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Caribbean Netherlands

Photo of Caribbean Netherlands

About Caribbean Netherlands

Made up of the three islands of Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius, the Caribbean Netherlands promise beautiful beaches, friendly hospitality and an intimate, secluded feel. Discover traces of the English, French and Spanish, as well as the Dutch — whose influence can be felt everywhere on the islands — as you stroll through cobbled village streets, past rusted cannons and into shops filled with traditional lace. Much of the accommodation on the islands comes in the form of pretty, low-key guesthouses, but there is also a great selection of luxury hotels. Many of the best places to stay in the Caribbean Netherlands offer stunning sea views, and encourage visitors to explore the natural wonders of the land and sea.

Set close to lively Curaçao and the coast of Venezuela, laid-back Bonaire is known for its exceptional snorkelling and diving -- its wonders are such that the whole island is a national park. Home to a huge variety of marine life, the reefs are spectacular, and the white-sand beaches are the stuff of Caribbean postcards.

Saba and Sint Eustatius, on the other hand, are near to St Kitts and Nevis, in the Lesser Antilles. Lush and hilly, the islands offer picturesque hikes, as well as beautiful dives. Most visitors choose to base themselves in the boutique hotels or attractive white-painted cottages of Saba. Windwardside, the island’s most popular town, has gorgeous views down to the coast, as well as lovely cafes, shops and museums. Unravel Dutch colonial history at the Dutch Museum Saba, or step into the The Harry L. Johnson Museum for evidence of the island’s original Amerindian settlements, as well as 19th and 20th century collections, located in a quaint sea captain’s cottage. Mount Scenery, the highest point on Saba, is well worth the climb — the leafy cloud-forest is filled with fascinating flora and fauna, and the views are seriously impressive.

Sint Eustatius, known locally as Statia, is the most peaceful of the three islands, with a population of just 3,600 people. Marvel at historic landmarks in the capital of Oranjestad, climb The Quill, an extinct volcano with a rainforest in its crater, visit the Botanical Gardens and the Lynch Plantation Museum, or soak up the sunshine at the beach. Popular with day-trippers from nearby St Maarten, Sint Eustatius promises a real dose of tranquility for those who choose to stay longer.

Many of the best places to stay in the Caribbean Netherlands are small, cosy and family-run, promising an intimate, relaxed feel, with beautiful views and stacks of activities. All three islands have plenty to offer the Caribbean traveller looking to hide away in style.

The Best Places to Stay in the Caribbean Netherlands

For Boutique Luxury

  • Queen's Gardens Resort is a gorgeous 5-star hillside hideaway on Saba, featuring 12 spacious suites with elegant antique furnishings, private jacuzzis and beautiful views over the lush hills and the ocean beyond. Stay here for the superb Frangipani Spa, the gourmet cuisine and the intimate feel, as well as the excellent outdoor activities -- including hiking and diving. A romantic honeymoon escape.
  • Harbour Village offers an idyllic beachfront stay on Bonaire. Luxurious Dutch colonial-style cabanas have four-poster beds and private terraces, and there's a 5-star PADI dive centre for those looking to delve into the fascinating world of the reef. A sumptuous couples' retreat, with some family-friendly options too. One for beach lovers.
  • Bellafonte is an excellent family choice, with 22 smart, self-catering apartments offering private terraces and multiple bedrooms. There's stacks to do, too, including diving, snorkelling, fishing, windsurfing and exploring the Bonaire National Park with the whole family. A luxurious beach base for divers and families.

For great value

  • Juliana's Hotel offers rooms, suites and self-catering cottages ideal for couples, families or groups of friends on Saba. Think wooden floorboards, whitewashed walls and panoramic views of the verdant gardens or the sea. Savour fresh seafood and cocktails on the terrace at Tropics Café, take a ramble through the forest, and get creative in the wonderfully-equipped artists' studio. The location is perfect for exploring the pretty town of Windwardside and rates are very reasonable.

  • The Cottage Club features ten traditional-style Saban cottages on the edge of Windwardside. Pick this place for laid-back charm, a sea-facing swimming pool, and plenty of space for the whole family. Explore Saba on snorkelling trips, hilly hikes and deep-sea fishing excursions. A great value choice!

  • Den Laman features a collection of one and two-bedroom apartments in a stylish modern building on Bonaire's waterfront. The accommodation is self-catering, but there is a lively restaurant on-site, as well as a shared swimming pool and dive centre -- Dive Friends Bonaire. One for divers or families in search of great prices and a top-notch location with impressive sea views.

  • Sonrisa is a charming small hotel offering a well-priced stay, just minutes from Bonaire International Airport. Choose this property for its cheerful vibe, with ten bright rooms set around a lovely swimming pool. The centre of Kralendijk is within easy walking distance, promising plenty of shops and restaurants to sample. Activities include diving, wind-surfing and kite-surfing. Ideal for those keen to be based in town.

For an intimate stay

  • Selera Dunia boasts two spacious suites, brimming with antique pieces gathered by the owners on trips across the world. Quirky and romantic, this spot promises amazing views from its location on the eastern side of Windwardside and a low-key, intimate vibe. The team are full of top-notch local recommendations.

For an apartment or villa

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, near the north-eastern tip of Saba, or to Bonaire International Airport, depending on where you have chosen to stay. You can easily travel to your hotel or apartment by taxi, and most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pickup with a reliable driver.
  • Alternatively, contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • These islands are an excellent year-round destination, with temperatures averaging between 24 - 30°C. June to September are the rainiest months, but you can still expect plenty of sunshine and some of the year's warmest weather!

STILL NOT SURE?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Caribbean Netherlands

Best Hotels in Caribbean Netherlands

  • Hotel Islander Kralendijk, Bonaire 11 rooms from £68

    Local exploring  -  Explore Kralendijk's historical centre - and its bright-coloured buildings - on foot. Sea, shops and restaurants surround you
    Value chic  -  Affordable rooms with fantastic location. Well-suited to exploring town or heading further afield for outdoor activities
    Restaurant  -  Relaxed yet atmospheric bar and restaurant offers outdoor dining, delicious local food and fab live music
    Sights nearby  -  Visit Rincon Village, oldest settlement in continued existence within the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba
    Air conditioningRestaurantViewsParkingNo pets

    Great-value adult-only boutique hotel in central Kralendijk, walking distance to the water. Contemporary in style & feel, spacious rooms feature nautical-inspired palettes and fresh decor; many boast sea views. Happening outdoor bar and restaurant with live music becomes a place to be after sunset. See More

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  • Casa Mantana Kralendijk, Bonaire 5 rooms from £73

    Romantic Break  -  Small and intimate, this is the place for those looking for a tranquil base to return to after exploring
    Windsurfing  -  Due to the island's winds, it is considered one of the best places on earth to windsurf and kitesurf
    Value chic  -  A steal; affordable, spacious, well-equipped and well-located for local sightseeing and activities
    Active Holiday  -  Ideal for those wanting to head out and spend days windsurfing, diving, kayaking and birdwatching
    Air conditioningGardenParkingNo pets

    Owner-run adult-only guesthouse walking distance to the centre of Kralendijk. Contemporary and fresh in style, five spacious rooms and studios offer a comfortable stay. All feature a private verandah and studios boast kitchenettes. A Perfect base for exploring and minutes from the waterfront. See More

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  • Sonrisa Bonaire 10 rooms from £74

    Value chic  -  Good prices, close to the beach, 5 minutes from the airport.
    Sights nearby  -  Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary, Bonaire Butterfly Garden.
    Diving  -  Diving course and PADI lessons.
    Restrictions on children  -  10 and over welcome.
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenParking

    A charming boutique hotel painted yellow set around a courtyard swimming pool strewn with palm trees. Contemporary chic rooms and suites have all the mod cons, muted tones, and walk-out terraces. Excellent value, close to the beach and all the attractions. See More

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  • Den Laman Kralendijk, Bonaire 16 rooms from £88

    Beach Life  -  Ideally positioned on the beach for sporting enthusiasts.
    Views  -  Views directly onto the beach.
    Families  -  Two apartments sleep four.
    Active Holiday  -  Diving centre on site.
    Air conditioningRestaurantViewsParking

    A collection of condos directly on the beach. Rooms and two apartments (sleep four) each have kitchens and enormous private balconies, all simply decorated beach-style. Restaurant, pool, and a diving centre on site. Ideal for water sports enthusiasts or families. Great value. See More

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  • The Cottage Club Saba 10 rooms from £101

    Views  -  Excellent views out to sea and over the surf.
    Diving  -  Saba has world class scuba diving.
    Value chic
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool with wonderful sea views.
    Swimming PoolGardenViews
    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    A cute island hide-away with self-catering bungalows, fabulous sea views, and excellent rates. Set on a hill amidst tropical greenery simple all white suites with four poster beds, balconies, and kitchenettes. Pool, concierge, access to watersports and wildlife. Good value and family friendly. See More

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  • Selera Dunia Saba 2 rooms from £105

    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Romantic Break
    Secluded setting  -  Perched up in the hills in a very tranquil setting.
    Boutique  -  Objects from Africa, Asia, Morocco, and Colombia.
    Air conditioningGardenViews
    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    An intimate little spot with just two boutique suites. Stylish and elegant with objects from around the world, four poster beds, large balconies and hammocks. Total peace, quiet and tranquility in the hills above Windwardside. Lots of nature and coastal routes to explore. Romantic, good value. See More

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  • Juliana’s Saba 9 rooms from £129

    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Value chic
    Restaurant  -  Tropic's Cafe has stunning views out to sea from its terrace.
    Back to Nature  -  Saba offers many nature trails across the island.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    A collection of rooms, cottages, and an apartment (sleeps 4) in the town centre. All accommodations have wifi and hammocks with sweeping views over tropical flora and out to sea, some have kitchenettes. Tropic's Cafe and terrace has a privileged location. Excellent value, family friendly. See More

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  • The Bellafonte Kralendijk, Bonaire 22 rooms from £148

    Outstanding location  -  Offers direct access to a house reef within Bonaire Marine Park. Enjoy world-class marine life and tropical turquoise waters
    Diving  -  Dive directly from the hotel's private pier and enjoy fab on-site dive facilities. The island has 80+ dive sites
    Families  -  Spacious two-bedroom suites with well-equipped kitchens, babysitting and private chefs make this an ideal choice
    Views  -  Whether from rooms, balconies, pool or gardens, the stunning views over the Caribbean Sea are unforgettable
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    Divine family friendly waterfront apartments with direct Caribbean sea access. Comprising rooms, studios and one and two-bedroom suites, all with large balconies, self-catering facilities and full hotel service. Plus sea-facing pool, private jetty and sun deck. Walking distance to restaurants. See More

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  • Queen’s Gardens Resort Saba 12 rooms from £201

    Families  -  The private villa at the top of the hill sleeps 6 and has its own private pool and facilities.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
    Honeymoons
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews
    Recommended by  -  Fodors

    An utterly dreamy Five Star hotel perched on Mount Troy surrounded by tropical paradise. Suites and one six-person villa all in chic creams and whites with private balconies, some a private pool, and stunning views. Beauty therapies, massages, excellent international cuisine. Truly luxurious. See More

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  • Harbour Village Bonaire 40 rooms from £541

    Diving  -  Five Star PADI diving centre.
    Beach Life
    Romantic Break
    Active Holiday
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels, Fodors

    A glorious tropical hideaway resort directly on the beach. Sumptuous Dutch-Caribbean cabanas in creams with four poster beds, splashes of colour, and patios leading onto the beach. Hammocks amongst the palm trees, swimming pool, Five Star PADI pool. Romantic, family friendly, luxurious. See More

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