Greater than 80 completely different dive websites. A meals scene anchored by a restaurant with a 3 Michelin-star pedigree. A enjoyable, carefree, quintessential small-island vibe.
Vacationers have been flocking to the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire over the previous couple of years, as a vacation spot that was lengthy one thing of a secret has began to seek out its place on the journey map.
Now, it’s a complete lot simpler to get there, with just-launched flights between New York and Bonaire on JetBlue.
The brand new nearly-five-hour flight, which formally began this previous week, might be operating twice per week, with nonstop flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays out of New York’s John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport.
JetBlue has already flown for years to Bonaire’s Dutch Caribbean neighbors of Aruba and Curacao, and now it’s accomplished the trifecta.
It’s “vital step in our dedication to creating our stunning island extra accessible to North American vacationers,” mentioned Tourism Company Bonaire CEO Miles Mercera, in a press release supplied to Caribbean Journal.
So what do New Yorkers must know concerning the island?
Effectively, the island discovered fame for its diving. What’s distinctive in Bonaire is that you simply don’t should take a dive boat. Virtually each dive website on the island is a shore diving spot, imply you may pull up your automobile proper to the shoreline, seize your tanks and soar in. (Most hard-core divers lease pick-up vehicles for this objective).
Should you’re not a diver, you may dive right into a meals scene that’s among the many finest within the area. It’s topped by the Brass Boer, the Caribbean outpost of the three-Michelin-star Die Librije in Holland and one which has frequently discovered its option to the highest of the 50 Finest Eating places within the Caribbean rankings. It extends to every part from meals vehicles (be sure to go for the lionfish burgers at Cactus Blue) to seafood spots like At Sea.
What about lodges?
We love the Harbour Village Seaside Membership, a resort we named Caribbean Lodge of the Yr in 2023 and one that is still the island’s signature place to remain — together with the perfect seashore in Bonaire. Charges from $350 proper now.
There’s additionally the enjoyable, modern Delfins Seaside Resort ($226), which, as we simply reported, is becoming a member of the Hilton portfolio.
For a boutique keep, attempt the beautiful Bamboo Bonaire, an adults-only lodge that’s all about wellness and serenity (Rooms beginning at $226)
What about flight costs? You may guide on JetBlue for as little as $555.24 for an itinerary in mid-November.
