Made up of the three islands of Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius, the Caribbean Netherlands promise beautiful beaches, friendly hospitality and an intimate, secluded feel. Discover traces of the English, French and Spanish, as well as the Dutch — whose influence can be felt everywhere on the islands — as you stroll through cobbled village streets, past rusted cannons and into shops filled with traditional lace. Much of the accommodation on the islands comes in the form of pretty, low-key guesthouses, but there is also a great selection of luxury hotels. Many of the best places to stay in the Caribbean Netherlands offer stunning sea views, and encourage visitors to explore the natural wonders of the land and sea.
Set close to lively Curaçao and the coast of Venezuela, laid-back Bonaire is known for its exceptional snorkelling and diving -- its wonders are such that the whole island is a national park. Home to a huge variety of marine life, the reefs are spectacular, and the white-sand beaches are the stuff of Caribbean postcards.
Saba and Sint Eustatius, on the other hand, are near to St Kitts and Nevis, in the Lesser Antilles. Lush and hilly, the islands offer picturesque hikes, as well as beautiful dives. Most visitors choose to base themselves in the boutique hotels or attractive white-painted cottages of Saba. Windwardside, the island’s most popular town, has gorgeous views down to the coast, as well as lovely cafes, shops and museums. Unravel Dutch colonial history at the Dutch Museum Saba, or step into the The Harry L. Johnson Museum for evidence of the island’s original Amerindian settlements, as well as 19th and 20th century collections, located in a quaint sea captain’s cottage. Mount Scenery, the highest point on Saba, is well worth the climb — the leafy cloud-forest is filled with fascinating flora and fauna, and the views are seriously impressive.
Sint Eustatius, known locally as Statia, is the most peaceful of the three islands, with a population of just 3,600 people. Marvel at historic landmarks in the capital of Oranjestad, climb The Quill, an extinct volcano with a rainforest in its crater, visit the Botanical Gardens and the Lynch Plantation Museum, or soak up the sunshine at the beach. Popular with day-trippers from nearby St Maarten, Sint Eustatius promises a real dose of tranquility for those who choose to stay longer.
Many of the best places to stay in the Caribbean Netherlands are small, cosy and family-run, promising an intimate, relaxed feel, with beautiful views and stacks of activities. All three islands have plenty to offer the Caribbean traveller looking to hide away in style.
Juliana's Hotel offers rooms, suites and self-catering cottages ideal for couples, families or groups of friends on Saba. Think wooden floorboards, whitewashed walls and panoramic views of the verdant gardens or the sea. Savour fresh seafood and cocktails on the terrace at Tropics Café, take a ramble through the forest, and get creative in the wonderfully-equipped artists' studio. The location is perfect for exploring the pretty town of Windwardside and rates are very reasonable.
The Cottage Club features ten traditional-style Saban cottages on the edge of Windwardside. Pick this place for laid-back charm, a sea-facing swimming pool, and plenty of space for the whole family. Explore Saba on snorkelling trips, hilly hikes and deep-sea fishing excursions. A great value choice!
Den Laman features a collection of one and two-bedroom apartments in a stylish modern building on Bonaire's waterfront. The accommodation is self-catering, but there is a lively restaurant on-site, as well as a shared swimming pool and dive centre -- Dive Friends Bonaire. One for divers or families in search of great prices and a top-notch location with impressive sea views.
Sonrisa is a charming small hotel offering a well-priced stay, just minutes from Bonaire International Airport. Choose this property for its cheerful vibe, with ten bright rooms set around a lovely swimming pool. The centre of Kralendijk is within easy walking distance, promising plenty of shops and restaurants to sample. Activities include diving, wind-surfing and kite-surfing. Ideal for those keen to be based in town.
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Bonaire (Bonaire)
A charming beach resort overlooking Bonaire's Sorobon Lagoon. Waterfront cottages boast cool beach-chic decor, outdoor showers, private terraces with a view and fully equipped kitchenettes. The Reef Bar is a sociable spot for cocktails and more. A laid-back and family friendly hidden gem.
Bonaire
Great-value adult-only boutique hotel in central Kralendijk, walking distance to the water. Contemporary in style & feel, spacious rooms feature nautical-inspired palettes and fresh decor; many boast sea views. Happening outdoor bar and restaurant with live music becomes a place to be after sunset.
Bonaire
Owner-run adult-only guesthouse walking distance to the centre of Kralendijk. Contemporary and fresh in style, five spacious rooms and studios offer a comfortable stay. All feature a private verandah and studios boast kitchenettes. A Perfect base for exploring and minutes from the waterfront.
Bonaire (Kralendijk)
A charming boutique hotel painted yellow set around a courtyard swimming pool strewn with palm trees. Contemporary chic rooms and suites have all the mod cons, muted tones, and walk-out terraces. Excellent value, close to the beach and all the attractions.
Bonaire
A collection of condos directly on the beach. Rooms and two apartments (sleep four) each have kitchens and enormous private balconies, all simply decorated beach-style. Restaurant, pool, and a diving centre on site. Ideal for water sports enthusiasts or families. Great value.
Saba (Windward Side)
A cute island hide-away with self-catering bungalows, fabulous sea views, and excellent rates. Set on a hill amidst tropical greenery simple all white suites with four poster beds, balconies, and kitchenettes. Pool, concierge, access to watersports and wildlife. Good value and family friendly.
Saba
An intimate little spot with just two boutique suites. Stylish and elegant with objects from around the world, four poster beds, large balconies and hammocks. Total peace, quiet and tranquility in the hills above Windwardside. Lots of nature and coastal routes to explore. Romantic, good value.
Saba
A collection of rooms, cottages, and an apartment (sleeps 4) in the town centre. All accommodations have wifi and hammocks with sweeping views over tropical flora and out to sea, some have kitchenettes. Tropic's Cafe and terrace has a privileged location. Excellent value, family friendly.
Bonaire
Divine family friendly waterfront apartments with direct Caribbean sea access. Comprising rooms, studios and one and two-bedroom suites, all with large balconies, self-catering facilities and full hotel service. Plus sea-facing pool, private jetty and sun deck. Walking distance to restaurants.
Saba (The Bottom)
An utterly dreamy Five Star hotel perched on Mount Troy surrounded by tropical paradise. Suites and one six-person villa all in chic creams and whites with private balconies, some a private pool, and stunning views. Beauty therapies, massages, excellent international cuisine. Truly luxurious.
Bonaire (Kralendijk)
A glorious tropical hideaway resort directly on the beach. Sumptuous Dutch-Caribbean cabanas in creams with four poster beds, splashes of colour, and patios leading onto the beach. Hammocks amongst the palm trees, swimming pool, Five Star PADI pool. Romantic, family friendly, luxurious.
