The Bellafonte - Luxury Oceanfront Hotel

There’s no restaurant or bar on site, but they can bring food and drinks over from the place next door. The pool is small, though nice to have. It’s quiet, with few people around, and getting into the ocean from the ladder for a snorkel was great. We saw eels and a hawkbill turtle. The room was spotless but pretty sparse. The AC and shower worked great, and there were plenty of towels and pillows. Service was excellent because the staff were so friendly. We’d love to return!

The house reef was stunning, with something new and exciting to discover each day. The staff were attentive, personable, and helpful as we explored the island. Our accommodations were lovely, clean and comfortable. We had such an amazing stay at The Bellafonte that it’s hard not to want to keep the place to ourselves. We can’t wait to return. As my 10 year old put it, “this place is Supreme”.

The whole trip was wonderful, and the staff and accommodations at the Bellafonte were at the heart of it. My partner and I stayed in early November 2025 and made memories we’ll have for a lifetime. Pien, Pien, Lucas, Eva, Reuben, and Stephen were so kind and helpful that the level of service almost embarrassed me. They arranged a rental car, with keys available at the front desk, and connected us with the excellent VIP diving. They did everything they could to help. I hope we stay in touch as friends, and that they get to have moments in life as special as the ones we had at the hotel. Pien deserves a special thanks for suggesting a morning dive at Salt pier, around 730/8, where we swam with turtles for about 30 minutes at the end. You can still join with a snorkel mask and fins if you don’t dive. We had senior suite 301, a corner room on the third floor with great views over western Bonaire, Klein Bonaire, and the ocean and dock just outside. There are beautiful trees outside that haven’t blocked the ocean view yet. If they keep growing, the foliage might eventually limit the view directly outside the room. There was construction next door, with drilling and hammering starting between 7/730 every day. It was mildly annoying, though not the hotel’s fault, and at first we worried we’d hear it all day. We were out much of the day, so it didn’t become a problem. The work was intermittent, stopped before sunset, and wasn’t specific to our room. I checked, and it sounded about as loud everywhere on the property. Being near the airport also meant hearing planes take off. For a few minutes it sounded like someone vacuuming in another room, so it wasn’t too bad. The Bellafonte is centrally located. The west-side dive sites, which are best for beginners, are 15-20 minutes away by car. You’re far enough from town that when a cruise ship comes in, only a handful of annoying tourists pass through during the day. Friday through Sunday, make sure to try the smoked ribs at "Holy Smoke" Bonaire nearby. It’s a Dutch guy who sits outside his home smoking ribs and turkey legs all day while drinking, then sells them with fries and sauces. A plate is 25 bucks, and the ribs hold their own against the best Kansas City BBQ. It’s a 10 minute walk down the road from the Bellafonte. Restaraunt Flora is two minutes up the street and was a wow. It’s high-end dining at a third of the cost of a Michelin-starred restaurant in NYC. Dinner with the tasting menu took two-ish hours, so book early at 6 PM if you’re going, as you’ll be there a while. Rent a truck whether or not you dive. There’s plenty of off-roading to do, and a big vehicle makes that great. Diesel, which most trucks use, was 98 cents a gallon, and unleaded was $1.22. Filling the 30 gallon tank cost 30 bucks. We might have had a great time somewhere else too, but after such an out-of-this-world stay, why change the formula? We’ll be back and 100% staying here again. Thank you for making the trip so special!

The concierge was great about arranging our dinner bookings and a couples massage at the hotel, and email communication was wonderful. Getting groceries delivered worked fine, though nothing special. Prices on the island are generally higher. We saved quite a bit by booking a car ourselves through Avis, but it was rather worn, so keep that in mind.