Canadian World Traveller Spring 2024 Issue

83
Harbour Village Beach Club
Barefoot Luxury in Bonaire!
J’ve been writing about Dutch Caribbean
Bonaire for over 20 years. So, I was aware
that Harbour Village Beach Club offered a
distinct departure from other resorts on the
island. Flanked by a bevy of bobbing boats in
a protected harbor, it caters to visiting yachts
and sailing vessels as it's directly attached to
the 64-slip marina. But until a recent stay
there, I had no idea how much more it had to
offer travelers of every ilk.
Though the attached lighthouse is independently
run as a stand-alone dining spot, the
hotel theme from the marina point of view
remains very nautical. The waterfront entrance
to the lobby is super seafarer friendly. In fact,
those renting slips on the hotel dock, yet opt to
sleep on their own vessels, still have access to
the resort’s beach club amenities. (More on
those later.) And the accommodations on the
marine front wing are cosmopolitan and modern,
offering guests a comfortable respite from
by Susan Campbell
living at sea for a spell. But if you approach
this resort from the land-based entrance as we
did, it’s a whole different world.
Just past the elite gated security entrance off
the parking lot, you’ll find the vibe far more
colonial than “beach clubby”. The beachfront
selection of mustard yellow dwellings is a village
ensconced in brilliant blooms and lush
foliage with bubbling fountains popping up
along cobblestone paths. We were blown
away by the opulence of our two-bedroom
beachfront Premium Suite. It exudes old world
luxury at every turn. Overstuffed easy chairs,
mahogany cabinets and antiques, marble
bathrooms with deep soaking clawfoot tubs,
four-poster beds… yet there were ample modern
amenities too like rain showers, flat screen
TVs, stunning art, Nespresso machines, stainless-steel
dishwashers, and a well-equipped
kitchen. It also has a small courtyard balcony,
but I preferred the spacious seafront lanai with
a double hammock and multiple outdoor living
areas that led to their private beach. And
what a beach! It’s a quarter mile of soft,
alabaster sand cresting impossibly clear aqua
waters, and I discovered snorkeling heaven on
both ends. And I love the fact I can revisit
those fishy friends from afar via their cool
underwater reef cam. (See it here on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_728Dd7SlFU)
They also have their own watersports centre
offering complimentary kayaks and paddleboards,
and their dive operator Great
Adventures Bonaire is a first class PADI affair
as well. Other beach club amenities include
two pools, and the one at their deluxe spa has
a waterfall. On site dining day and night is to
be had at La Balandra Restaurant & Bar that
resembles an antique Spanish galleon. (Even
if you’re not staying at the resort, have dinner
there as the food and service is fabulous. Ask
for a table by the underwater lights to watch
huge fish feeding for additional entertainment.)
They also have a few stand-alone
grand villas available ideal for large families,
or small groups on extended stays. And some
are available for purchase. I could live here!
So, if you’re seeking the ultimate in barefoot
luxury on Bonaire, this is the place to be.
www.harbourvillage.com
World Traveler Spring 2024