Interview with Helen Janssen
Owner of flat Caracara I2
In this series, we engage with several owners of holiday flats and villas on Bonaire
to discover their experiences and perspectives on the island. Besides sharing their unique stories, we also want to showcase the special bond they have with Bonaire.
Whether you have long been enamoured with Bonaire or are not yet familiar with this tropical paradise, these interviews offer you a behind-the-scenes look at Bonaire Paradise.
This interview is with Helen Janssen, the proud owner of Caracara I2 at the Bonaire Village park.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us how long you have been coming to Bonaire?
My name is Helen Janssen and I have been the owner of CaraCara I2 at Bonaire Village since August 2021. Every time I land at Flamingo Airport, it feels like coming home to me. I have been visiting the island regularly since 2018.
My grandfather worked on the deep sea as a cook after World War II. He always told me as a child that Bonaire was in his top three most beautiful destinations. My husband and I have travelled all over the world, but have lost our hearts to the Caribbean. In 2019, we went to Bonaire to visit family together and we both felt right at home on the island. We completely settled down within a day or two and were completely relaxed. From then on, we started looking at properties in Bonaire.
My husband had been ill and at the time we thought my husband was cured, but unfortunately that was not the case. Due to his illness, the search for a property was halted, but Bonaire Village had been in the picture for a while. After my husband passed away, I decided to make our dream come true in 2021 and bought CaraCara I2. Since then, I regularly enjoy my stay in Bonaire.
How did you come up with the idea of renting out your house to holidaymakers?
I rent out my house because I like the house to be occupied during the periods when I don't myself. The quality of the flat remains high, because I am regularly on Bonaire myself and then notice what is missing or could be improved. It is a 2-bedroom flat on the ground floor, with a spacious porch. Personally, I rarely use the living room and live outside.
Can you tell us something about the neighbourhood in which your house is located?
The communal swimming pool can be used. Bonaire Village is a small gated complex and it is centrally located, close to the centre of Kralendijk, the boulevard and the sea. Next to the holiday park is a small supermarket where you can go for your first day or a small errand
There is a diving school and a car rental company at the holiday park. If you stay at CaraCara I2, you will receive a 20% discount at the diving school and a 10% discount on your car rental.
What special or unique features does your home have that set it apart from other holiday homes on Bonaire?
The modern living room has a seating area and you can also watch TV if you like. The garden is beautifully landscaped and from the porch you have a great view of the many flowers and palms. The luxuriously fitted kitchen with induction hob, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher and other household appliances is equipped to allow you to cook for yourself. The bedroom is equipped with air conditioning, so it is never too hot at night. There are also fans in the living room and bedroom. The windows have mosquito nets and the flat is well on the wind, so it does not get too hot in the apartment.
Can you tell us what your favourite restaurant on Bonaire is and why?
After about a 12-minute walk you are at the sea and after a 15-minute walk at my favourite restaurant It Rains Fishes. You can eat delicious food here and enjoy the view of the sea. Karels Beach Bar is also within walking distance and always cosy for a drink or bite to eat.
In Kralendijk, there are an awful lot of cosy and good restaurants in different price ranges. At The Beach, Sorobon and Blennies, you can also enjoy the sunset while having a meal.
Which dish should someone really try who is coming to Bonaire for the first time?
My favourite dish is a delicious burger from food truck King Kong Burger. You can find this food truck at Bachelor's Beach.
What do you think are the most fun activities to do on Bonaire?
There are an incredibly wide range of activities to do on Bonaire. You can windsurf, kite, hike, mountain bike, diving, snorkelling, golfing and much more. Driving the north and south routes by car, scooter or, for the sporty, by bike is a must. My preference is a car, as it is the fastest way of getting around and you can reach any place on the island.
Which beach do you recommend for someone coming to Bonaire for the first time?
Beaches abound on Bonaire, although you have to know some of them, sometimes it feels like you've found a private beach. Te Amo Beach and Donkey Beach are just past the airport. They are beautiful beaches, with trees for shade, where you can also snorkel and go to a food truck for food and drinks.
A little further on is Bachelor's Beach, this is enchanting, but there is little to no space on the beach to sit. You can take stairs down to the small sandy beach, after which you can enter the crystal-clear water. For slightly livelier beaches, drive towards Sorobon. There, there are several beach bars where you can also rent a beach bed and eat. This is also where you can windsurf. 1000 steps is on the route to Lake Goto. From the steps you have a great view and if you go down, you can snorkel and dive. You can come across turtles in several places on Bonaire, at 1000 steps, Bachelor's Beach and Lac Cai I have come across them regularly.
What is the most beautiful place you have ever visited on Bonaire and why?
Spotting the flamingos at Lac Cai, Goto Lake and the salt flats is fun every time. Every time I drive towards the salt pier, I am impressed by the picture I see. On one side you have the pink of the salt pans and crystal clear water on the other side of the road. This favourite spot remains a magical image for me.
What kind of tips or advice do you give to guests coming to Bonaire for the first time?
The stray donkeys and goats are fun to see. At Donkey Sanctuary, they catch donkeys that are sick or injured and it's fun to go there once. Washington Slagbaai must be visited once, you will find beautiful nature, many different types of animals, large cacti, beautiful beaches and dive-snorkelling spots.
Klein Bonaire should not be missed, it is a beautiful island with a nice sandy beach, crystal clear water and it is wonderful for snorkelling or diving there. A water taxi sails to Klein Bonaire several times a day from the departure point at Karels Beach Bar or Eden Beach.
In short, a stay at CaraCara I2 is the ideal luxury, centrally located holiday home if you want to completely unwind, but also if you want to be active, there is plenty to do during your stay on Bonaire.
