create The Mindful Diver Specialty; combining  the scuba diving experience with the use of scientifically supported Mindfulness Based Practices.  

The two-day Mindful Diver experience at VIP Diving is designed to guide participants in the use of Mindfulness Based Practices to enhance the benefits associated with scuba diving.  This program is appropriate for all Open Water Certified divers, and includes 3 open water dives and a confined water session. 

Ann Phelan of Caribbean Wind and Sun Vacations has teamed up with VIP Diving and Sarah Wilner, M.A. to offer the Mindful Diver Specialty to her clients, as part of her repertoire of wellness programs. For additional information, please contact Ann at ann@bonairecaribbean.com. 

Mindful diver program 2 day program including 4 dives (1 confined water and 3 open water dives). – 389.00 pp

For more information on wellness on Bonaire, check out http://bonairewellness.com.”

 

 

 

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Villa Azure – Bonaire Bliss

August 21, 2017

13510928_1064168373660384_6187337411262214014_n.jpgWelcome to Villa Azure, the newest listing in my Platinum Plus villa listing.  Villa Azure was built with a dream to provide a high-end luxury villa experience in true, casual Bonaire style.

The villa can accommodate up to 12 people. The location affords stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Trade winds cool the public areas but AC is available in the bedrooms, for sleeping comfort.  The villa features a mature tropical garden with lush flowers and trees. There is a non-chlorinated pool with Jacuzzi, sunning deck, shady palapa’s and lovely loungers.  Divers will appreciate the rinse tanks and storage.

The main floor features a living and dining area with amazing wood furnishings. There is a gourmet kitchen for meal preparation. Prefer someone to create meals for you? Our services include private chef services.   There are 4 bedrooms on the main floor with en suite bathrooms. There is a laundry room and ice machine. There is also a air conditioned gym on the lower floor.

On the second floor, two bedrooms share a bathroom, private living space  with TV and lounge as well as a and opening up to the sea.

Photos Courtesy Villa Azure

Pricing
April 09 – Dec 16                  Dec 17 – April 8

Persons
Per week
Persons
Per week
up to 2
up to 4
US$ 2100.00
US$ 2380.00
up to 2
up to 4
US$ 2275.00
US$ 2625.00
up to 6
US$ 2660.00
up to 6
US$ 2975.00
up to 8
US$ 2940.00
up to 8
US$ 3325.00
up to 10
US$ 3220.00
up to 10
US$ 3675.00
up to 12
US$ 3500.00
up to 12
US$ 4025.00

– rates are excluding tourist tax of US$ 5.45 per person per night for persons 13 years and older
– rates are excluding US$ 300.00 cleaning fee
– rates are based upon 2 persons per bedroom

Rates include WiFi, pick-up service from Flamingo International airport to the villa, cleaning once a week and final cleaning, cleaning of swimming pool once a week, property manager at your service during your stay in the villa. Ask about off season specials.
Wellness services are available at your home including massage, pedicure and manicure, Reiki, yoga and meditation.  Come be pampered and nurtured.
To book Villa Azure, contact ann@bonairecaribbean.com or call 001 508 737 5245.
Bon Bini
Bachelor's Beach

Bachelor Beach – Photo by Ann Phelan

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Buddy Dive and the Galapagos Islands

August 20, 2010

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release
BUDDY DIVE GOES LIVE ABOARD!
Buddy Dive is Expanding with Two Live Aboard Vessels in The Galapagos Islands

Kralendijk, August 19th 2010

“Today, August 19th 2010, will go into Buddy Dive’s history book as “The Day of the Milestones”. Buddy Dive does not only celebrate that exactly 30 years ago the resort officially opened its doors on Bonaire, today is also the day that Buddy Dive proudly announces that, as from September 2011, their operations will be expanded with two new Liveaboard vessels in The Galapagos Islands.” Says Lex Hofstede the COO of Buddy Dive.

The Buddy Dive Live aboard vessels, “m.v. Wolf Buddy” and “m.v. Darwin Buddy”, will be offering luxurious dive trips with excellent service in combination with premium quality diving.

People who know Buddy dive’s philosophy “Eat, Sleep, (Buddy) Dive” will find the same convenience during their Galapagos trip as well. The vessels will reflect Buddy Dive’s vision and innovation when it comes to diving. The two new ships will be 120 feet long and consist of four decks, including a sun deck and Jacuzzi.

The luxury staterooms (each approximately 50 sqft/15m2) will be equipped with air-conditioning, a private entertainment center, regular beds, a private bathroom and plenty space to move around!
The spacious dive deck consists of two parts of which one part can be closed of and heated after many exciting dives. Not to forget the warm towels, 4 showers, custom designed camera tables and direct access to the outside bar for those much needed liquids!

The beautiful lounge and restaurant area will be the perfect setting for a tasty breakfast, lunch or dinner, briefings and photo shows on the huge TV accompanied by the all inclusive beverages served by the onboard crew.
Buddy will continue to provide “Diving Excellence” to many hardcore-divers and divers-to-be with operations in two of the best locations in the world according to Scuba Diving Magazine’s “2010 top 100 Reader Choice Awards”.

Contact Ann Phelan at ann@bonairecaribbean.com to book your Galapagos trip. She is just back from Ecuador and create land packages as well. With 2.5 hour flights on KLM from Bonaire you can easily combine trips or dive the Galapagos and then enjoy Quito, Otavalo or the rainforest. Contact the Bonaire and Ecuador experts at Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations. Call stateside 800-219-0118 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              800-219-0118      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or in Bonaire 011 599 786 3134.

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Sensational Seas Two Production

July 10, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT

Eric Riesch
New World Publications
1861 Cornell Rd
Jacksonville FL 32207
(904) 737 6558
eric@fishid.com

Sensational Seas Two Production Includes Images from Bonaire Photographer, Ellen Muller

April 9, 2010 – Sensational Seas Two, a DVD grand tour of watery realms as far-flung as Antarctica, Australia, the Andaman Sea and Georgia Aquarium, includes a slide show from one of Bonaire’s own photographers, Ellen Muller. The production is a cooperative effort between underwater filmmakers, photographers, musicians, graphic designers, writers and programmers – all divers – who donated their skills and art to produce a spectacular collection of underwater images, for the benefit of marine environmental causes.

Viewers can expect the unexpected, come face-to-face with the gentlest of giants, rolling octopus, spawning frogfish, a snorkeling elephant, and tiny plankton that epitomize the grandeur of nature’s artistic flair. “When we travel, we meet so many talented image makers who seldom have the opportunity to show their work,” relates Anna DeLoach, co-producer of the DVD and researcher for New World Publications. “I know Ellen’s work and how rare many of her images from Bonaire are, so I was thrilled when she agreed to contribute them to the production!”

The DVD is now available for purchase through the Reef Environmental Education Foundation ‘s online store (www.reef.org) and will be available soon in Bonaire’s dive retailers’ shops in eco-friendly packaging, recycled paper stock and soy-ink printing.

For more information about Sensational Seas Two, visit: http://www.SensationalSeas.com or view the trailer at YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZZYMAa30A4

About the Production: Co-Producers Anna DeLoach and Nancy McGee; Art Director and Screen Writer William Warmus; DVD author Kris Wilk; Narrators Stan Waterman and Annie Crawley. Supporting partners are the Carrow Foundation, Gates Underwater Products, Wetpixel, Beneath the Sea, Scuba Diver AustralAsia Magazine and New World Publications.

About New World Publications: First published in 1989 the Caribbean Reef ID books set a new standard in marine life recognition, and firmly established co-authors Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach as quality photographers and keen behaviorists. New World Publications has since grown to be a premier source of educational materials about the ocean realm. For further information visit http://www.FishID.com.

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Divers Delight in Bonaire

March 8, 2010

BUDDY DIVE RESORT:

Enjoy Buddy’s SUPER SPRING SAVINGS*. Book a Drive & Dive package and get a 50% discount on your total food bill (max. $75 per person, per week), and an additional FREE “Wild Side” 2-tank boat dive with East Coast Divers. Valid for travel between: April 10th – June 5th 2010.

The Drive & Dive package includes accommodation for 8 days (7 nights), a RENTAL VEHICLE (double cabin pick-up truck or van) for 7 days, 6 BOAT DIVES, 6 days of unlimited air fills, FREE NITROX, daily American style breakfast buffet, a welcome drink, free “Manager’s Rum Punch Party”, airport transfer and all government taxes.

*For new bookings only. The food discount can not be used at the Lions Den restaurant. The “Wild Side” 2-tank dive is only valid when booking the 6 boat dives package. Specials can not be combined with other specials & certain restrictions may apply.

BELMAR OCEANFRONT APARTMENTS:

Stay at Belmar Oceanfront Apartments and BRING A BUDDY FOR FREE*! Book a Drive, Dive & Stay package and every second diver dives for FREE! Valid for travel between: April 10th – May 29th 2010.

The Drive, Dive & Stay package includes a fully equipped apartment for 8 days (7 nights), a RENTAL VEHICLE (double cabin pick-up truck or van) for 7 days, 6 days of unlimited air fills, FREE NITROX, free “Manager’s Rum Punch Party”, airport transfer and all government taxes.

*For new bookings only. Specials can not be combined with other specials & certain restrictions may apply. BBQ will be at Buddy Dive Resort’s Poolbar on Friday night.

CARIBBEAN CLUB BONAIRE:

BOOK 7 AND PAY ONLY 6* room nights at Caribbean Club Bonaire. Book a Dive & Explore package and get one night for FREE! Valid for travel between: April 10th – May 29th 2010.

The Dive & Explore package includes a fully equipped apartment for 8 days (7 nights), a RENTAL VEHICLE (double cabin pick-up truck) for 7 days, 6 days of unlimited air fills, FREE NITROX, daily breakfast, free “Manager’s Rum Punch Party”, airport transfer and all government taxes.

*For new bookings only. Specials can not be combined with other specials & certain restrictions may apply.

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Caribbean Club Winter Sale

December 5, 2009

Photo Courtesy of CC

Caribbean Club is one of my favorite properties on the northern tip of the island. The dining and bar area is full of quaint Caribbean charm. The new accommodations with pools and view are stellar. It’s a great price at a very restful tranquil location. North shore dive spots including Oil Slick, Jeff Davis and more are below your hill. Amazing..

10% WINTER GETAWAY DISCOUNT!!

Book during high season at Caribbean Club Bonaire  and earn a  10% discount on accommodation, diving, activities, rental vehicle, breakfast, and airport transfer! Valid for travel between: December 17th – April 9th 2010.*

Room only starting from:                         $40 per person per night

Bed & Breakfast starting from:                $51 per person per night

Dive & Explore package starting from:      $551 per person for a whole week

These prices are based on 4 persons in a 2-bedroom apartment, including taxes.

The Dive & Explore package includes a fully equipped apartment for 8 days (7 nights), a RENTAL VEHICLE (double cabin pick-up truck) for 7 days, 6 days of unlimited air fills, FREE NITROX, daily breakfast buffet, free “Manager’s Rum Punch Party”, airport transfer and all government taxes.

Contact Ann Phelan at Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations ann@bonairecaribbean.com and ask for the Bliss Special at Caribbean Club. New bookings before Dec. 18 earn valuable dining credits.

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Hamlet Oasis Sale for Coral Spawn 385.00 a WEEK!

June 12, 2009
Hamlet Oasis

Imagine being able to visit Bonaire for 385.00 for a week. This is not a misprint.  Hamlet is fixing their pool so decided to discount the entire property.  Book a studio for two starting at 385.00 USD a week! The one bedroom starts at 455.00 a week. Add 6.50 pp per day tax, service and departure cleaning and it’s still a deal. Hamlet Oasis is next to Dive Friends where I have 6 days air for 114.00 USD pp! Walk to the sea or down the driveway to Habitat Hotel to visit their Deco Bar for a tropical cocktail or enjoy seaside dining at Rum Runners. Listen to Moogie play Monday night at their sumptuous BBQ.

The sale dates are for Aug. 24- Sept. 28, just in time for the Sept. 4 coral spawn.  Email me for the coral spawn schedule. This is a photographer’s dream.

Bonaire is located in the ABC islands outside the hurricane belt. We have not seen a hurricane hit the island in over 80 years. Sept. is the perfect time for divers to experience our over 80 dive sites.

Call 800-219-0118 or email ann@bonairecaribbean.com

Price subject to change based on availability

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Den Leman on Sale

May 2, 2009

My feature property this week is  Den Leman. I love this oceanfront ,  new and modern hotel. It is located on Bari Reef, one of Bonaire’s favorite shore dives.  Views of the sunset and Klein Bonaire create magical twilight memories. Dine below at Kirk’s Sunset Restaurant or walk to several other island favorites.

Den Laman Condominiums:

From May 2nd through 29th, 2009, last minute travelers pay for five nights and receive two nights free. (Government room tax must be paid on free nights.) May Sale Drive & Dive Packages start at only $591.00 per double diver, for seven night’s studio accommodation, six days of unlimited tanks for shore diving, free nitrox upgrades, seven days truck rental, and government room tax.

A special rate is also being offered for solo travelers vacationing between August 29th and September 25th, 2009. Studio condominiums are now only $85 per night, and one-bedroom units only $150 per night (government room tax not include.) Discounted rates apply to single occupancy only.

Den Laman is also home to Fish Eye Photo, a full service photo & video facility, Bonaire Dive & Adventure, a PADI 5-Star Gold Palm and SSI facility, and the seaside Sunset Bar & Grill Restaurant.

Press Release Courtesy of Den Leman. Contact 1-800-219-0118 or email ann@bonairecaribbean.com for details. Free Concierge Services apply.

Klein Bonaire

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Bonaire Video of the Day

January 25, 2009

Two of my favorite dive clients and personal friends Carlea and Geoff Bishop shared this video today.  Carlea and I met Christmas 2001 before I moved to Bonaire.  We had a lovely week and have remained friends. Since that trip, Carlea met Geoff and introduced him to her favorite island.  They are heading back in April so look for more clips.

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