Villa Shores 32

An Ocean in Your Backyard

A stone path from this architect-designed villa leads right to the water. Snorkel out 650 feet and you’ll land at one of Bonaire’s top diving destinations, Barcadera. With the sea literally in your backyard, this timeless Caribbean getaway checks all the right boxes: waterfront location, Dutch architect-designed, meticulously renovated, and deliciously open air, secluded and panoramic.

Covering a lush private clifftop overlooking the uninhabited neighboring islet of Klein Bonaire, this classic, Dutch colonial villa places the sea-glass-colored waters of the Caribbean only a few steps away. The breezy residence offers 180-degree views and a private beach, with an infinity pool and gazebo all that separates man from sea. Originally designed by De Vries-Theunissen architects and thoroughly renovated, the multilevel property exudes timeless Caribbean styling. Woodwork, tile, and natural stone accent an airy main hall, and spacious pastel bedrooms are crisp and canopied. Alfresco living here is the rule, with shaded patios ready for deep lounging, panoramic dining, and soaking in the sea breezes.

AROUND

Located on Bonaire’s leeward shoreline, the villa is well situated to experience the island’s famed “green flash,” an optical phenomenon that results from light refracting during the sun’s descent. Bonaire rises from the southern Caribbean opposite Venezuela and is politically a municipality of the Netherlands. A little sister island to the better-known Aruba and Curaçao, Bonaire is highly regarded for its rich marine life. The island is home to the huge Washington Slagbaai National Park and some of the best dive sites in the world in its marine park. One of the island’s top dive sites, Barcadera, is swimming distance from the villa, an elkhorn-coral-covered shallow known for its blue tangs. 

More relaxed and lesser-traveled than other Caribbean isles, Bonaire attracts adventurers who come to wind and kite surf, sail, scuba dive and snorkel. Caving, cliff jumping and kayaking are also draws to its rugged shore, and Bonaire National Marine Park encircles the island, keeping its waters pristine. Drop in to see vivid coral, massive morays, wee sea horses and a kaleidoscope of marine life. Above water, the streets of Kralendijk, the island’s principal community, are also colorful. A series of Dutch colonial buildings house retail shops (the island is a duty free zone), local artisanal boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and fresh-catch seafood shacks .

LOCATION

Kralendijk, Bonaire, Antilles. Nearest airport: Flamingo/Bonaire International

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round