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Caribbean & Mexico

Editor's No. 1 Resort on Bonaire: Harbor Village Beach Club

January 16, 2015

What's Editor-in-Chief Eddy Patricelli's all-time favorite resort? For Bonaire, he doesn't hesitate: "Harbour Village Beach Club has no rivals. The spacious suites instantly feel like home. There's also world-class diving, yet the resort is great for nondivers too." Need more? Eddy's exclusive gallery offers 10 reasons why this recommendation comes quick.

10. The Beach at Harbour Village — I asked locals on Bonaire for the island's best beach and they steered me to this one at Harbour Village. Coral cliffs line much of Bonaire's coastline. So this beach is special, and yep, reserved just for the resort's guests.Eddy Patricelli

9. Spacious Suites — Beach Suites include a kitchenette, living room, lanai and private patio. But my highlight was having my very own beach hammock, as well as a bathroom so big it deserves its own photo (stay tuned).Courtesy Harbour Village Suites

8. Gated Community — A 60-slip marina, a workout gym, spa treatments, shops, lounge rooms, a restaurant — no other resort on Bonaire offers so much, nor made it so easy to unplug and enjoy my vacation.Courtesy Harbour Village Beach Club

7. Welcoming Water Sports — Dive tours leave twice a day from Harbour Village, but the captain waved me and my snorkel gear aboard. Simply put, the 90-plus dive sites around Bonaire spark "wows!" at all depths. [Dive classes ](http://www.harbourvillage.com/diving.html ])are available for guests, and include kids' programs.Eddy Patricelli

6. Perfect Location (on foot) — Downtown Kralendijk (the island’s capital) is a 20-minute walk, or in my case, a picturesque snorkel from the resort. I finned my way up the shoreline’s clear blue waters, and strolled into shops toting a mask and snorkel. On Bonaire, it’s only natural.

5. Perfect Location (by car) — A short drive to the north from Harbour Village lead me to Rincon, the island's oldest town. Eric at Cadushy Distillery dolled out some cactus-infused cocktails. Nearby, the Rose Inn served what locals claim is the island's best iguana soup. Think chicken soup with … scales.Eddy Patricelli

4. Fun Above Water — Lac Bay is where I discovered local kids become the world's best windsurfers and star in feature films. It's also where shallow water and steady winds are ideal for learning to windsurf – especially in the mornings. Ask for Elvis at Bonaire Windsurf Place. (And read more about him here!)Beth Winkler

3. Awesome Bathrooms — Most luxury resorts offer a bathtub or a shower. At Harbour Village, I had both, along with dual sinks and a sprawling vanity. Perfect for couples. Matching regal bathrobes included.Eddy Patricelli

2. Pools, pools, pools — There are three pools at Harbour Village, and the sprawling 40-room resort with its 60-slip marina makes each of them feel private. This is the Kasa Coral pool, just behind the beach suites. There's also another tucked in near the spa, and I heard rumblings of a lap pool. It's very private. As in I'm still looking for it.

1. The Staff Sings — This is Andreina Marcano, the front office manager at [Harbour Village](http://www.harbourvillage.com/index.html ]). During the day she treats guests like celebrities. On Sunday nights she becomes one, singing jazz at City Cafe. No joke: She's really good. So is her band. So is the food. A must.Eddy Patricelli

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