The small Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire invites travelers to discover its newest openings and experiences introduced in 2022. Located off the coast of Venezuela, this pioneering Blue Destination offers updated accommodations, fresh dining options, sustainability initiatives and novel island activities that enhance an already vibrant visitor experience.
Accommodations
Bloozz Resort Bonaire
Scheduled to open in the second half of 2022, Bloozz Resort Bonaire will consist of three buildings with direct access to Bachelor’s Beach. The property will feature a magnesium pool, a swim-up pool bar and 46 studios and apartments designed for comfort and convenience, making it an attractive new option for travelers seeking beachfront stays.
Delfins Beach Resort
Opened in January 2022, Delfins Beach Resort is a modern addition to Bonaire’s hospitality mix. The 19,375-square-foot property includes conference and meeting facilities, a new Asian restaurant and a fitness and wellness center, catering to both leisure guests and business travelers.
Sunset Beach Resort
Planned to open in 2023, Sunset Beach Resort aims to offer luxury apartments and penthouses with a distinct Bonaire vibe. The development will include a large pool with sunbeds, an on-site restaurant, a casino and a beach bar for a full-service resort experience.
Restaurants & Bars
Tiki & Co.
First opened in spring 2021, Tiki & Co. remains a popular craft cocktail bar in downtown Kralendijk. With a contemporary tropical menu that includes creole influences, the venue offers a lively atmosphere and inventive drinks under the direction of owner Sir Eddy Trenidad.
Senang © Courtesy of Tourism Corporation Bonaire
Senang
Senang is the new Asian restaurant at Delfins Beach Resort, presenting dishes inspired by the owners’ travels across Asia. The menu features items such as Peking duck, yellowfin tataki and shabu shabu preparations that incorporate premium ingredients like oxtail and Wagyu short rib.
C’est La Vie Gourmet
This French-inspired café and wine bar offers lighter plates and an approachable wine list. Led by Venezuelan-born chef Juan de Sousa, the menu includes salads, charcuterie, paninis and soups, making it a relaxed choice for daytime dining.
Grandi
Opening on Dec. 7, 2021, Grandi blends the concepts of restaurant and wine bar. Serving Italian-inspired dishes that emphasize fresh, local ingredients, Grandi pairs its cuisine with a carefully selected wine list for a refined evening experience in Bonaire.
Sustainable Efforts
Reef Renewal Bonaire has continued to lead community-driven reef restoration projects. Since 2021 the organization trained nearly 2,500 certified reef renewal divers and supervised the planting of more than 7,500 coral fragments during that year. By 2022, approximately 80 percent of local dive centers had joined the reef renewal program, reflecting strong local commitment to protecting Bonaire’s marine environment.
New Experiences
© Courtesy of Tourism Corporation Bonaire
Cave Tours Bonaire
Cave Tours Bonaire partnered with Bonaire Landsailing Adventures to offer combined underground and above-ground excursions. Visitors can explore island caves and then take a blokart landsailing experience on the surface. Evening landsail sessions were also scheduled into the 2022 season for added variety.
Cadushy Distillery
Cadushy Distillery, the only distillery on Bonaire, produces small-batch, limited-edition rums using Rom Rincon stock. Visitors to the distillery can purchase barrel-aged bottles presented in special gift packaging, making for a distinctive local souvenir.
Bonaire’s recent openings and initiatives underline the island’s commitment to thoughtful development—combining upscale accommodations, diverse dining, conservation efforts and fresh activities—while maintaining the relaxed, nature-centered appeal that draws visitors to the island year after year.