Bonaire's BEST All-Inclusive? Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Review!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving deep into the turquoise abyss of the **Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort on Bonaire – and lemme tell you, it's a *journey*. **Forget those sterile, corporate hotel reviews. This is the *real deal*, unfiltered and probably a little bit *too* honest. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, just like my snorkel mask fogging up underwater!**
First Impressions & the Accessibility Rant (Gotta Get This Out of the Way!)
Okay, so "accessibility." It says it's accessible, right? And yes, there ARE elevators. But let's be real, some of the pathways felt like navigating a rocky, sun-baked moonscape. I'm not saying it's terrible, but if you rely on a wheelchair full-time, a serious check of the specifics is absolutely necessary. They do have facilities for disabled guests (tick!), but navigating the whole resort felt a tad… uneven. (Rant over! For now…)
Rooms: Your Personal Island Oasis (or Not!)
The room itself? Pretty darn good! Air conditioning: a lifesaver in Bonaire's heat. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms: YES! Finally, I could post my underwater selfies immediately (and annoyingly). Blackout curtains? Essential for sleeping off a rum punch or two. Free bottled water: Thank you, Van der Valk, for keeping me hydrated! Mini-bar: stocked, which can be both a blessing and a curse (mostly a blessing). Seating area: nice for chilling after a hard day of… well, doing nothing. The bathroom was clean, the shower pressure was decent, and I even had a bathtub! (I may or may not have taken a bath, let's leave that to your imagination.) The non-smoking rooms are great (finally!) and I love interconnecting rooms available for a big family trip or with friends.
The "Things To Do" Dilemma: Divers' Paradise… and Everything Else?
This is where Van der Valk really shines. It's the place for divers. The on-site dive shop is incredible. All the diving is out of this world! I spent a whole day getting up-close-and-personal with coral and parrotfish – and I'll admit, I almost forgot I don't have the PADI certification.
But what if you're not a diver? Well, that's where things felt a little… less thrilling. The swimming pool [outdoor] is lovely, especially the pool with a view. The fitness center exists but I admit, I didn't make it there. (Vacation, remember? My fitness regime consisted of walking to the bar.) They have a spa, which is definitely a must-do. I went wild for a massage, which was pure bliss after a day of snorkeling. The sauna, steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap, are available but I didn't get to enjoy them all.
Dining: A Culinary Adventure (with a few bumps in the road)
Okay, the food. Restaurants: Plural! The variety is impressive, but the quality… well, it varied. The breakfast [buffet] was pretty solid. A vast array of choices from Asian breakfast to Western breakfast, from the classics to local options. I loved the fresh fruit! Coffee/tea in restaurant was included.
The "A la carte in restaurant", was hit and miss. The International cuisine in restaurant had some gems, and some things that made me raise an eyebrow. The Asian cuisine in restaurant has some good options, but the salad in restaurant, soup in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, and Snack bar needed some work. However, the Poolside bar was excellent, and the Happy hour? Let's just say it contributed to the sunburnt cheeks and the hazy memories. Also, the Room service [24-hour] is a great option!
I loved the vegetarian restaurant as well.
Cleanliness, Safety & Peace of Mind (Especially in These Times)
Van der Valk REALLY takes cleanliness seriously. They use Anti-viral cleaning products, there's Daily disinfection in common areas, Staff trained in safety protocol, and you get the option to have Room sanitization opt-out available. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items are there, as well as Individually-wrapped food options. Hand sanitizer is everywhere, and they enforce Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. That being said, I was so grateful to have all of this during my trip.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Concierge: available to help. Also, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, and a Convenience store are there, makes things easy. The Gift/souvenir shop is perfect for finding that last-minute trinket to bring back home – or replace the snorkel gear you accidentally left on the beach.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun (Or Not?)
They have Family/child friendly facilities. My kids are grown, so I didn't have much use of these.
The Emotional Rundown (Because Let's Be Real)
Did I love the Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort? Yes, overall, I did! Could it be better? Absolutely. The uneven pathways and the occasional food stumble aside, the diving is exceptional, the staff are friendly, the rooms are comfortable, and the "all-inclusive" aspect is VERY appealing.
The Quirky Observation – I need to shout it out again… The diving is out of this world!!
The "Messier Structure" Moment – I did the spa! The spa was actually a highlight for me, the best spa I've ever been to!
The Opinionated Rambling - I think they could benefit from more specific signs for tourists and some help with more entertainment options for non diver guests.
Final Verdict
Van der Valk is worth the trip. If you're a diver, you will be in heaven. If you're not a diver… well, you'll still have a good time, but maybe pack a good book, and be prepared to hit the bar.
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Bonaire Bliss Awaits! Dive Deep into Paradise at Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort – Your All-Inclusive Escape!
Tired of the same old vacation? Craving crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an unforgettable all-inclusive experience? Look no further than the Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort on the stunning island of Bonaire!
Why Choose Van der Valk?
- Unparalleled Diving: Explore the underwater world with the on-site, world-class dive shop.
- Relax & Unwind: Soak up the sun by the swimming pool [outdoor] or indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at our luxurious spa.
- Delicious Dining: Savor diverse culinary experiences with multiple restaurants, offering everything from local delicacies to international favorites.
- Comfort & Convenience: Enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms with free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, air conditioning, and all the amenities you need for a perfect stay.
- Hassle-Free All-Inclusive: Enjoy unlimited food, drinks, and activities – all included in your package!
But wait, there's more!
- Clean & Safe: We're committed to your safety with rigorous protocols, including anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, and trained staff.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Even the kids can enjoy the Kids facilities and babysitting upon request.
- Unforgettable Experience
Book your Bonaire Adventure Today!
Don't miss out on the ultimate all-inclusive getaway! Visit our website or contact us today to secure your spot at the Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort. Experience Bonaire's BEST!
Hotel 81 Sakura Singapore: Unbeatable Deals & Secret Perks Await!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're not just planning a vacation, we're planning a vibe. I'm talking about Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire - ALL INCLUSIVE. Bonaire! Land of the flamingos (apparently, and I'm so there for it), crystal-clear water, and the promise of doing absolutely nothing except stuffing my face and maybe, maybe, actually learning how to dive. Here's the utterly chaotic, possibly brilliant, definitely opinionated itinerary…
Day 1: Arrival and the Sweet, Sweet Liberation of the All-Inclusive
- Morning (Okay, Late Morning): So, flight? Let's just say it involved a screaming toddler, a questionable airplane meal, and my desperate attempts to recline my seat further than physics would allow. Arrival at Flamingo International Airport. Passport control? Thankfully uneventful. Smug, sunburned guy in front of me kept showing off his dive certification card, I gave him a good side-eye.
- Afternoon: Finally. At the Valk! Check-in takes a hot minute, because, let's be honest, I'm picturing a cold drink the second the keys are in my hand. The room? Decent. Balcony overlooking the pool is a win. First thought: "Will the mini-fridge actually be stocked?" (Spoiler alert: Yes! Bless.) My husband promptly spills his welcome drink, classic.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Pool time! The water is glorious. I order a piña colada, feel my shoulders immediately relax. I realize I haven’t brushed my hair in what feels like a week and I couldn't care less. I'm finally on island time. Dinner at the buffet… overwhelming choice. Plate one: strategically heaped with whatever looks good. Plate two: (because, ALL INCLUSIVE) more strategically heaped with whatever I missed the first time. I swear I saw a whole roasted pig and almost had a panic attack. Seriously, I didn't eat that pig, but I almost did…
- Evening: A sunset stroll down the beach. Stunning. The wind is crazy, I almost lose my hat, my partner's being romantic and I'm just thinking about my next drink. Maybe a margarita? The night ends with a show I don't really understand and a promise to get up early tomorrow to see the sunrise. Famous last words.
Day 2: Snorkeling and the Awkward Dance of the Underwater World
- Morning (Okay, Mid-Morning): WAKE UP?! Are you kidding me? I'm on vacation! Finally, I'm up. Maybe a little hungover. Coffee. Lots of coffee. We're hitting the water! Snorkeling at Klein Bonaire – a tiny uninhabited island. Beautiful. Gorgeous. Fish everywhere (I can't identify any of them, but still). I definitely swallowed some saltwater and nearly choked, which only made me more determined to conquer it.
- Lunch: Back at the resort. Another buffet. Slightly more strategic this time. I try the local fish. Delicious! I also manage to spill coffee down my shirt. Again. (This is a theme, I'm afraid.)
- Afternoon: More pool time. Reading, mostly. My brain is turning to mush and I like it. I overhear an older couple bickering about sunscreen, a dramatic display I found unexpectedly amusing. They are my retirement goals.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Dinner at one of the resort's a la carte restaurants. The service is a little slow. I try to be patient and remember I'm on island time. I am starving. The food is pretty good, but I'm still thinking about the buffet, which is, I admit, a problem. A few too many glasses of wine later and I’m debating if I really want to learn to scuba dive.
Day 3: Diving Dreams (And a Near-Drowning Experience!)
- Morning: Okay, this is the big one! Diving. Or, at least, attempting to dive. The resort's dive center is right there. The instructor is patient, which is good because I'm a nervous wreck. The briefing is a blur of equipment and safety procedures.
- Afternoon/Diving: The water is crystal clear, but as soon as I'm geared up, I start to panic, it’s claustrophobic and heavy. There's the whole "equalizing your ears" thing that I just cannot master. I get a bit of water in my mask. Panic intensifies. I nearly ditch the whole thing right then and there. My instructor is calm and gives me the hand signal for "okay?" I give him the universal hand signal for "get me out of this immediately!". I surface, gasping for air and feeling ridiculous. I decide to just stick to snorkeling.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: The dive trip was a disaster, so I'm back to the pool! This time, I'm ordering a double. I watch another sunset, a more relaxed one this time, I realize how bad it would have been if I had drowned. Dinner at the buffet (again). Comfort food and the freedom of choice, you see…
Day 4: Exploring Bonaire and the Flamingo Fiasco
- Morning: Rent a car! We're going to explore the island. First stop: the salt flats. The scenery is dramatic! We see the salt mountains and something like a giant pink lake.
- Afternoon: Flamingo Sanctuary! Yes! They are pink! Majestic! Far away. We get some pictures, but they're mostly blobs. I'm determined to get a good flamingo photo. We drive along the coast, checking out the different dive sites and then take a break at a beach bar. I have a cocktail and try to channel my inner flamingo.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: A final dinner at the buffet… I'm getting to know the staff. I'm starting to feel like a local. We watch the sunset. I eat way too much dessert.
Day 5: Departure (With a Heavy Heart and a Full Suitcase)
- Morning: The dreaded packing ritual. How did I accumulate so much laundry? One last swim in the pool. One final piña colada. One last look at the ocean.
- Afternoon: Check-out. Goodbye, Valk! Back to the airport. The lines, the security, the waiting… it's all a bit of a blur after the blissful chaos of the past few days.
- Evening: Plane ride. Back home. Already dreaming of the next trip… and maybe, just maybe, conquering that scuba diving thing.
Quirky Observations and Emotional Reactions:
- I'm pretty sure I gained five pounds. And it was worth every single bite/sip.
- The wind is a constant companion. Embrace it.
- The sunsets are worth the trip alone. Pure magic.
- I have a deep respect for anyone who can dive. I'm not one of them.
- I'm already planning my return. Bonaire, you magnificent mess, I love you!
This itinerary is, of course, a suggestion. Feel free to adjust it based on your own whims, your tolerance for buffets, and your ability to resist the siren song of the pool bar. Go forth and enjoy! And if you see a slightly sunburned woman with messy hair and a perpetual smile, that might just be me, living my best all-inclusive life.
Indonesian Family Paradise: Stunning 2BR Duplex Suite AN127A Awaits!
Bonaire's Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort: The *Real* Deal FAQs (No Filter!)
Okay, spill it! Is this Van der Valk place *really* all-inclusive, or is it that "almost" all-inclusive that nickel-and-dimes you at every turn?
Is the food actually any good? I'm talking REAL talk... is it just conveyor-belt slop?
What's the deal with the diving? Is it a dive resort, or just a resort that happens to have diving?
Are the rooms nice? And what about the location?
What's the vibe like? Is it a party scene or more laid-back?
Any tips or things to know *before* I go?
