Charming, peaceful, quaint… this is what comes to my mind as I enter the unique Courtyard Bonaire Dive Resort, one of the ABC islands of the Caribbean. After meeting the equally charming hotel manager Nelson Ruiz, I head to my casita. Each casita (little house) is reminiscent of my favorite ice cream flavors; truly ‘eye candy’. My casita faces the lovely canal which runs along the entire property and I can sit outside and watch the sunrise with a freshly brewed cup of coffee from my room.
The space is amazingly clean. My mom dropped her contact lense on the floor and so we crawled around with a wet cloth wiping to see if we would find it. We did find it but what we also noticed that not one speck of dirt came up on the white cloth! I also gazed into the kitchen area of the restaurant and noticed not only its incredible organization but the cleanliness and the attentiveness of the delightful staff. Another reflection of Nelson Ruiz; the perfect host looking into everything any hotel guest needs or wants!
Now the canal that I mentioned….It is labeled a deep water canal as they have many daily scuba dives right on this property and I got my introduction to the world of scuba diving here. Many of my fellow divers are from the Netherlands and through them and the diving team I learned the island’s history (which admittedly, I should have known). It was originally Dutch and to this day many guests come from the Netherlands to enjoy a vacation with the spirit of their country. Diving opened up an entire underwater world – colorful sea life and a beautiful moment of peace. I also asked and was told NO SHARKS HERE! WIth that confirmation I was able to really uncover a sense of serenity like no other.
Swimming in their infinity pool as well as enjoying the lovely circular hot tub are other amenities that need to be mentioned. Both are just opposite the charming restaurant, where I was greeted by a daily breakfast buffet including hot oatmeal and eggs of my choice, as well as fresh fruits and salads and an array of breads and rolls, jellies, jams and honey – and of course, coffee!!
If you’re thinking well, what about small kids and family life at courtyard Marriott Bonaire, cast your eye on this play area. The kids here were having a ball, all within easy reach of their parents’ eyes from their chaise lounges. Babies who needed a bit of shade are offered lovely draped cabanas to rest. Whether you’re traveling with a baby, toddler, child, teenager or adult – everyone will enjoy this courtyard Marriott in Bonaire .
A big treat was Amina, a Courtyard Bonaire Dive Resort guide, taking us all around the island. We learned there are 17,000 inhabitants living in Bonaire. There are no crimes (and so, no jails). Everyone works within the local industries of tourism, scuba diving, and other water/vacation entertainment. Bonaire is the dive capital of the world! The amazing sea salt, which we had the chance to witness being processed for consumption – is a beautiful pinkish color. Local seawater is poured and raked until the water evaporates. The leftover salt is sold all over the world. Other unusual facts we learned are that there are no traffic lights and no public transportation. If you’re vacationing you’ll want to rent your own car or pay for a ride.
After our tour we headed back to the Courtyard Bonaire Dive Resort for a massage. Peace and serenity, which I still miss, as well as yoga classes and more! So would I come back to Courtyard Bonaire Dive Resort? ABSOLUTELY! Should you make the trip there? FOR SURE YES Keep in mind if you’re a Florida resident it’s a simple three-hour flight from Miami and you are transported with your passport to a charming wonderful vacation you will not forget! I am thinking even for a girls trip to round up my friends and head there again. It’s affordable with gorgeous amenities and fabulous food! I will show you some pictures of our sushi dinner YUM. So pack your bags and meet your gracious host Nelson Ruiz!
After our tour we headed back to the Courtyard Bonaire Dive Resort for a massage. Peace and serenity, which I still miss, as well as yoga classes and more! So would I come back to Courtyard Bonaire Dive Resort? ABSOLUTELY! Should you make the trip there? FOR SURE YES Keep in mind if you’re a Florida resident it’s a simple three-hour flight from Miami and you are transported with your passport to a charming wonderful vacation you will not forget! I am thinking even for a girls trip to round up my friends and head there again. It’s affordable with gorgeous amenities and fabulous food! I will show you some pictures of our sushi dinner YUM. So pack your bags and meet your gracious host Nelson Ruiz!
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