Planning a vacation to Bonaire but not sure where to stay? The island’s resorts and hotels all have something different to offer—coveted house dives, luxury amenities, on-site restaurants, and much more.
As the untouched gem of the Caribbean, Bonaire doesn’t offer tourists all-inclusive resorts (bar a few) quite like what you may find on the party islands of Aruba and Curaçao.
And that’s on purpose because Bonaire Island is all about protecting nature and pioneering sustainable tourism.
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Bonaire is the first island in the Dutch Caribbean to prioritize and protect natural places—establishing the first nature reserve in 1969 (Washington-Slagbaai National Park) and the island’s 6700-hectare marine reserve in 1979. Today, they continue to usher in and encourage ecotourism on the island.
As such, many of the hotels and resorts (plus dive shops and other local businesses) on the island strive to be economically, socially, and environmentally friendly.
So whether you’re visiting Bonaire to scuba dive in the beautiful reef or simply relax on a secluded beach, this guide will clue you in on the best places to stay on the island, highlighting those with a green thumb!
Best Places to Stay on Bonaire Island
Captain Don’s Habitat
- 🏷 $$$
- 🌿 Blue Destination Certified (⭐️⭐️⭐️)
- 🤿 Excellent for Scuba Divers, Couples, Families
- ➡️ Book Now
In 1976, Captain Don Stewart established the first dive resort on the island, Captain Don’s Habitat.
Over 45 years later, it remains not only one of the most coveted places to vacation but also one of the most environmentally conscious hotels in Bonaire. As such, Bonaire Island has awarded Don’s Habitat with Blue Destination Certification.
Much of what the island protects and is proud of today—the Bonaire National Marine Park, the permanent mooring for dive boats, the ban on spearfishing, etc—is thanks to Captain Don, the hotel’s founder, who, throughout his life, worked to ensure Bonaire’s natural resources were protected through conservation and sustainable tourism.
As far as amenities go, the ocean-front resort features six deluxe accommodations from junior suites to bungalows to luxury villas. The property is set amidst a tropical garden and complimented by a freshwater pool, two docks, a house reef shore dive, and an on-site fine dining restaurant called Rum Runners.
But most of all, their claim to fame is their diving freedom philosophy which appeals to vacationers who can dive 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Book here to secure your dates as Captain Don’s fills up fast!
Delfins Beach Resort
- 🏷 $$$
- 🌿 Blue Destination Certified (⭐️⭐️)
- 💕 Perfect for Couples, Honeymooners, Families
- ➡️ Book Today
If you’re looking for a luxury resort that feels like a tropical oasis, then you’ll love staying at the 4-star Delfins Beach Resort. This is where we stayed during our week in Bonaire (and let me just say—wow!).
From the enticing cabañas and pool bar to the beach loungers and hammocks, there is certainly that Caribbean vacation vibe at Delfins.
Besides the atmosphere, Delfins has one of the best restaurants on Bonaire for fine dining. Brass Boer is the culinary child of Jonnie and Thérèse Boer, most known for their main restaurant, De Librije, which is a 3 Michelin star restaurant in the Netherlands. Even if you don’t end up being a guest at the hotel, you can (and should) make a reservation!
They also have a lovely beach bar called Club Tropicana—perfect for sipping on a cocktail with your toes in the sand!
Delfins is also a Blue Destination Certified hotel on Bonaire, making it a good choice for eco-conscious travelers wanting a luxurious stay.
All of the villas and suites are equipped with solar panels on the roof. And while there are daily cleanings, you can opt out to save water.
So, are you craving the tropical vibes of Delfins yet? Book today!
✨ Don’t Miss: The 20+ Best Things to Do on Bonaire
Villa Carina Apartments
- 🏷 $$
- 🌿 Blue Destination Certified (⭐️⭐️⭐️)
- 🌴 Great for Couples & Solo Travelers
- ➡️ Check Rates
Villa Carina Apartments is a small-scale resort and the perfect compromise between feeling at home while on vacation. You have everything at your fingertips with fully-equipped and furnished studio apartments.
Each room comes with an outdoor kitchen, a private patio, and a locker for storing your diving, kite, or windsurfing gear.
While the resort is not oceanfront like Delfins or Captain Don’s, it is located just a 5-minute walk from the beautiful Bachelor’s Beach. It’s also a convenient 4-minute drive to the airport (plus the hosts offer free airport pick-up/drop-off service).
Finally, Villa Carina Apartments have been awarded three stars through the Blue Destination Certification Program, making it a top eco-hotel in Bonaire.
Red Palm Village
- 🏷 $$
- 🌿 Blue Destination Certified (⭐️⭐️)
- 🪁 Ideal for active Solo Travelers, Families, Couples
- ➡️ Reserve Your Room
Situated just a stone’s throw away from Lac Bay and Sorobon Beach—ideal for kayaking through the island’s protected mangroves and windsurfing—sits the quaint Red Palm Village.
This Blue Destination Certified hotel offers more of a glamping experience with two vacation lodges.
Its Basic Lodge is best suited for individuals or couples and features a private spacious patio equipped with an outdoor kitchenette, an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower, and a double-box bed. If you’re traveling as a family or up to four people, then the Superior Lodge will provide additional space.
Both lodges have shutters to let in the tropical breeze of Bonaire. Here, you can enjoy the feeling of being in nature whether you’re indoors relaxing or sitting out with your toes in the pool!
If you’re looking for a small-scale hotel that comes with all of one’s creature comforts, then you will enjoy vacationing at Red Palm Village!
B&B Kas ChuChubi
- 🏷 $$
- 🌿 Blue Destination Certified (⭐️⭐️)
- 🦜 Perfect for Individuals, Couples (Adults-Only)
- ➡️ Book Your Room
Kas ChuChubi is an adults-only bed and breakfast catering to travelers who love a local, intimate experience with a touch of luxury.
There are three cozy and modern rooms (Mal Mari, Pechi Pechi, and Dam Machu), plus one studio apartment for extra privacy, comfort, and space for longer stays.
All rooms have a private covered terrace or patio so you can open your glass door and let in the tropical breeze, take your morning coffee outside, and enjoy the sound of songbirds.
✨ Fun Fact: ChuChubi, in the local language of Papiamentu, is the name for the tropical mockingbird whose high-tone song you will surely hear during your time on the island.
Unlike the larger hotels on the island, you will feel like you have your own slice of paradise at Kas ChuChubi. That’s also thanks to the warmth and friendship offered by the B&B owners, Phillip and Mariëlle, who have been welcoming guests since 2019. Cleanings are scheduled every four days to save resources.
You can see all the amenities and book your room at Kas ChuChubi here.
Aqua Viva Suites
- 🏷 $$
- 🍹 Great for Female Travelers, Couples, Families
- ➡️ Check Rates
Aqua Viva Suites is a small, family-owned hotel in Bonaire. At Aqua, you will be welcomed with warm hospitality and bright, sunny rooms.
This cozy and intimate boutique hotel in Bonaire has everything you might need for a comfortable stay, including fully-equipped suites and a one-bedroom apartment, an outdoor pool and garden oasis, hammocks, a BBQ pit, and more.
Plus, they have a great location right next to VIP Diving—one of the best (and sustainable) dive shops on Bonaire—plus two really great fine dining restaurants (Sebastien’s, and Joe’s).
Flamingo Beach, Te Amo Beach, and Chachacha Beach, plus all the shops and (even more) restaurants are only a short drive away.
Art Hotel Kralendijk
- 🏷 $+
- 🎨 Ideal for Couples, Solo Travelers, Business Travelers
- ➡️ Reserve Today
Centrally located in downtown Kralendijk, the Art Hotel is a great choice for travelers on the go and is close to some of Bonaire’s best restaurants, shops, and bars (all reachable on foot).
Even though it isn’t beachfront, Art Hotel has hot showers, comfy beds, desks, kitchenettes, and air-conditioning—everything you need to retreat back to after a long day of diving and exploring the island!
If you are looking for a simple and modern hotel in Kralendijk for business travel or leisure, check out this one. (And don’t skip out on grabbing a juice from Tostibar/Junglebar on the ground floor—they’re delicious!)
The Hut Bonaire
- 🏷 $+
- 🌴 Great for Budget Travelers, New Divers
- ➡️ Book Here
The Hut is a newer player in Bonaire’s hotel scene. But with a delicious on-site Mexican restaurant, a pool, an in-house dive school, and only a 2-minute walk to the beach, it’s an up-and-coming place to stay.
The bright rooms are modern and simply equipped (some have kitchenettes) and definitely give off a laid-back vibe that reminds me of some of the studio apartments we’ve rented in Mexico (which pairs well with the restaurant!)
The resort also boasts an in-house dive school. FPA Sports offers rentals, excursions, and full-on PADI Open Water certification.
Overall, The Hut is a great budget-friendly choice for those looking for a simple but good-vibe hotel!
Sonrisa Boutique Hotel
- 🏷 $$
- 🌺 Great for Individuals, Couples (Adults-Only)
- ➡️ See More
If you’re looking for a mid-size hotel that’s still close to town but is a step up in luxury, then check out the Sonrisa Boutique Hotel. Equipped with an outdoor pool and bar/dining area, it’s a great choice for an active couple’s getaway (adults-only).
The hotel offers free breakfast, parking, diving equipment, and rental car service, plus features a beautiful tropical garden. There are only ten suites available, so you can have your privacy without feeling secluded.
Plus, should you need anything, the Swiss hosts live on-site and can help you with any request throughout your stay!
Divi Flamingo Resort
- 🏷 $$$$
- 🌿 Blue Destination Certified (⭐️)
- 🦩 Great for Couples, Families, Divers
- ➡️ Check Rates
The Divi Flamingo Resort was the island’s first hotel and dive resort, then known as The Zeebad, and had 110 rooms in 1989. Today, the resort is one of the largest on Bonaire, with around 129 rooms and 140 employees.
The 3-star resort features a spa, PADI dive school, beach shore access ideal for snorkeling and diving, a casino, a fitness center, and more.
It’s not exactly where I would choose to stay on Bonaire, but I can see the attraction for couples or families who want to be surrounded by lots of entertainment and amenities because this all-inclusive hotel is decked out!
So, Where Will You Vacation on Bonaire?
As you can see from this list, Bonaire Island has quite the offering of boutique hotels, luxury resorts, apartments, villas, and cozy B&Bs!
Where you stay will depend on your travel style and what you are hoping to get out of your Bonairean vacation.
If you are new to diving or are a non-diver, there isn’t much reason to splurge on a dive resort unless you wish to learn and get certified. Instead, staying in downtown Kralendijk or at another hotel not specializing in diving can help you pinch pennies so you can splurge on dinner and other activities around the island.
For a luxurious vacation with a private beach, pools, on-site dining, and more, you can’t go wrong with the Delfins Beach Resort. But if you are looking for a quieter stay without all of the extra touches, I’d go with a cozy family-owned villa or bed and breakfast like Red Palm Village or Kas ChuChubi.
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