Harbour Village Bonaire is a luxurious resort boasting pristine natural beauty and a serene atmosphere. Located on the tranquil island of Bonaire in the Caribbean, it offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The resort is set amidst lush greenery and offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.

The resort is known for its world-class amenities and exceptional service. Guests can indulge in various activities, including snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The resort also features a private beach, a marina, and a spa, making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The accommodations at the resort are luxurious and comfortable, with each room offering stunning views of the sea or the lush gardens.

Discovering Harbour Village Bonaire

Harbour Village was created in the 1990s by an expat couple who loved the beautiful beaches and watersports. It has been continually updated throughout the years, and today, it is a modern resort that feels secluded, exclusive, and very homey.

Location and Access

Harbour Village Bonaire is just a short drive from the capital city of Kralendijk. The resort is on a private peninsula surrounded by crystal-clear waters and pristine coral reefs. Guests can easily access the resort by flying into Bonaire International Airport, just a 15-minute drive from Harbour Village.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Bonaire enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The island is known for its constant trade winds, which provide a cool breeze and make it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts. On our visit, it was 90 degrees and never felt stifling.

Accommodations at Harbour Village

Room Types and Amenities

Harbour Village offers a variety of luxurious accommodations for guests to choose from. Each room has a simple but elegant interior.

Guests can choose from various room types, including beachfront suites, oceanfront rooms, and garden-view rooms. All rooms feature a private balcony or patio, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and an enormous bathroom with shower and bath. Most have a kitchen so you can heat up food or cook a dinner.

There are large beachhouses for groups of up to 8 that feel more like traditional guest homes but have all the luxuries of a resort.

Booking and Packages

Booking a stay at Harbour Village is easy and convenient. Guests can book directly on the hotel’s website or through various online travel agencies.

Harbour Village also offers a variety of packages to make your stay even more enjoyable. Guests can choose from packages that include spa treatments, diving excursions, and romantic dinners.

Activities and Experiences

Harbour Village Bonaire is a perfect destination for those who love outdoor activities and experiences.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

With its crystal clear waters and marine life, Bonaire is known as one of the best diving destinations in the world. Harbour Village Bonaire offers a PADI 5-star dive center where guests can explore the vibrant coral reefs and encounter colorful fish and other sea creatures. For those who prefer snorkeling, the resort also provides snorkeling gear and boat tours to the best spots around the island.

Beach Leisure and Watersports

Harbour Village Bonaire boasts a private white-sand beach where guests can relax and soak up the Caribbean sun. The resort provides beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels for guests’ comfort. For those seeking adventure, the resort offers a variety of watersports, such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

There are also two pools for those who prefer a calmer swimming experience.

Spa and Wellness

For those who want to unwind and rejuvenate, Harbour Village Bonaire offers a luxurious spa that provides a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body scrubs. The spa uses natural ingredients and essential oils to create a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.

On-site Restaurant

Harbour Village Bonaire offers a variety of on-site dining options for its guests. The La Balandra Restaurant is a popular choice for those who don’t want to leave the resort. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes, including fresh seafood, salads, and sandwiches, all while taking in the beautiful beachfront views.

Our favorite breakfast dishes include the smoked salmon bagel and the chef’s croissant. For lunch, we ate the burger, catch of the day tacos, and nachos again and again.

For those looking for a more formal dining experience, the La Balandra Restaurant offers a menu of gourmet dishes for dinner. The restaurant also features an extensive wine list to complement the meal.

We did not have a bad meal at La Balandra, but our favorites were the tiradito, the burrata salad, and the beef tenderloin.

The servers were attentive and remembered our favorite items and our dietary restrictions. Be aware that service can be slow, and dishes are plated differently almost every night, but the ocean breezes coming in through the open restaurant made it easy to wait.

Sustainability and Conservation Efforts

Harbour Village Bonaire is committed to protecting the environment and preserving the island’s beauty. The resort has implemented several sustainability and conservation efforts to ensure that its operations have minimal impact on the ecosystem.

Harbour Village Bonaire supports marine conservation efforts. The resort has partnered with local organizations to protect the coral reefs surrounding the island, which are home to a diverse range of marine life.

Travels With The Crew’s Take

My husband and I were invited to visit Harbour Village for five days, and what a spectacular five days we had.  We were met at the airport and taken on a tour of Kralendijyk on our way to the resort. We were given a tour of the resort (as was every guest who arrived with us) and told how to find the things we might need.

While at Harbour Village, we enjoyed the pristine private beach. It was quiet and shaded by palm trees, and the best snorkeling we did was off the beach.

There is a dive shop at the resort, and they make three runs a day to Klein Bonaire for diving and snorkeling. You can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, and all your diving and snorkeling equipment.

The onsite restaurant, The Balandra restaurant for most of our meals and highly recommend it. It exceeded our expectations entirely.

Harbour Village is serene and very friendly. While we were there, lots of families and couples visited from the US. We discovered that many families come here year after year, and their children have made fast friends for life.

As I write this on the balcony of our suite, families are out snorkeling, people are eating at the restaurant, and a few beach loungers and hammocks are occupied. All I hear are murmured voices, the palm trees rustling in the breeze, and the sound of the waves. It truly feels like paradise!

Travel Tips and Recommendations

Harbour Village Bonaire is a hidden gem in the Caribbean, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Here are some travel tips and recommendations to make the most out of your stay:

Getting Around

The hotel provides a shuttle service to and from the airport and offers car rental services for those who want to explore the island. Bonaire is a small island, and it’s easy to get around by car. Renting a car as soon as you arrive is a good idea.

Seeing the Rest of the Island

The island can be driven from top to bottom in 5-6 hours, depending on how many times you get out to enjoy the view. I highly recommend that you do. You can snorkel or dive from the shore all over the island. Wind surfing and kite surfing are very popular near Lac Bay. Or you can drive up to Washington—Slagbaii National Park and enjoy some of the best snorkeling and diving on the island.

Making it Affordable

If Harbour Village seems like a dream but too expensive, there are ways to keep costs down.

• First of all, visit from May to September when prices are lower.
• Stay in a less expensive courtyard room.
• Get a room with a kitchenette and cook your own meals.
• Bring your snorkel or diving equipment so you don’t need to rent.

In the end, Harbour Village is meant to be an escape from the day-to-day and be a peaceful oasis by the sea. It is worth every penny!

 

We were hosted by Harbour Village Bonaire, but all opinions are my own.