New Bonaire Resort

[BurBunny]

The Divi Group, which operates nine Divi Resorts on six Caribbean islands, as well as two all-inclusive resorts in Aruba, announced that it will build a new beachfront all-inclusive resort on the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2007, with completion scheduled for the end of 2008. Offering an all-inclusive program based on the same all-inclusive concept as the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba resorts, the new resort will rise to four stories and will feature 275 ocean and beach view units plus 60 ocean view condominiums adjacent to the property. The condos will be available for full ownership with a hotel rental program and people who own/use these units will have access to all resort facilities. Resort amenities will include a large beach, full service dive center, fitness center, rock climbing wall, large infinity pool, a selection of restaurants and bars, on-site spa, casino and shops. All food and beverage outlets will be open to non-hotel guests as well as guests of the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino, Divi Resorts current property in Bonaire. Management of the new all-inclusive resort will fall under the Divi All-Inclusive Group in Aruba, with both properties on the island sharing a management team.

 

[RICHinNC]

Can you go non inclusive? What is an idea of the rates non inclusive? Going to have your own dive shop and tanks available 24/7 ??

Doing anything to make getting there from the states any easier????

 

[BurBunny]

Going to be awhile before we see preliminary rates. I'd expect similar to the Aruba properties, though as it goes along, wouldn't be surprised if it isn't priced at a bit of a premium above that. As for getting there more easily, Continental's been taking a few baby steps. I encourage people to support those flights and hopefully they'll expand the service. But having this large a property to support should help things.

 

[scubaotter]

It would be nice if the new resort would encourage the major airlines to add more Bonaire direct routes. I really miss having two weekly departures from AJ. American is ok but, the long layover in SJ is a bit of a pain. I am happy to see Continental expanding their service. Hopefully this is the start of a trend.

It is more difficult to get to Bonaire than most places but it is sooo worth it.

 

[herman]

This resort is going to be located between Eden Beach and Sand Dollar, right at the traffic circle (roundabout). The property had been more or less cleared in July.
It may make air easier to get. Air has been kind of a chicken and egg thing. The airlines did not want to start new routes unless there was more resort space and the resorts did not want to increase rooms until there was better air service. We can only hope air gets better without messing up the lsland.

 

[HMaren]

There goes the neighborhood.
I couldn't believe the difference in the island between last August 2005 and 2006. Development is happening everywhere. Part of Bonaire's charm is that outside of Kralendijk, it's rather rustic and non-touristy. I suppose it's going the way of the rest of the Caribbean. Sigh...

 

[highlandfarmwv]

Bur Bunny, how can I get info on the condo properties? I tried the main "Divi" site, but can find nothing on the new property. Is there a realtor or some Divi representative that knows about them? Thanks.

 

[BurBunny]

I'd say it's just a bit early and they don't have that information up yet. However, the Divi Aruba group has contact information at the bottom of this page: http://www.diviaruba.com/divihome.html. Contact them - I'm sure they'll have someone contact you back.

 

[Biodiversity_guy]

When will our population growth slow down. How long can this growth rate be sustained. What will this large an increase do to traffic, reef impacts, wait lines at restaurants.

Where is that little dutch boy to stick his finger in the dike?

 

[Tom Smedley]

The way construction goes on Bonaire you'll probably be very old when it's finished. The last I heard room occupancy on Bonaire is about 40 percent. Owing to the difficulty in getting there. The citizens of Bonaire wanted that property as a public beach. The Government says that they need another hotel to entice airlines. I guess the Divi one is better than a 500 room Hilton that was also considered.