Villa Ganshi

Imagine your own oceanfront oasis complete with hammock, tropical gardens, lovely furnishings and complete amenities for an island escape. Villa Ganshi is my newest property and she shines. The gentle trade winds blow through the open air residence. The owners had comfort in mind when they designed and decorated this escape. Enjoy diving or snorkeling in your front yard. Walk to my favorite French restaurant, Bistro de Paris or if you prefer, Argentinian steak at Patagonia. Town is a 15 minute walk along the seaside promenade.

To book Villa Ganshi email the Bonaire expert, ann@bonairecaribbean.com today

The 50+ intrepid traveler will find Bonaire to be the perfect location for their well deserved holiday. Whether you seek an adventure filled vacation caving, kayaking and windsurfing or a low key dive or snorkel holiday, Bonaire has a fit for all. This small intimate island is a tranquil respite for those seeking a quiet escape. For the adrenaline junkie try kiting or windsurfing? If you love the undersea world, look no more.

For those traveling from Europe there are easy connections from Dusseldorf and Amsterdam. North American travelers can fly non stop from Miami, Newark, Houston and Atlanta. There are also easy connections from other US cities so call for details. Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations owner Ann Phelan is the Bonaire expert offering a plethora of accommodations from budget low key to high end villas. Check out her website at

Ann is organizing 50+ single vacation packages to Bonaire for the summer of 2012. These special weeks will feature individualized programs by day for divers, snorkelers, windsurfers and adventure travelers. There will be opportunities for photographers and artists to enjoy the picturesque and scenic vistas, landscapes and architecture making for a perfect holiday. Call for pricing and details.

Photo of 50+ windsurfer Trevor from New Forest- Photographer Carole Hibdige

The 50+ traveler is vibrant and seeks to explore and fully immerse in the sights and sounds of island culture. Come experience Ann’s Bonaire. Welcome / Bon Bini !

Photo Courtesy of Freddie Hughes

To book your dive or snorkel vacation please contact Ann Phelan @ann@bonairecaribbean.com and ask about her Bonaire Bliss specials ending January 2012 for travel until March 2012.

Photo Courtesy of Freddie Hughes

To book your dive or snorkel vacation please contact Ann Phelan @ann@bonairecaribbean.com and ask about her Bonaire Bliss specials ending January 2012 for travel until March 2012.

Patrice Rannou has created the island’s only authentic French restaurant in Bonaire. Located on Kaya Gob. Debrot, a mile north of town this charming spot offers lunch weekdays and dinners 6 days a week. The staff takes off Sunday.

The menu is inspiring with French classics such as frog legs. Patrice always serves fresh local fish. A house specialty is the lamb shank. Desserts include Tarte Tartin, creme brulee and chocolate mousse. Enjoy a Calvados, Ti Punch or French wine.

The setting is magical with a relaxing outdoor dining area under the stars or inside air conditioned casual comfort. Ann Phelan offers free Concierge services including reservations at Bistro de Paris. Contact Ann at ann@bonairecaribbean.com today.

Kaya Gob. N. Debrot #46
Phone (599) 717 7070, Fax (599) 717 7070
Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30 am-2:30 pm; Dinner:
Mon.-Sat. 6-10 pm. Reservations recommended.
Email: info@bistrodeparis.com

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND

A General Medical Update

March 5-9th 2012

At

Kontiki Beach Club, LacBay Bonaire

This three day conference will have speakers presenting topics of general medical interest to both specialists and family physicians. The Conference will run from 08:00 – 09:00 and 13:00 – 14:00 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided. Registration Cost is $125.00 Canadian or $125.00 US. (Medical Students/Residents $100.00 Canadian).

If you need assistance with booking the ABK camp, flight, hotel or car rental contact: Ann Phelan ann@bonairecaribbean.com www.bonairecaribbean.com

Hope to see you on (or under) the water soon,

Dr. Stephen Wood
University of Calgary Canada

Ann Phelan “Creating Dream Vacations Since 1987″
www.bonairecaribbean.com
www.anguillabliss.com

Twitter: bonairebliss, phelana and anguillabliss
Skype: Caribchakita

One of my favorite lunch spots is Kontiki Bonaire. The setting is serene on the southeast coast of Bonaire. Kontiki is nestled at the bottom of windy Lac Bay. This is windsurf paradise. My daughter and I dined recently. John, the waiter is amazing. We had lovely cold slushy drinks, amazing food and views that were striking. The steady trades cooled our dining experience. I love the Dutch Kibbling, fried fresh local fish in an amazing batter. Love Kontiki in Bonaire.

Jibe City has a large stock of 2012 windsurf gear rigged and ready. Bonaire has been experiencing their best steady winds of the year with the average sail size being 5.5 for men and 4.2-4.7 for women. It’s been a great holiday windsurf season so far. With brand spanking new year, it’s time to book your windsurf vacation.

I recently demoed an amazing 99 liter JP Freestyle board. The graphics were cool but more important this is a sweet board. This light weight super wide board was a breeze to sail during a high chop session. I teamed the board up with a 4.9 Neil Pryde Fusion. It was a light sail with plenty of low end power to get up to a plane quickly. I didn’t full appreciate the sail as the wind conditions were a bit gusty but feel this HD version sail.

Gert - Manager at Jibe City

Jibe City is staffed by a tight cohesive group of dedicated professionals available to rig and caddy your gear, lend some gear advice or to offer lessons to hone your skills. Jibe City is the official site of Andy Brandt’s ABK Boardsports School. On site is Hang Out bar serving refreshing drinks and libations as well as healthy and delicious food treats.

To book your gear and ABK Board Sports clinic or lessons contact Ann Phelan, the Bonaire specialist at ann@bonairewindsurfing.com

Exocet Twin Fins

Look for a more detailed gear review in next week’s blog post. Bon Anja, Happy New Year from Bonaire!

Lola and Andrea have moved their restaurant down the street on the waterfront in Bonaire. My favorite meal is lunch. Kate, Marguerite and I went on a Wed. and had a glorious meal. Marguerite chose the Antipasto, Kate chose the pasta Carbonara (Lola calls it breakfast pasta with egg and parma ham) and I had the fish soup. Lola served freshly baked bread and small salads. Once the meals arrived we settled in with a bottle Torresela Pinot Grigio. My soup was delicious with a savory salty broth and bits of fresh local tuna and wahoo as well as imported shrimp and mussels.

After our entrees, Kate tempted us with the notion of sharing a Tiramisu. It’s not something I typically order but thank goodness I heeded her advice. The massive portion of creamy coffee delight was pure ambrosia. We fought over the last spoon.

Capriccio’s serves lunch 5 days a week and presently dinner 7 days a week. They also feature a lovely boutique complete with fine wines, pastas, sauces and delicious treats.

To book your table use the online Bonaire Concierge Specialist, Ann Phelan. Email ann@bonairecaribbean.com

Why not adopt one or two Christmas kitties?