Planning a group trip to Bonaire. Buddy dive?

[I'm a Dork Fish]

Spring break 2011

I think we have narrowed it down to Buddy dive. I just want to make sure that I am making the right decision and not missing another resort.

(Sorry Liz: Our group is wanted to stay at a bigger resort) Although we haven't made a final decision yet!

I have looked through so many threads / recommendations and I trying to figure out exactly why it was narrowed down to this resort.

Here are some things that come to mind...

Most of us like to idea of a bigger resort (resort atmosphere)
While I am looking for more upscale (mid-range is good) not looking for elaborate
We like the idea of a 3+ bedroom condo/apartment
Newer rooms (up to date)
Great house reef
Something close to the main city
Restaurant at the resort
Nice up-kept landscaping
planning to do a lot of shore diving
good supply of tanks
Something under $1,000 pp for the week included shore diving and 6 boat dives
I am sure more will come to my mind later

Andrea

 

[dvrliz1]

Absolutely no problem!!!! IF you are really looking for the "resort feel", I think you have to look at Divi. They have recently upgraded their rooms. You can walk to town, they have 2 different restaurants (I LOVE their all you can eat taco/mexican night at $10/pp, but don't know if it will still be around in 2011....it is Tuesday nights BTW). They have a casino, spa, photography and smaller gift shop on site....

 

[I'm a Dork Fish]

I will definitely look into that. Thanks

 

[I'm a Dork Fish]

You know I did check out this place. The one thing that I didn't like was, we would all have to stay in seperate rooms. I guess that is not that big of a deal <shrug> I did check the rates and for a ocean front room for 2 for 7 nights including unlimited shore dives (NO Boat dives) and daily breakfast was
$1,080.00 per person. I not sure that this included the government fees. It does included transfers, marine park fee and departure tax. Maybe I should check into this more.

I was hoping to find something a little less expensive.

 

[I'm a Dork Fish]

UGH, that didn't include tax? *** that added another $200.00 Yes, I am thinking that they may be out of our ballpark.

 

[DeputyDan]

The one thing you said you wanted is newer rooms (Up to date). You may not get this at Buddy.
Buddy has two parts - the old Buddy Dive and the old Lions Den. The old Buddy Dive units are great but many of the old Lion's Den units are dumps. Just beware!

Have you looked at Den Laman? (no breakfast included)

 

[DiveMaven]

Den Laman only has 2 bedroom units that sleep 4 people. Might not fit the 3 bedroom requirement. How about Sand Dollar?

 

[dvrliz1]

Andrea,

How many people are in your group, that may help for me to point you in a good direction.

Liz

 

[driftwood]

Thank you Deputy Dan! Having stayed in both sides of Buddy's, I will not go back unless I have an iron guarantee that I will be staying in the Buddy side of the resort. The reef is fantastic, the dive op is great, plenty of tanks 24/7. Everything you are looking for except the promise of nice rooms.

 

[frankiebe]

Andrea, check out www.habourvillage.com, it may have all you are looking for. Don't be discourage by their higher rates. I suggest to contact their in house travel consultant Lourdes in Miami and negotiate a group rate. Definitely this is the best in Bonaire and not necessarily the cheapest, it is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.