Boutique Hotel Wanapa, a small Bonairean idyll
The car purrs softly as we wait quietly for the gate to open. It serves not so much for security, but primarily to keep the loose donkeys out—welcome to Bonaire. At a leisurely pace, we drive along the gravel path to the sun-yellow country house, which makes an increasingly beautiful impression with every meter we get closer. Boutique Hotel Wanapa, here we are.
Boutique Hotel Wanapa is in Dutch hands and the passion project of Fenna and Melvin, who have translated their love for Bonaire into this place.
The beautiful property, built in the traditional Bonairean colonial style, is situated between Kralendijk and Sorobon. The location is ideal: everything you need for daily life, from the beach and supermarket to the restaurant.scenes of the island is located less than a ten-minute drive away.
The rooms are, of course, an essential part of choosing a stay. You are in the right place here in that regard as well. They have a tropical feel, and for those who wish, the studio also offers a kitchen and BBQ. The room is pleasantly cool thanks to the essential air conditioning and fan. The soft bed is wonderfully comfortable, so you wake up rested and refreshed the next morning.
The best advantage: every room features a private patio or balcony. It is delightful to enjoy the warm Antillean breeze there, with a glass of crisp white wine in hand. Incidentally, this is also perfectly possible by the pool, the bar, or on the rooftop terrace, in a setting exclusively for guests aged 14 and older – peace and quiet guaranteed.
The tropical garden is well-maintained and further expanded and landscaped as an addition to the unique property. The soil is fertile and the flowers do their job: they attract birds, lizards, and iguanas. Amidst this vibrant nature, there are more than enough sheltered corners to relax for a moment.
In the morning, you are welcomed by the warm staff of Boutique Hotel Wanapa. At breakfast, your hot cup of coffee is already waiting for you, followed by a hearty breakfast. Something to look forward to even before going to bed. You receive a platter full of treats including homemade granola with yogurt, carrot cake, and scrambled eggs. The menu varies daily, so it is a great idea to book this substantial breakfast.
Booking.com helps you organize your entire trip: from booking accommodations and flights to arranging car rentals, airport taxis, and attractions.
While you can still find a considerable number of traditional country houses on Curaçao, Bonaire has significantly fewer. Nevertheless, the story goes that Boutique Hotel Wanapa has watched history pass it by for years. It is a beautiful story, and we are happy to join in the romance, but it is one to be taken with a grain of salt.
In reality, the property was built in 2009, although the style is clearly inspired by traditional architecture. Moreover, that relatively recent construction has its advantages: the architecture is designed to make optimal use of the wind, which also helps to keep the number of mosquitoes to a minimum – duly noted. The distinctive yellow color is not only beautiful in the Caribbean nature but also effectively keeps the heat out – duly noted, part two.
And so Wanapa feels exactly like Bonaire at its best: slow, warm, and unhurried. With the wind that always seems to blow, the heat, and the sun. Life can be this easy and carefree: a small Bonairian idyll.
Well, what a treat: killing two birds with one stone. Boutique Hotel Wanapa actually has its own restaurant. Here, you are treated to a refined culinary experience inspired by classic French and Italian cuisine. You can choose from the à la carte menu or let yourself be surprised by a 3-, 4-, or 5-course chef's tasting menu. And then there is “The Taste of Italy”: an à la carte menu featuring the chef’s favorite Italian dishes, including homemade pizzas from the Italian pizza oven. Also nice: guests from outside the hotel are more than welcome to join you here.
More tips
-
One of the finest bases in Curacao: Jan Kok Lodges Curacao
-
Restaurant Brass Boer Bonaire: De Librije à la the Antilles
-
Dream hotel on Bonaire: Harbor Village Bonaire
-
Bougainvillea Hotel Bonaire: the tranquil life by the sea
-
On an island tour with Pickup Huren Bonaire
-
The ABC Islands: these are the differences and the nicest places to stay on Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao
-
Road tripping on Bonaire
-
I-Departure: Karin lives in Hawaii (on the island of Oahu) and shares her tips
-
Relax on the ABC Islands: Which Island Should You Choose?
-
Peace seekers and foodies on Bonaire? the Bamboo Bonaire Boutique Resort it is!
