Bonaire YanuYanu: A New Chapter on the Blake
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Facility Level) | Marina Community | L$950/night | ✅ RECOMMENDED
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QUICK FACTS:
Price: L$950/night (Airbnb rentals)
Adult-rated: Moderate (adult anims in villas)
Property Type: Marina village with Airbnb rentals & houseboats
Best For: Blake Sea sailors, community-minded residents
Special Features: Yacht club, free BBX yacht access, sailing community
Note: No longer a traditional resort - now residential/community focused
BOTTOM LINE: Quality design meets Blake Sea sailing culture. Different from the old YanuYanu resort, but still polished and well-crafted.
(Update - Benjamin, the owner of YanuYanu, contacted us to say there is more coming. Once these new areas have been added, we’ll of course update this review)
Formerly known as one of the most polished and immersive resorts on the grid, YanuYanu now presents itself as a residential marina village with a blend of Airbnb-style rentals and sailing club culture. While it no longer operates as a resort in the classic sense, there's still a lot to appreciate for those looking for a well-designed base in the Blake.
Overall Look and Feel
The hallmark design quality of Benjamin Buttons and the Bonaire Architects team is still present. Thoughtful landscaping, architectural detail, and ambient soundscaping give the region a distinct atmosphere. Small touches, such as the sound of flags in the wind or water lapping at the docks, help ground the experience.
That said, the new format feels more modular than the immersive, curated resort that once occupied this location. A few legacy spaces, like the Lookout Bar, offer a glimpse into YanuYanu’s past and retain a real sense of charm. Other areas lean more toward a residential village aesthetic, which may appeal differently depending on what guests are seeking.
The Accommodation
The primary focus is on a residential community and marina berths for your boat, both of which can be rented weekly. However, long-term rentals are not really the focus of this blog, so we’ll talk about the Airbnb rentals.
The one we saw cost 950L a night, which is good for what you get. It spans three floors, with a rooftop terrace and an outdoor tub. The decor includes some unique pieces, like beds from FNY Designs, and layout choices feel deliberate and polished.
We also have some moored houseboats available for rent. While more upscale than standard SL offerings, they naturally adopt a simpler, more uniform feel. Whether this appeals will likely depend on how much importance a guest places on proximity to the Blake versus interior variation.
The Facilities
Overall, this feels smaller as a destination, and some resort amenities have been pared back. However, essentials remain: shuttle drones, a helipad, public rez zones, and free access to a BBX yacht for exploration. A number of RP features are still available with advance booking, including dining at the "flam.boy.ant" restaurant and occasional events. A spa also appeared to be under development while we were there.
The standout feature is the Bonaire Yacht Club (BYC). This is a friendly, inclusive sailing community with hubs both at YanuYanu and Knapper Marina. Events like coffee meetups and casual cruises reflect a shift toward social community living, complementing the new residential direction.
Other considerations
Because this is on the mainland with Blake access, it’s moderate with adult anims in the villas
Airbnb rentals are 950L a day
Lag didn’t seem to present much of a challenge
Conclusion
The new YanuYanu represents a clear change in vision, from vacation resort to Blake Sea marina hub. For those looking for a temporary getaway in a well-crafted setting, or a longer stay in a waterfront home with access to sailing and community, it remains a strong option.
While it may no longer offer the fully immersive experience of its previous iteration, the level of care and design is still clear.
Recommended.
