Protur Bonaire Aparthotel

We spent a week here through TUI with our 8-month-old, and it was fantastic for children, even though it may suit kids who can walk best. The main restaurant food was great for an all-inclusive, and the dining staff were so kind and friendly, even with a baby making a mess while weaning. Our room came with a kettle, cot, baby bath and microwave, which were really useful for bottles and the like. The room and hotel were very clean. We had nice weather, and the indoor pool was a lovely extra when it wasn’t so good. The pools were great but extremely cold, and both adults and children struggled with the temperature. We couldn’t keep our baby in one for more than a few minutes. A few things were frustrating. The TUI coach driver didn’t announce the stops, so someone near us had to get off each time to check where we were and tell everyone. I got a text with the coach number, but couldn’t find it. When I asked, a TUI rep rather moodily told me the texts are always wrong and I should have come to ask. At reception, the staff were nice, but on arrival they just told us to photograph the food times, gave us a key and sent us off. They didn’t explain things like towels, so we had to work it out ourselves over the next few days. Several people got food poisoning. I’d avoid the poolside meat grill, and definitely avoid Rimini, the onsite Italian. It had great reviews, so we tried it, but the food was horrendous, and someone definitely got food poisoning from their starter. It was worse than the main restaurant. There are also very small ants, as mentioned in other reviews, but they’re hard to notice unless you leave food on the floor. We’d still definitely come back because the stay was fantastic, and October weather was fine for us. Just bear the good and bad points in mind.

We had a nice little half-term break with our five-year-old during the last week of the season. The rooms were lovely and immaculately clean, and the facilities for children were fantastic. The animation team were incredible. Our disappointment was the all-inclusive food: breakfast was the best meal, lunch was okay, but dinner was such a letdown that at times we didn’t know what to eat, even though we’re not fussy. The alcohol choices and quality were poor too, though we don’t drink much. If we came back, we wouldn’t go all-inclusive. I’d suggest going self-catering.

The lobby was beautiful, and there’s a lovely soft play indoors, even though it doesn’t have much in it. Outside there’s a beautiful pool, two outdoor pools for children, and two little parks for younger kids. It’s amazing for children under 11. There’s also an indoor pool for colder days and an interactive play screen for kids aged 8-16.

The kids’ facilities were good, with an accommodating kids club and clean, up-to-date games and play areas. Rooms were just as clean and modern. There’s a splash pool with slides as well as a big child-friendly swimming pool, and food of a high standard is available throughout the day. Drinks were easy to get with hardly any queues, and alcohol came in generous measures, including beer by the pint. It’s a brilliant place for a family holiday with young kids. We’ll definitely come back and recommend it to families.