Positioned within the southern Caribbean Sea, simply off the coast of Venezuela, Bonaire is a small Dutch island that’s experiencing an sudden wave of tourism this season.
The rationale behind this leap in attendance has a reputation: JetBlue.
Bonaire, together with its sister islands, the well-known Aruba and Curaçao – collectively often known as the ABC Islands – have lengthy been overshadowed by the recognition of its neighbors.
Though these two islands are served every day by worldwide airways, Bonaire has traditionally suffered from restricted air connections, so guests typically select the opposite two locations.
However that state of affairs is altering. On November 10, JetBlue launched the direct route between New York and Bonaire, inflicting a major spike in arrivals.
In early December, tourism authorities reported 16,626 guests in November alone – a formidable 19.5 p.c enhance in comparison with the identical month final 12 months, breaking arrival information at a regional stage.
The brand new route affords twice-weekly spherical journeys on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with fares ranging from simply $505, together with carry-on baggage.
“We’re excited to have fun the launch of this new direct flight from New York’s JFK to Bonaire,” mentioned Maarten van der Scheer, CEO of Bonaire Worldwide Airport. “Welcoming JetBlue to Flamingo Airport, with biweekly service year-round, was made doable by the arduous work, dedication and collaboration of many companions working in the direction of the identical purpose: rising connectivity to Bonaire and making it simpler than ever in order that vacationers can attain our stunning island.”
| JFK-BON Flight #1643 | BON-JFK Flight No. 1644 |
| 7:00 AM – 12:38 PM | 2:14 PM – 6:00 PM |
With the brand new route, JetBlue now connects vacationers to all three Dutch ABC islands, along with Sint Maarten.
What drives so many Individuals to Bonaire?
Whereas JetBlue’s new direct route from New York Metropolis to Bonaire has undeniably elevated the island’s visibility amongst American vacationers, it’s actually not the one purpose behind their rising curiosity in visiting this Caribbean nation.
In contrast to many different locations within the area, Bonaire has largely escaped the mass arrival of sargassum, which has deterred vacationers from conventional hotspots such because the Mexican Caribbean and the Dominican Republic.
Furthermore, Bonaire is safely outdoors the hurricane belt, which this 12 months devastated cities and left a path of destruction within the Caribbean. This makes this small Dutch island a paradise for adventurers and solar worshipers alike all 12 months spherical.
Is Bonaire a developed island? Can I take pleasure in some luxurious there?
Bonaire affords a fragile steadiness between modernity and untouched pure magnificence. Though it boasts luxurious infrastructure, first-class lodging and facilities for worldwide guests, it has retained its stunning marine parks and untouched nature.
Moreover, the introduction of famend American resort manufacturers has additional contributed to the island’s present rising attraction.
The Delfins Seaside Resort Bonaire will change into a part of the Hilton Tapestry Assortment in early 2025, marking the model’s first presence on the island. This 148-room oceanfront resort options two out of doors swimming pools, a personal seaside and an on-site dive store.
Marriott’s Courtyard Bonaire Dive Resort, which opened a couple of years in the past, additionally affords consolation and luxurious to worldwide guests with its 140 trendy rooms and trendy facilities.
Including to the island’s attraction is its pristine marine atmosphere, often known as one of many world’s high diving and snorkeling locations, appropriate for each journey seekers and people escaping the primary chilly winds of winter.