(DiverWire) Capt Don’s Habitat, founded in 1976, by renowned underwater environmentalist Captain Don Stewart, has been in the forefront of environmentally sound developments on the island of Bonaire will be celebrating our 35th Anniversary in 2011 and what better way to kick off this anniversary year than by holding a Grand Opening and Dedication Ceremony for our 12 new Deluxe Ocean Front Jr. Suites.
On Friday January 28, 2011 a multitude of staff, friends, island dignitaries, guests and family members of Albert E.J. Romijn turned out for this great event where we officially opened the new rooms and dedicated them to the memory of one of Habitat’s visionaries, Mr. Albert E.J. Romijn who passed away last year after a long battle with cancer. The new units will be officially known as The Albert E.J. Romijn Wing of Habitat.
Ms. Claire Sealy, Hotel Manager of Habitat was the MC and after welcoming everyone to the ceremony, remarks were made by General Manager Jack Chalk, CEO of Maduro Holding Mr. Henry van der Kwast, Commissioner of Tourism Mr. Elvis Tijn Asjoe and Lt. Governor of Bonaire Mr. Glen Thode. Then Mr. Henry van der Kwast made the official dedication in the presence of Mrs. Esther Romijn, widow of Albert and their son Christopher. The ceremonial ribbon was then cut and all could tour one of these beautiful new rooms.
From the low impact construction methods, to the use of solar water heaters and energy saving devices, as well as a state of the art wastewater treatment system, every detail of the resort has been designed to have the least possible impact on the local environment. The rooms and facilities are nestled in lush landscaping carefully designed and maintained to eliminate harmful runoff into the fragile marine eco-system thriving on our house reef just off shore from the resort.
With this same philosophy in mind we designed a new Dive and Conference Center which was the first phase of a 2 ½ year expansion and modernization project which began in May of 2008. The Dive and Conference Center were completed and opened in February of 2009 and now we have reached the completion of a 2 and ½ year construction project. These units were constructed using low environmental impact construction methods and will include energy saving lights and solar water heaters, along with other energy efficient appliances all while maintaining the look and comfort of a true Junior Suite room. All rooms have 1 king size bed with pillow top mattresses, queen size sleeper sofa also with pillow top mattress, coffee table, work desk with chair, flat panel TV’s, iPod dockable clock radio, refrigerator, microwave, granite top wet bar with refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, full bath with tub, hairdryers, AC, iPod Dock clock radio, covered patio or balcony with breakfast table with chairs and sun lounges.
The staff of Capt. Don invite you to visit us anytime during this anniversary year and help us celebrate 35 YEARS OF DIVING FREEDOM at the place where the “Diving Freedom” philosophy first began, Capt. Don’s Habitat on the beautiful island of Bonaire. Take advantage of our upcoming specials. When you make your travel plans from April 2nd to April 30th or May 28th to June 25th and book 7 nights for 2 persons and book 6 boat dives, the second diver dives for free or book 7 nights anytime between April 30th and May 28th and pay for only 6 nights. Valid for new reservations only.
Other specials are available throughout 2011. For more information call 1- 800-327-6709 or check our website www.habitatbonaire.com
