Belmar Oceanfront Apartments Review

Sometimes when we head to Bonaire, we’re craving a low key, home-like experience … if our home was located directly on the sparkling Caribbean Sea, that is. When chill-mode is equally as important as time in the water or exploring above, one spot we return to is Belmar Oceanfront Apartments.

This quiet, laid-back collection of 22 apartments gives us everything we need for the perfect island escape. From the large magnesium swimming pool at ocean’s edge and well kept accommodations with private porches, to the full-service on-site dive shop and generous dock space (perfect for boat pick-ups and house reef shore diving) … Belmar has what we like in a vacation setting on Bonaire.

We stopped in recently to see what’s new at one of Bonaire’s most beautiful and relaxed spots on the island’s southern coastline.

Beautiful view, private dock, private reef, airco rooms, kitchen. Always plenty of bottled air, friendly staff, guarded. A piece of paradise. Housekeeping is friendly, the dive instructors always ready to help and advise We didn’t see a place we would love more!!!

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Belmar’s Apartments

When you arrive at Belmar’s attractive, three-story façade (courtesy of their efficient airport transfer), you might be thinking that all the apartments will be the same. You would be mistaken. One of the wonderful things about this stylish property is that each of the 22, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments has its own distinct decor and character. One thing they do have in common — all the apartments directly face the ocean with some of island’s most incredible views!

Solo travelers and couples will enjoy the upper-floor privacy of the one-bedroom Suite Deluxe apartments, where private porch style balconies and a large living/kitchen area afford breathtaking views of the pool and ocean. For parents traveling with the kids or couples traveling together, the Classic Superior offers a two-bedroom layout with ground-floor convenience. Just steps beyond your patio lies Belmar’s seaside terrace and pool deck (complete with comfy lounge chairs) and piers.

The Grand Deluxe apartments offer versatile two-bedroom (ground floor on the corners) and three-bedroom (2nd floor) layouts. For vacationers looking for the ultimate in size and setting, the VIP Deluxe and Penthouse apartments (both 3 bedrooms) are worth consideration. Each offers unparalleled views and more spacious accommodations with tasteful appointments. The two Penthouse apartments can even be joined together to accommodate larger groups.

All apartments feature free Wi-Fi, a fully-equipped kitchen (including a Nespresso coffee maker), furnished living room with cable TV and a phone, mosquito screens on all windows and doors, air-conditioned bedrooms and a laptop-sized electronic safe. Parking is conveniently at your back door, and while the space is a bit  tight, there’s enough parking in the lot and across the street for all guests.

Scuba Diving

With a freshly renovated PADI 5 Star dive shop on site (a satellite operation of Buddy Dive Resort) you know the service is going to be good. What’s even better? The amazing house reef, merely steps from your apartment. Feel like an early morning or sunset dive? Grab some tanks or your snorkel gear and jump in. You’ll have access for shore diving 24/7.

If underwater time off Klein Bonaire is on your week’s dive menu, you’ll want to schedule some boat dives from the Belmar dock. There are daily 2-tank boat trips with Belmar’s signature valet-service – your gear is set-up on the boat and rinsed and put away each day in the locker room (you never have to fuss with your equipment). Customized guided shore dives are available upon request.

If you’re thinking about starting or continuing your dive training while on Bonaire, the Belmar dive staff can help you with that, too. From open water certification to advanced courses like Divemaster and all PADI specialties, your choices are endless. Private courses and guided shore dives are also possible. And tech divers rejoice! Buddy Dive Tek – at the main Buddy Dive Resort – is rebreather-friendly and can help you with all your needs.

We’ll be back. Belmar Oceanfront Apartments was the perfect accommodation for our family. Two bedrooms, two baths, full kitchen. The dock was a great launch for our morning snorkels and sunset swims. Beautifully maintained grounds, with a great pool and numerous lounge chairs. We ate out on our patio a few evenings and enjoyed the sunset from the oceanfront deck. Extremely welcoming and helpful staff.

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As a diving guest at Belmar Oceanfront Apartments, you’ll also be able to boat dive from Buddy Dive Resort and use their drive-through tank exchange – convenient when you are diving at northern shore dive sites.

In between dives, be sure to check out the newly renovated front office and dive shop with their cozy coffee corner serving drinks and snacks as well as fresh Nespresso coffee, all day long. It’s the perfect pick-me-up and a relaxed spot to chat with Belmar’s friendly staff.

Relax, Explore or More Adventure

When you’re not diving, Belmar offers many ways to kick back and enjoy the laid-back Bonaire lifestyle. Sip a cocktail on your private porch. Take a swim in the pool. Read a book under a shady palm. Take a chill snorkel along the seafront. Belmar can even arrange for massages or private yoga lessons in the comfort of your apartment.

If you’re feeling like trying something a little more energetic, the staff will happily arrange topside activities for you. Explore the mangroves on a kayak and snorkel tour, try cave exploration or sport fishing. Feeling like something slightly less adrenaline-fueled? Go ahead and schedule a land-based island tour or sunset sail. Just head over to the Dive Shop’s Activity Desk to make arrangements.

Belmar has always been one of the island’s favorite addresses for visiting windsurfers and kiteboarders, as it offers the perfect location that makes getting to the surf centers, town and dining super easy and quick, with an ideal spot to unwind.

Spacious room with a deck overlooking the ocean. Snorkeling right from the end of the dock. Room was cleaned every second day and the ladies did a great job. Pleasant pool area. Staff went out of their way to help us.

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Dining

If part of your ideal vacation includes unleashing your inner chef, Belmar’s got you covered. The well equipped kitchens are waiting for your creativity, and groceries can even be delivered to your apartment prior to your arrival. There’s a communal BBQ area available if you’re craving a little grill time.

Close to Belmar

Belmar’s location along the south coast of Bonaire makes it an ideal jumping off point for diving or snorkeling the endless string of southern shore dive sites, and a short drive to windsurfing at Lac Bay or kiteboarding at Atlantis Kite Beach. The Belnem neighborhood has really come into its own, too. Within a mile’s distance up and down the road is a new grocery store, several restaurant and bars, two of Bonaire’s best food trucks and your own beach (Bachelors Beach) just up the street. You’re only 15 minutes to Kralendijk shopping, dining and nightlife.

Why We Love Belmar Oceanfront Apts

This is a “go-to” spot when we’re craving privacy, quiet time and magnificent ocean views. The apartments make relaxing easy, and the amenities we want on a dive/snorkel vacation – easily accessible house reef, full-service on-site dive shop and refreshing swimming pool – are all at our fingertips. If kiteboarding and windsurfing are the focus, this location allows quick access as an ideal HQ between Kralendijk and the surf-sail spots. And if our budget permits, virtually anything we care to do or try on Bonaire can be arranged by the Belmar team.

Ready to go? Give us a call or request a price quote on a Belmar vacation package here.