From the time that I set foot on Bonaire, I found a peaceful ambiance where the natural beauty was matched by luxurious, romantic accommodations, dining, and activities. I was truly able to experience the finer things in life while soaking up the best of Bonaire. From an oceanfront suite with dreamy sunset views to a romantic table for two to sailing the crystal blue waters, Bonaire took me away to an entirely new world of magnificence.

Enchantment encompassed my stay at Bellafonte Bonaire. This oceanfront resort is a private paradise on a grand scale. With only 22 rooms, Bellafonte provides the discriminating traveler with world class accommodations that feel like home. It’s a retreat with ocean views from every suite and direct access to the warm and inviting waters of the Caribbean via a picturesque dock.

When I was shown to my room, I felt like the mistress of a Columbia drug lord; only the drug cartel could visit a place like this, right? It has a fully-equipped kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The tastefully decorated living room incorporates real wood and authentic artwork and the massive, master bedroom has a balcony with a to-die-for view. I was thoroughly impressed, but when I looked outside my mouth dropped. Was I in a dream? It was natural beauty at its finest.

The dock was a turquoise paradise with lounge chairs and crystal clear waters. All I could do was shake my head. Rather than wasting another minute, I went down and jumped in. I stayed in the water all day, sometimes using a mask and snorkel to see the fish and other times just floating on my back and looking at the blur between the ocean and the sky. I must have jumped from the dock 20 times with a huge grin and excitement bubbling over.

To compliment the exquisite luxury at Bellafonte, I dined at Sebastian’s Restaurant By the Sea. Forget the cliches of long-stemmed roses and strolling violinists. Sebastian’s offers great food and wine, excellent service, and an authentic ambiance that will surpass any romantic gesture. Their pier table provides just the right degree of intimacy and privacy with a mesmerizing view. 

Any man that is looking for the way to my heart only need to look on a menu. Serve me a well-cooked, medium-rare tenderloin in a place on the water like Sebastian’s and my heart will melt.

Bonaire may be known for diving, but more luxurious and romantic is a snorkeling tour with Woodwind’s Cruises. Aboard a 37-foot trimaran, I was whisked along under full sail to some of Bonaire’s most exotic reefs, where I explored, swam, and snorkeled with unique marine life.

As a bale of turtles swam above, below, and next to me, I became part of a beautiful underwater adventure.

It’s not surprising that beach getaways remain one of the most popular romantic vacation options: you can spend long, warm days snorkeling, enjoy afternoon naps in a luxurious room overlooking the ocean, and have private dinners while listening to the waves lapse near by. At least, that’s what you’ll find in Bonaire.