I'm researching for my first trip to Bonaire with a long-time friend of mine. We want something preferrably on the beach with a swimming pool. Not really interested in cooking any meals so a kitchenette won't be needed, but a small refrigerator would be nice. Would like a place that has a nice restaurant and good house reef for snorkeling. Condos or hotel/motels are ok with us. Any suggestions?

I don't think there are many resorts that don't fit the bill for you - and they all have their proponents here. I'm sure everyone will chime in with their favorites!

I honestly don't think there are any "bad" resorts on Bonaire. By the way, resorts on Bonaire are different from other places - with a couple of exceptions, they tend to be on the small, cozy side.

We like Captain Don's (there are a variety of room styles, but I believe they all have a fridge, though the sizes vary). The Deluxe Junior Suites (one option for you) overlook the pool, the restaurant is just past the pool, and the house reef just past that.

Oh, and in between the restaurant and the house reef is the Deco Stop bar, a nice place to relax and watch the sun set.

Rick,
We also enjoy Capt. Don's and here's a few photos...
Pool with Junior Suites in back ground

Raised beach above water and basically view from Junior Suites

There is also the Divi, the Plaza, Buddy Dive, and a few more. They are fit your request, you should take a look on their web sites and check them out for what they look like and what dollar amount you are willing to spend. Everyone here has his or own favorites. I like Cap't Don's too for some reasons and Divi for other reasons and so forth. I think you can't go wrong at any of them. Good luck on choosing one. I never stay at any of the resorts, but I go to them for either a dive or dinner. Each one has it's own atomsphere and all offer diving, so it is purely up to you. Each one is laid out differently, but all are by the ocean and that is where you will be hopefully spending most of your time down under!

Rick,
I have been to Bonaire four times,stayed at a different place each time,all was great.
If I were to do a repeat of the places I have stayed It would be Capt'n Don's although Buddy's and the Divi were good also, the other place did not have a pool.I will be there in April yet at another place.

Buster

Thanks to everyone for the great information. I think we will really enjoy ourselves on the island.

Rick -

We agree that there are several good choices that fit your criteria, but we'll put in a vote for the Plaza Resort. We've stayed there four times now and the reasons: excellent snorkeling beach, nice, extra-large rooms, one of the two largest hotel sand beaches on the island (there not many sand beaches anywhere on Bonaire),A/C that will freeze meat, good on-property restaurants, amazingly quiet for its size, very good buffet breakfast, and the opportunity to associate with predominately European guests.

I'm sure you've picked up by now that there are no "super all-inclusive" resorts on Bonaire. Yes!

The down side is that the Plaza is somewhat more costly than most other properties and it is located away from the other dive hotels (we actually consider that a plus).

Please favor us with a trip report upon your return.

Bon bini na Bonaire!

Charles Poteet
Dallas

Plaza Resorts was great! My wife and I just returned form there had the best beach we looked at the other resorts. The rooms were nice, we had a fridge. There are 3 restaurants all very good. Nice pool, great reef with easy entry. The dive shop was awesome and staff very nice. A little more $$ but well worth it. We're going back.