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Trip Reports: A month in paradise! Part One
Bonaire Talk: Trip Reports: Archives: Archives 01-01-2010 to 04-30-2010: A month in paradise! Part One
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mellen (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Sunday, April 4, 2010 - 8:57 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I've written reviews, but never a trip report! So, please bear with me. Flights----Continental from MI to Houston to BON. It took two days to get back and we are still in "negotiations" after our cancelled flight on our return trip. But, certainly nothing to detract from our wonderful month on Bonaire. I'm just hoping for BIG vouchers---yes, post trip blues---big time!

We booked this vacation very early! And, after reading the posts prior to our trip, I was getting a bit anxious. This was our second visit to Bonaire, have spent lots of winter weeks in MX, but all the theft stuff had me a bit wary. Since we stayed a month, it is obvious that we are "older/retired" and were looking for a laid back time on this beautiful island. (Oh! We are snorkelers---actually, my husband is part fish! And, he snorkeled almost every day, several times, and many nights too!)

Accomodations---We spent our month at The Coral Paradise Resort. What a wonderful choice!!! Simply perfect for us and my "worries" were exactly what "worries" usually are---not worth the time! This is a small resort with studio units that have everything you need for a great and relaxing trip. Check out their website! CLEAN!!! SECURE!!! GREAT FOLKS!!! Okay----great A/C, hot water, gorgeous balconies and patios for the six units. Beautiful pool. The best equipped kitchen, with FULL size fridge, I have ever rented! Ample room and storage---yes! even for a month! If you want to be left alone---fine! You want to socialize---fine! And, the great thing is that because my husband snorkels so much, I always felt very comfortable and secure----which means we used all the wonderful security measures that the CPR has made available to its guests. Dead bolts, sliding door "locks" and bars, safe, security lighting and motion detector lighting too. No, we tried not to be complacent---just like at our home. But, we never felt afraid either. Just sensible! The staff and owners of the Coral Paradise go WAY beyond the "call of duty" to make sure you have what you need and to take care of you. (Thanks All!) Yes, rent your car through them---talk about easy!!! And, simple things----you won't have to ask for a second set of keys, they treat you like adults! No pool hours, just be respectful of others. You get the idea. Yes, you just walk a short ways to get to a very nice spot to enter the ocean.

Next---meals I guess. We did use our kitchen (not as much as I always promise!) and it was great for breakfasts,snacks, heating leftovers from the huge portions served in the restaurants, and of course, beer and wine! Truly, you could cook an entire meal with all the pans, etc. you are given---and I mean top of the line!

I really tried to keep track of where we ate---but, c'mon! an entire month? There are places we missed, so I guess that means another trip in the future! I'll try to name some of the favorites, adding that we truly did not encounter a horrible meal or service during our month! Rum Runners is very close to CPR so it often got the "vote". Great pizza, the chicken pasta is enough for about three meals!! Really. Salads, gorgeous on the water veiws, how can you go wrong!? Unbelievable, It Rains Fishes, Sunset Grill ---all different and all fun. Patagonia if you want, I mean WANT! beef!!! Whew!! Really great! Some places that don't always get mentioned---El Fogon (it's worth finding through the constuction!), Roomers has a lovely patio setting by their pool and a chalkboard menu that is fantastic! Roti, garlic shrimp, creole shrimp,---we ate there twice, and wished we had gone more! La Plazita Limena is a find---just go on island time and enjoy the ambiance and the food. Pumpkin stew! Wow!!! We went a second time to do a "tapas" meal---both nights were fantastic! Of course, a wonderful afternoon in Rincon at The Rose Inn. Okay, I need to go check my "notes" and it is getting late---so this will be part 1. I'll be back to continue---Hey, I love to talk/type! peace. mellen

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vince DePietro-www.bonairebeachcondo.com (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2920) on Monday, April 5, 2010 - 6:13 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Mellen..Glad that you and your hubby had a wonderful month's trip on Bonaire! You have a lot of company with your views about the island.

Sometimes folks forget that thousands upon thousands of people visit Bonaire annually, and there are unfortunately negative experiences encountered by a few. It's human nature then that they make it a point to write about it in great detail. The internet tends to grossly magnify "bad stories" and you'll find the sparse negative titillating experiences encountered by the few always get the most viewers since they are in reality so different from the norm.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By lisa z (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #392) on Monday, April 5, 2010 - 12:49 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Your great experience and excitement come through loud and clear in this post. So glad you had a good time. Can't wait to have my own.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bill Thorpe, (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #668) on Monday, April 5, 2010 - 5:58 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

their should be rules not to allow such posts as yours.

A WHOLE FRICKEN MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Nell Keene (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #171) on Monday, April 5, 2010 - 6:08 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

where is this? north of Captain Don's?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Grunt (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1058) on Monday, April 5, 2010 - 6:54 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Here is a link giving a description. If my failing memory serves me right, this is the project that was being built just behind (away from the sea) Captain Don's dive shop a couple years ago.
http://coralparadise.com/

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mellen (BonaireTalker - Post #11) on Monday, April 5, 2010 - 11:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Yep! That's the spot. I wasn't sure if I was allowed to post a website. Thanks for the nice comments. On to Part Two. Peace. mellen

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scot Ward (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #178) on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - 8:10 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Great Trip report. Thanks.

 


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