You’ve probably heard the rumors. Or maybe you've seen the glossy photos of the new "Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire" rebranding and wondered if it’s actually the same place you visited ten years ago. Bonaire is a weird island—in a good way. It’s the kind of place where iguanas have the right of way and the local gas station doubles as a social hub. But for decades, the Plaza Beach Resort Hotel has sat on that prime stretch of sand near the airport, acting as the de facto gateway for thousands of divers.
It's huge. Honestly, compared to the tiny boutique villas scattered around Kralendijk, the Plaza feels like a small village. But "big" doesn't always mean "better" in the Caribbean. Recently, the resort has undergone some pretty massive shifts, moving toward a more polished, all-inclusive model under the Van der Valk umbrella.
Does it still have that rugged, salt-in-the-air charm that shore divers crave? Or has it turned into another sanitized resort experience? Let’s get into the weeds of what’s actually happening on the ground there right now.
What’s Actually Changing at the Plaza Beach Resort Hotel
If you haven't been in a while, the first thing you'll notice is the construction. It’s been a long road. The resort has been transitioning into a more modern, upscale version of itself. They’ve added brand new suites that look significantly different from the older, slightly weathered rooms of the early 2000s. We’re talking about a jump from "basic tropical" to "European chic."
The new rooms are sleek. Think clean lines, lots of wood accents, and—thankfully—air conditioning that actually works. But here's the kicker: the price point has moved with the renovations. You aren't getting the bargain-basement rates of 2015 anymore. You’re paying for the convenience of being able to walk from your bed to a world-class reef in about ninety seconds.
Some people hate all-inclusives. I get it. You feel trapped. You feel like you have to eat every meal at the resort to get your money's worth, even though Kralendijk has some killer food trucks and high-end spots like Sebastian’s just down the road. But at the Plaza, the all-inclusive setup is kinda designed for the lazy diver. After three tanks and four hours in the salt water, sometimes you just want a buffet and a cold Bright without thinking about a reservation or a taxi.
The Diving Reality: Toucan Diving
The heart of this place isn't the lobby. It’s the dive shop. Toucan Diving has been the resident operator at the Plaza Beach Resort Hotel forever. They are a PADI 5-Star shop, and they run a tight ship.
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Here is what most people get wrong about diving at the Plaza: they think they have to take the boats. Bonaire is the shore diving capital of the world for a reason. The "Plaza Reef" (also known as 18th Palm) is right there. You can literally walk off the beach and see eagle rays, turtles, and the occasional seahorse if your eyes are sharp enough.
The shop provides the crates, the tanks, and the nitrox. You load up your rental truck—and yes, you absolutely need a rental truck if you’re staying here—and you go. The convenience of having a 24/7 tank room cannot be overstated. You can grab a tank at 10:00 PM for a night dive on the house reef, and nobody is going to stop you. It’s freedom.
But don't ignore the boats entirely. Klein Bonaire is a short hop away, and the drift dives there are spectacular. Toucan’s boats are big and stable, which is great if you’re prone to sea sickness, though the water in the lee of the island is usually like a swimming pool anyway.
The Location Logic
The resort is located just south of the main town. You can hear the planes. Let’s be real about that. Flamingo International Airport is literally across the street. If you’re a light sleeper, this might bug you, but honestly, there aren't that many flights, and there are zero night flights. By the second day, you don't even notice the KLM jet landing.
The benefit of this location is the beach. Bonaire isn't really a "beach" island. It’s a "coral rubble and ironshore" island. Most resorts have a pier and a ladder. The Plaza actually has sand. If you’re traveling with a non-diver, this is a massive deal-breaker. They can sit under a palm tree with a book while you’re out hitting the reef.
- Proximity to Town: It’s a 15-minute walk or a 3-minute drive to the center of Kralendijk.
- The Marina: The resort wraps around a lagoon/marina area. It’s quiet, it’s scenic, and it’s a great spot for paddleboarding when the wind is low.
- Accessibility: It's one of the few resorts on the island that feels truly accessible for people with mobility issues, thanks to the flat terrain and wide paths.
Addressing the All-Inclusive "Problem"
Let's talk about the food. Usually, resort food is... fine. It's okay. At the Plaza Beach Resort Hotel, it's actually surprisingly good, mostly because they lean into the Dutch influence. You’ll find great cheeses, fresh bread, and Indonesian-inspired dishes that reflect the ABC islands' history.
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However, if you stay for seven days and eat every single meal at the resort, you are doing Bonaire wrong. You have to get out. Go to the Cadushy Distillery in Rincon. Eat a burger at Between 2 Buns. The resort is your home base, but the island is the destination.
One thing to watch out for is the "resort fee" and the way they structure the all-inclusive packages. Make sure you know exactly what’s included. Usually, it covers the buffet meals, snacks at the beach bar, and local spirits. If you want top-shelf whiskey or a specific vintage of wine, expect to pay extra. It’s a standard move, but it still catches people off guard.
Is It Worth the Price?
The Plaza has moved upscale. It’s no longer the "budget" option. If you want budget, you go to a guesthouse or an Airbnb in Belnem. You come to the Plaza for the ecosystem. You’re paying for the pool, the beach, the dive shop, and the fact that you don't have to worry about logistics.
For families, it’s a no-brainer. There’s enough space for kids to run around without bothering the serious divers who are obsessively cleaning their camera gear in the rinse tanks. For solo travelers, it can feel a bit lonely because it’s so spread out, but the beach bar is a natural mixing bowl.
Common Misconceptions
People often think the resort is "old." It’s not. Or rather, it was, but the renovation cycle has touched almost every corner. If you read a review from 2018, ignore it. The management has poured millions into the infrastructure.
Another myth: "The shore diving is better elsewhere." While sites like Hilma Hooker or 1,000 Steps are iconic, the reef right in front of the Plaza is incredibly healthy. Because it’s a protected area with limited boat traffic, the soft corals are huge. It’s one of the best spots on the island for a late afternoon dive when the light hits the shallows just right.
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Practical Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning a trip to the Plaza Beach Resort Hotel, don't just wing it.
First, book your truck early. Do not wait until you land. The island runs out of Hiluxes and Jeeps fast, and without a vehicle, you are stuck at the resort. While the resort is nice, being stuck anywhere is a bummer.
Second, bring your own dive gear if you have it, but don't sweat the weights or tanks. Toucan has plenty. If you’re a nitrox diver, make sure your certification card is handy—they check every single time, as they should.
Third, check the cruise ship schedule. When a big ship docks in Kralendijk, the town gets crowded. That is the perfect day to stay at the resort, enjoy the private beach, and dive the house reef. When the ship leaves at 5:00 PM, head into town for a sunset drink.
Lastly, take advantage of the snorkeling. Even if you’re a hardcore diver, the shallows at the Plaza are teeming with life. It’s a different perspective than being at 60 feet.
Bonaire is changing. It's becoming more popular, more developed, and a bit more expensive. The Plaza Beach Resort Hotel is a reflection of that shift. It’s more "resort-y" than it used to be, but at its core, it still serves the same purpose: a comfortable, sun-drenched launchpad into some of the best water on the planet. Just remember to wear reef-safe sunscreen. The sun here doesn't play around, and the reef doesn't need your chemicals. Enjoy the bubbles.