PRESS RELEASE - 2011
Bonaire Briefs A Look At What's Happening Around the Island PRESS RELEASE - 2011
Kralendijk, Bonaire (March 3, 2011) - Whether you're a diver, snorkeler, explorer or just want to soak up the Caribbean sun, the island of Bonaire offers something for everyone.
Helping to make planning your vacation to Bonaire easy and fun, here is some of the latest news from the island.
Bambu Restaurant located on the boulevard in Kralendijk, kicked off 2011, with the announcement of their new menu. Each week the menu will offer gastronomic surprise menus which will vary from three to five different courses.
The new Blue Mekong Thai Restaurant opened its doors a few months ago, and has proved to be a new, fun and exciting way to dine out on Bonaire. Unlike most restaurants, Blue Mekong has no menu. Guests have the choice of ordering five, seven or nine courses, which change every three weeks. All courses are served in cups, and go from bland to spicy as the menu progresses. The restaurant is located on the second floor balcony overlooking Kaya Grandi in Kralendijk.
Bonaire, known as a diver's paradise, has now introduced its visitors to the freedom of riding with the new guided Harley-Davidson Tours. Jack Chalk, General Manager of Captain Don's Habitat and longtime resident of Bonaire, Anne-Marie Vermeer, launched this new initiative. There are 6 Harley Davidson's available. The well-trained tour-guides will take riders for a unique trip. The tour will cover the beautiful, unspoiled nature of Bonaire, such as the salt lakes in the south, the flamingo lake up north and much more. Half day and full day guided tours are available. A full day tour includes lunch and drinks in one of the many restaurants on Bonaire.
InfoBonaire and Bonaire Insider entered the social media world by launching their own Facebook and Twitter pages. InfoBonaire and Bonaire Insider updates on Facebook and Twitter provide the latest information on what's happening on the island, such as restaurant openings, the latest in hotel services, retail store listings, activities and more.
Majestic Journeys Bonaire N.V has reopened at a new location offering more Alternative & Complementary Healing modalities than before. It's now offering new alternatives in Metaphysical and Aromatic Science specializing in the original Rain Drop Technique, which can only be found at Majestic Journeys Bonaire N.V. Retreat packages can be customized, starting with the choice of treatments, detoxifications, healing food plans and educational programs. Local herbal remedies and various organic applications are used to enhance the overall grassroots approach to recovering optimum health and sense well being.
The Massage Hut at Bonaire Windsurf Place is now offering on-site massage services. To take advantage of this luxurious amenity, visitors can contact the Massage Hut and book their massages with a therapist who will come to wherever they are staying; hotel, vacation condo, apartment, etc. A variety of massages are available, and there is a $20 surcharge for the visit to the property.
STINAPA recently announced changes to the entrance fee to Washington Slagbaai National Park. Tourists visiting the park will now be charged a $15 fee which entitles them to use of the park for one year. Residents of Bonaire will be changed $3 daily fee. However, they can pay a $15 fee which entitles them to use of the park for the entire year. Children 12 years and under enter for free. Visitors who have paid the Bonaire National Marine Park users fee for scuba diving and have proof of receipt and a valid ID, enter Washington Slagbaai National Park for free.
ON THE HOTEL SCENE:
Belmar Oceanfront Apartments reports they have a new activity package and scuba diving gear available to their guests. The outdoor and activity packages include kayaking, mountain biking, kitesurfing and windsurfing. The property also has brand new scuba equipment for rent and includes the latest Cressi Liberator mask, Shorty 3mm wetsuit for men and women and BCD jacket and regulator.
Bonaire Oceanfront Villa is pleased to announce that it has completed further renovations during 2010 and the property is now accepting diners and leisure vacationers. The renovations include new features throughout the villa, including a new kitchen which has been completely remodeled and enlarged to twice its previous size. There are new appliances including a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and coffeemaker, as well as new windows and cabinetry. The villas outdoor living space also received a new makeover. The third-floor rooftop terrace has new terra cotta tile flooring, while the two bedroom balconies on the second floor now have roofs, allowing usage regardless of the weather.
Bruce Bowker's Carib Inn has just launched their newly redesigned website, detailing their services in both accommodations and diving. The new format is user friendly and displays well on mobile devices. Viewers will find information about the inn, staff, Bonaire, as well as an extensive image gallery highlighting all the past visitors of Carib Inn over the years.
Buddy Dive Resort proudly announced the pool bar is now open for dinner seven days a week, with a delicious new dinner menu. Located only a few steps away from the crystal clear, turquoise waters of Bonaire, the pool bar is in a quaint location offering spectacular sunsets and a beautiful view of Klein Bonaire. Guests can savor their new menu with both authentic local and international dishes weekly.
Captain Don's Habitat is celebrating its 35th year anniversary. Throughout the years, the resort has continuously upgraded areas to maintain its premiere status. Recently, new oceanfront deluxe junior suites were completed to the delight of guests enjoying these accommodations. The resort features an oceanfront restaurant, bar and pool, daytime spa and Wi-Fi.
Caribbean Club Bonaire is happy to announce the opening of their new 2 studios and 2 bedroom penthouses, and 2-bedroom penthouses. The new studios, with their own private porch, are located on the ground floor and are equipped with a kitchenette, refrigerator and TV. All of the new apartments are air-conditioned and every bedroom has a private bathroom.
Guests at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino continue to enjoy a host of new additions and amenities at the property. The lobby boasts new furnishings featuring woven woods and cool white fabrics while all guest rooms and suites offer 26-inch flat screen televisions and new platform beds. The resort's Chibi Chibi Restaurant, has also added new lunch and dinner items to its international cuisine including lunch items: BBQ chicken nachos, smoked salmon pizza, tortilla chicken salad, Carpaccio beef sandwich and dinner entrees: pick and choose pasta bowl (choose your own pasta, sauce, toppings, etc.) USA prime rib eye steak and lamb chops.
In addition, Divi Flamingo and the Diveheart Foundation hosted a special group of handicapped divers in late 2010 whose journey was captured by eight-time Emmy award-winning Watermark.TV. Divi Flamingo is continuously upgrading its amenities and accommodations for disabled divers and guests, including eight handicapped accessible rooms and a customized boat.
Harbour Village Beach Club's dive center Great Adventures Bonaire, has just partnered with privately owned diver center Aqua Lung's Partner Center. This new dive center will offer Harbour Village's guests up to date and well maintained rental equipment, inspected and tested cylinders and valves, factory trained repair technicians who can service Aqua Lung equipment and friendly and qualified staff that will make your dive experience memorable.
Plaza Resort Bonaire continues to upgrade its appearance. Renovations started with the Premium Grand Suit, and will soon begin on the bedroom villas. Along with renovations to the rooms, the property has now announced additions and themed nights in their restaurants. Tipsy Seagull Restaurant is introducing their lobster theme nights every Monday; on Tuesdays, guests can enjoy an elaborate BBQ on the beach with live music by a steel band, and dance the night away. Friday night's guests head to the Coconut Crash Beach Bar for two happy hours a day and salsa dance classes served up alongside their a la carte menu making for a memorable night.
Sonrisa Boutique Hotel just minutes away from the beach, is now offering a daily shuttle to the windsurfing area at Lac Bay. For divers and surfers' convenience, the property recently installed a newly built in wet-cell for them to rinse and hang dry their gear. After a day of adventure, exploring Bonaire, hotel guests can head back to the property and enjoy refreshments in the newly built Palapa.
Sun Rentals Bonaire reports a complete makeover to 8 of the 13 apartments that were purchased last July. The renovations included new furniture, beds and bathrooms. The property also upgraded and expanded their pool and sundeck area making it more accessible for guests to relax.
Located eighty-six miles east of Aruba, the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire offers year-round sunshine, low annual rainfall, pristine coral formations and the most thriving fish population in the Caribbean. Ideal for adventurers, explorers and sun-worshippers alike, Bonaire offers myriad eco-adventure activities including world renowned scuba diving and snorkeling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, mountain biking, sea and mangrove kayaking, horseback riding, landsailing, nature tours, hiking, bird watching, sailing and seep sea and bone fishing. And with a selection of accommodations ranging from full-service oceanfront resorts and condominiums to guesthouses and small inns, Bonaire has something for every lifestyle and budget.
Bonaire is the recipient of the prestigious Islands Magazine/Caribbean Tourism Organization 2008 Sustainable Tourism Award and continues to be recognized as one of the top destinations worldwide for its sustainable tourism and as one of the top diving destinations in the Atlantic/Caribbean for nine years in a row in the Scuba Diving magazine's 2011 Readers' Choice Awards. It was designated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as having the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean (January 2008), and as the Favorite Dive Destination in the World by About.com (June, 2008).
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