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.

The Best Places to Stay in the Caribbean Netherlands

For Boutique Luxury

• Sorobon Luxury Beach Resort is situated right on the beach overlooking Bonaire's Sorobon Lagoon. Waterfront cottages boast airy, beach-chic decor, outdoor showers and terraces with a view. Plus there's the Reef Bar for sociable drinks and food. A gorgeous family friendly haven with top wind and kitesurfing conditions
• Queen's Gardens Resort is a gorgeous 5-star hillside hideaway on Saba, featuring 12 spacious suites with elegant antique furnishings, private jacuzzis and beautiful views over the lush hills and the ocean beyond. Stay here for the superb Frangipani Spa, the gourmet cuisine and the intimate feel, as well as the excellent outdoor activities -- including hiking and diving. A romantic honeymoon escape.
• Harbour Village offers an idyllic beachfront stay on Bonaire. Luxurious Dutch colonial-style cabanas have four-poster beds and private terraces, and there's a 5-star PADI dive centre for those looking to delve into the fascinating world of the reef. A sumptuous couples' retreat, with some family-friendly options too. One for beach lovers.
• Bellafonte is an excellent family choice, with 22 smart, self-catering apartments offering private terraces and multiple bedrooms. There's stacks to do, too, including diving, snorkelling, fishing, windsurfing and exploring the Bonaire National Park with the whole family. A luxurious beach base for divers and families.

For great value

• 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.

For an intimate stay

• Selera Dunia boasts two spacious suites, brimming with antique pieces gathered by the owners on trips across the world. Quirky and romantic, this spot promises amazing views from its location on the eastern side of Windwardside and a low-key, intimate vibe. The team are full of top-notch local recommendations.

For an apartment or villa

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, near the north-eastern tip of Saba, or to Bonaire International Airport, depending on where you have chosen to stay. You can easily travel to your hotel or apartment by taxi, and most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pickup with a reliable driver.
• Alternatively, contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• These islands are an excellent year-round destination, with temperatures averaging between 24 - 30°C. June to September are the rainiest months, but you can still expect plenty of sunshine and some of the year's warmest weather!

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Bonaire.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in the Caribbean.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Caribbean Netherlands