Casa Topana

Destination Casa Topana & Casa Macabi in Kralendijk, Bonaire
Floating in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela and Columbia, the “ABC Islands” formed the group of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao with the island of Bonaire being the most remote in the region. Having a consistent tropical year round climate, Bonaire being quiet and tranquil is the ideal vacation spot where ever you are coming from. Here, in the Netherlands Antilles, Dutch territory, the people speak “Papiamento” a lilting mixture of Spanish and Portuguese with expressive Dutch, African and English elements. Its culture, natural landscape and limestone formations give it a distinctive air. Just 24 miles long and 3-8 miles wide, it is one of the quietest islands. Noted for the winds which sweep across the island, life is lived on the beach and outdoors under the trees gazing as the crystal clear blue ocean shimmers.

The allure and variety of Bonaire inspire the most pleasant form of wonderlust. A dreamy traveler could escape from their hectic life. Here the freedom loving wanderer can find peace, seek adventure, and renew love. Or simply enjoy the beauties of nature and the fresh air, undisturbed. The island offers something for the young and young at heart.

The owners love the unpretentious simplicity and the hallucinogenic color of the island. With skill and sensitivity to the indigenous architecture and careful restoration, they renovated their charming Bonairean house and named it Casa Topana. They decided to maintain the traditional character of the local architectural and are still in the process of being thoughtfully preserved. The garden is becoming luxuriant with new plantings of raspas, heliconias, cannas, hibiscus, oleander, elephant ears and palm trees. Bananas, pineapple, parsley, mint and basil grow on the property. Precious water is collected and recycled in the gardens. Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds hover and swarm over the fragrant flowers while the bananaquits, parrots, and parakeets are frequent visitors. Indoors, the welcome is warm, and everything pays homage to the sea. The owners kept the colors fun and bright. Textiles and furnishings were made locally. Just off the coral coast, in the main city of Kralendijk, the happy couple created a place of delight and luxury and opened their doors to guests and friends. This is the ideal getaway for singles, couples or travel companions who prefer private and personal accommodations that reflects the Caribbean style over hotels and resorts.

The house was built to withstand summer heat and sun by allowing the trade winds flow and keep you comfortable. Vaulted ceilings and tiled floors throughout help keep it cool, airy and bright. Rather than air condition in the living room, it has sliding glass doors and ceiling fans that freshen the air. In the bedrooms, the crisp coolness of the white walls exuberate perfect harmony to inspire relaxation as the bed linens invite you in. Local artist watercolor paintings express the love and appreciation of the sea. The bedrooms are equipped with air conditioning if you feel the trade winds aren’t cool enough during the summer nights, however, most people feel that having the natural island breeze gently caressing the skin is more pleasant. A superbly equipped kitchen allows you to prepare delicious meals and enjoy dining in or al fresco. The patio offers places of shade and respite from the summers glare and provide a vantage point for viewing the sunlight flickering across the sea and the view of Klein. Let the purr of the nearby waves soothe your ears as you relax with a good book on the shaded hammocks and lounge chairs. Watching the seascape lets the imagination soon float away with the time. Days are spent outdoors - sun worshipping, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kite surfing, hiking, bicycling, boating, sailing, kayaking, horseback riding, shopping and dining - all takes place beyond the residence. Off the road places that serve cold drinks and local food are very popular. Coral reefs are choreographed by psychedelic angelfish, turtles, barracudas, snappers, tarpon, eels, lobsters, crabs and octopus. Lucky spectators see rays, dolphins and whales. Most of the land and sea have been turned into a fiercely guarded nature preserve, and the turtles and flamingos live undisturbed. Throughout the year, visitors bicycle along the roads in nature with the iguanas, donkeys and goats.

The beauties and idiosyncrasies of this island invite longer stays of this glorious simple life. Understandably, friends who fly in never wish to leave as they are just having the time of their lives as you should too!

Casa Topana & Casa Macabi welcomes you to this island paradise.