A globe-trotting roundup of the season’s most enticing openings, exhibitions, hotels, and tastemakers across Industry’s favorite cities.
Bonaire
BY JANINE SILVER
Bay of Sunshine
The newly opened Sorobon Bay Hotel is a relaxation haven defined by its spacious suites, where every detail feels intentional and deeply soothing. This intimate, eleven-room property features breathtaking accommodations crafted with hand-laid Mortex and enhanced with private patios and balconies overlooking the pool. Guests can unwind on the plush lounge chairs surrounding the island’s largest rectangular pool or take in the peaceful views of the Sorobon Lagoon, part of Lac Bay. For a little beach time, a quick shuttle transports guests to the nearby sister property, where they can relax on one of the island’s top-rated white-sand beaches or even try their hand at windsurfing, one of Bonaire’s most popular sports.
Gone with the Wind
For some, the perfect Bonaire day requires little more than a book and the beach, but for adventurers, the island is the ultimate playground. Enter landsailing, an adrenaline-packed sport that blends the thrill of go-karting with the enchantment of sailing. Thanks to the ocean breeze, these lightweight land yachts, known as blowcars, are powered only by the wind. Once behind the wheel, participants use the car’s large sail to race around a dirt track. After doing a final lap, guests are ushered in to park their blowcars and given a QR code to check out action photos of their adventure. It’s a family-friendly expedition, and kids ages eight and up can pilot their own craft.
Rum Away with It
As the sun disappears into the rich blue sea, dining becomes an experience at Rum Runners Bonaire. The laid-back eatery serves up a fresh interpretation of Caribbean cuisine, paired with exceptional views and carefree island vibes. Start with the signature strawberry and banana frozen Rum Runner cocktail, or for a lighter frozen drink, the Mango Splash. Rum Runners accommodates guests of all tastes with signature pizzas as well as its Caribbean gazpacho kissed with hints of papaya, ginger, and basil. Seafood cravings are cured with the fresh catch of the day, or you can go big with the surf & turf featuring beef picanha, shrimp, and creole hollandaise sauce. Don’t nap on the pineapple and coconut cheesecake to end your night on a sweet note as you watch the night divers explore below.
Sail & Savor
Out on the open water, brunch takes on a new level of decadence. Aboard Adventura, one of Epic Tours Bonaire’s luxury catamarans, guests can embark on a lavish sailing experience along Bonaire and Klein Bonaire’s coastlines, stopping to snorkel the island’s reefs. The vessel’s resident Chef Poort will customize a menu specific to everyone’s dietary needs and preferences. These indulgent multi-course meals might include a curated spread of locally grown fresh fruit, charcuterie, and seafood, plus seared tuna, filet mignon infused with green herbs and garlic over a cream of celeriac and white chocolate purée, and the list goes on. Pro tip: request a piña colada-inspired panna cotta, topped with a sublime homemade spiced rum-poached pineapple.
Birds of Paradise
Where rugged coastline meets untouched wilderness, Bonaire reveals a quieter, more elemental kind of beauty. Salina Goto is the largest saltwater lake on the island, formed from a natural coral dam and a favorite home of the flamingos who love to feed and breed in the briny waters. The lake offers an elevated panoramic observation point with a breathtaking view of Mount Brandaris, the volcanic origin hills, and the water below. While many people flock to the lake in hopes of spotting a resident flamingo, the lush landscape also attracts ospreys, hummingbirds, yellow orioles, and many other varieties of birds. Located in Washington Slagbaai National Park, this peaceful spot is a haven for nature lovers.
bonaireisland.com/experiences/sightseeing/sites/gotomeer
