Sorobon Beach, Bonaire
• Self-catering in splendid and spacious chalets • Safe tropical sandy beach on a beautiful lagoon • Restaurant and bar on site • Paradise for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts • Totally relaxing, quiet hideaway (ideal for stressed executives!) • Ecological (‘green’) environment • Hot temperatures year-round – nudity comfortable day and night •
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FLAMINGO AIRPORT is, appropriately, the gateway to Bonaire. This island is one of the few remaining breeding grounds for the gracious and shy flamingos. Their name and bright pink colour have been taken by numerous businesses on the island for their corporate identities. Bonaire has created a protected ecological environment. One fifth of the island is a national park which includes numerous species of wildlife. It has a flamingo sanctuary, and wild donkeys and goats roam the countryside freely.
The whole island is surrounded by coral reefs which look like a blue ring from the air and make it a divers’ paradise. The beauty of the colourful underwater world is absolutely breathtaking, though strictly enforced local laws protect these natural wonders: no anchoring, no spearfishing, even touching the coral is forbidden. There are over 350 fish species.
SOROBON BEACH RESORT Sorobon Beach was built by a Dutch couple in 1984 as a small naturist retreat on one of Bonaire’s two sandy beaches. It has since changed ownership (but remains in Dutch hands), has been modernised and expanded and now has 30 well appointed units.
The resident population includes 16 staff, numerous sugarbirds (put a bowl of sugary water on your terrace and make yourself firm friends) and a lovely family of iguanas.
WHERE YOU STAY You stay in semi-detached single-storey, chalets suitable for up to three adults and a child. The chalets are now all air-conditioned.
THE BEACH The Sorobon Beach Resort fronts its private 200 yd section of the Sorobon Beach. It faces a shallow tropical lagoon, Cai Lac, backed by mangroves and protected by a coral reef half a mile out. Conch shells are part of the scenery. Two rafts are moored in the bay for rests during snorkelling sessions or just for sunbathing. They are always occupied: when there are no humans about, the crabs take advantage! Plenty of shelters made of palm tree branches are equipped with sunloungers. A cold shower is nearby. The beach is spotless, and smokers are asked to use the ashtrays provided. Kayaks are available free.
FACILITIES The motto of the facilities is "unspoilt - unhurried - unclothed - unforgettable". This must be the original Caribbean hideaway for a quiet and relaxing holiday - instead of clothes, pack your suitcase with books, and perhaps a set of snorkels, mask and flippers (they can be hired locally, too)! The airy Sugarbird Restaurant serves breakfast from a buffet and lunch and dinner from a small menu. There is also a choice of two home-cooked 3-course meals for dinner. The adjacent bar and open-air lounge are open all day. On request, documentary videos will be shown. Card and board games are available. Happy Hour is from 17:30 to 18:30 hrs every day, the time to meet fellow holidaymakers.
Special themed nights – barbecues or Antillean evenings – are arranged once a week and feature relevant food. In high season, this is followed by a local band. Reception and a small adjoining shop sell postcards and a small range of souvenirs, beach and food items. Free yoga sessions are held twice a week on the beach (min. four people). Massage is available six days a week for an appropriate charge.
The age-old problem of 'Where do naturists carry their money?' is solved by keeping a 'tab' on all purchases during your stay. You settle your bill on departure: credit cards and US$ travellers’ cheques are accepted. Free transport into town (15 mins) for an hour’s shopping in the supermarket operates on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Windsurfing (textile), including expert tuition, is available next door to our resort. The steady on-shore winds and shallow waters make this an ideal location.
SIGHTSEEING Bonaire is a small island with no public transport. For activities outside the resort, it is necessary to hire a car (available through reception at daily and discounted weekly rates).
The main attractions lie under water: spectacular coral reefs and colourful tropical fish. That's why Bonaire has been voted one of the world’s Top 3 diving areas. Numerous establishments provide all the necessary facilities on and off shore.
For touring on dry land, the island can be divided into two circuits. The northern route takes in a rocky coastline, battered by a wild sea, and rugged hilly countryside, full of cacti up to 10 ft high, and millions of lizards. The Washington/Slagbaai National Park covers 13,500 acres, full of wonderful plants, over 100 species of beautiful birds and exotic animals. Goto Lake is a magnificent landlocked salt-water lake, favoured by flamingos. Rincon, the oldest settlement on the island dating back to 16C, is Bonaire’s second 'town'.
The southern route reveals scenery contrasting with the north. A flat landscape with Lake Pekel Meer and extensive salt flats surrounding a huge off-limits flamingo sanctuary. Colour contrasts are spectacular: turquoise sea, pink salt pans, snow-white hills of salt sparkling like diamonds and crystal clear skies. Tiny stone huts served as shelters for the slaves who used to work in the salt pans.
The island’s small capital, Kralendijk, is home to most of Bonaire’s population (13,500). Its quaint architecture shows a strong Dutch-colonial influence and there’s a pleasant waterfront with restaurants and bars, a boating marina and a fish market.
A popular half-day nude trimaran cruise with an hour’s snorkelling, drink and snacks is advertised.
WHAT OUR SOROBON BEACH PRICES INCLUDE
- Return flights in full Economy Class to Bonaire via Amsterdam by scheduled service Boeing 747s of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
- NO supplements for departures from any UK airport with services to Amsterdam by KLM.
- Transfers between Bonaire Airport and Sorobon Beach – 15 minutes each way.
- Air-conditioned Chalet accommodation with full self-catering facilities.
- Electricity, linen, towels and daily maid service.
- Local taxes (except airport departure tax – US$20) and entrance fees to the grounds.
- Complimentary personal holiday insurance.