Bonaire Resorts — Sand Dollar Condos Review

Old favorite offers space, serenity and savings.

Sand Dollar is certainly not a new property on Bonaire (going on 25 years old). It does not offer a “luxurious resort experience” on any level. But I found everything I really needed for a Bonaire vacation right here. As an American that remembers the 80’s, there is something nostalgic about a condo that reflects the decade.

Big … and totally awesome styled condos.

There are a lot of Bonaire regulars that will tell you this place is past its prime. It’s hard to argue – it was THE place to stay on Bonaire for almost a decade, with relatively modern condos and the oceanfront Green Parrot Restaurant and Sand Dollar Dive & Photo serving scores of divers and visitors. Hurricane Lenny washed away the dive shop and restaurant in 1999. What has slowly taken shape in the last 10+ years is a Bonaire vacation alternative with the same well equipped and roomy condos along the oceanfront, complete diver services and good eats for guests — but with a few more weathered wrinkles with ongoing nips and tucks. Sand Dollar’s gotten comfortable in her age, as are the owners and frequent return guests that congregate here. As a guy in his 50’s, I can relate.

My recent visit delivered a Sand Dollar epiphany. Adjust your focus and you’ll appreciate what Sand Dollar is. All of the condominiums are individually owned and furnished, and invariably reflect the care and tastes of their owner. You soon discover that no two are alike. I met quite a few American owners on holiday, gathering with guests each evening for an impromptu sunset happy hour. The vibe is like a neighborhood block party with a relaxed crew as unique as their own condos. There is a consensus view held by Sand Dollar patrons. It’s OK to be what you are. That the landscape and grounds are left natural, rather than manicured, did not matter. Cracks in a sidewalk or unclipped grass were of no more concern than the 80’s style furnishing or an out of fashion fixture you might find in your rental. The standard at Sand Dollar is comfort, with everything in working order. Does anything else really matter in paradise? I saw several units going through upgrading, painting, tiling, etc. and landscaping of grounds in front of ground floor units. Even though much needed upgrades and maintenance have been ongoing for years, there’s a sense of rejuvenated pride among owners in the property.

Most guests enthusiastically cheer about the large kitchens and furnished balconies and patios at Sand Dollar. I was impressed with their new wireless internet – fast, reliable and only $25.00 per week. Maids came by every day (and showed me how to reset the timer on the hot water heater) and my AC blew cold and quiet. Only a few of the studios have the original fold-down-from-the-wall Murphy bed — otherwise, all condos have an assortment of kings, queens, single beds and sofa beds. Rooms are for sleeping and checking email, right? My laptop even fit in the room safe.

Sand Dollar’s oceanfront grounds and seawall, looking over the Caribbean and Klein Bonaire, is a signature feature. No other property on the island has this sweeping length of elevated coastline with every condo’s patio or balcony facing the sea. Spaced along the waterfront are areas for lounging, punctuated with stairs and swim ladders descending to the crystal waters below. You can loll around this seaside promenade at any hour and never tire of the views up and down the coast of Bonaire. Sand Dollar’s buildings are set back far enough from the water, with just enough landscaping, to maintain both privacy and space.

The southern end of the property is anchored by a large pier for divers and snorkelers and a coral staircase leads down to a small, sandy beach that is hidden from view. Both work as a point of entry onto Bari Reef, just a few kicks beyond. The adjacent neighbors include Bonaire Dive & Adventure (a PADI 5-star operation), Fish-Eye Photo (underwater photo instruction and rentals) and the seaside Sunset Bar & Grill (still my favorite Kriyoyo style fish on Bonaire). There’s a lot that should be said about these three establishments. Suffice it to say that you will be glad to have them all at your disposal while staying at Sand Dollar. Great food, drink, diving … ooh, ahh (click).

Don’t freak out when you check in at Sand Dollar’s small wooden office near the entrance – the gals here are nice, even if it is claustrophobic. You can park just outside the door of your condo, which makes lugging anything pretty painless. I had a studio in F building, just past the pool club and tennis courts where Eddy and Sonja run their small restaurant and bar (and the location for the daily buffet breakfast) on the north end of the property. I did my daily coffee and pastechi at the Hato Minimart in front of Sand Dollar, next to Lover’s Ice Cream and Michael Gaynor’s Chat ‘n Browse. Michael will rent you a phone or keep it filled with minutes, although Sand Dollar does have some cell phones they provide guests free of charge (ask at check in).

Without writing a laundry list of condo details, you can get a collection of facts about the property at www.bonairepros.com/Sand-Dollar-Condominium-Resort.aspx or on their website at www.sanddollarbonaire.com

I would stay here again for sure. It helps to have an informed source to request locations or preferred units (some have been extensively refurbished with all new kitchens, baths, furnishings, etc.). But having just stayed in a quintessential Sand Dollar condo with most of the original fixtures and furnishings (and being quite content), anything better would be more than expected – or really even needed.