Away from the Maddening Crowd...
Eco-friendly accommodation on Bonaire: Rancho San Minguel
Welcome...
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Overview of Auriga EcoLodge ^ |
Imagine a vacation where cooling trade winds constantly blow, wild parrots fly among towering cacti and green iguanas bask in the sun along island roads. Imagine a lodge located only 15 minutes from major tourist attractions, but far enough away that you can relax quietly among the wonders of nature. That place is now on Bonaire. Welcome to Auriga Ecolodge.
The Name
Auriga is a constellation in the northern skies. Owner Hans Voerman chose it for the lodge’s name due to the star-studded heavens that appear most nights over the lodge. Auriga is also Latin for his family name, Voerman, which means “chariot driver”.
The Lodge
Auriga lives up to its name as a true eco-lodge. Sustainable materials and few plastics were used in its construction. The lodge is off-the-grid, and is powered by the sun. A wide variety of local, indigenous trees have been planted around Auriga, and a natural area has been preserved for your enjoyment.
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The exterior of Auriga EcoLodge ^ |
Staying at Auriga is a unique Caribbean experience. You can stroll through the surrounding kunuku (countryside) and learn how the local people live. Take a short hike and watch the waves crash upon Bonaire’s “wild side”. Or rent mountain bikes right at the lodge and explore the island further. Internet access is possible at Auriga Ecolodge.
After dark, the fun continues. Stare at the Milky Way from the “stargazer platform” on top of the Auriga lodge and witness a million stars. With a 360-degree view, you can also spot Bonaire’s night creatures including owls, bats and nocturnal birds called nightjars.
A part of the revenue of the Ecolodge will be used for buying and growing endemic plants and trees!
Want to do more? Hans also owns Outdoor Bonaire, an adventure company. He will be glad to take you kayaking through Lac Bay’s stunning mangroves, spelunking through one of Bonaire’s many caves or rapelling off coastal cliffs made from ancient, uplifted coral.
When you stay at Auriga, you get a whole house, not just an apartment. You can prepare your own meals in the kitchen, hang out in the garden or just kick back in the hammock and pass the day away. The lodge has two, double-bed bedrooms. Groups up to four people are welcome as well as naturists.
^ If you would like to BBQ we have a special spacious place next to the lodge. ^
The Hosts
Hans, originally from the Netherlands, has lived on Bonaire for over a decade. Before coming to the island, he traveled the globe as a seaman and did extensive world traveling on his own. Hans is committed to energy conservation, island preservation and environmental education. He speaks Dutch, English, Spanish and German.
Hans’s partner, Jenny is from Cuba. She is a gracious host who will welcome you in Spanish, English or Bonaire’s local language, Papiamento. Bon Bini!
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Rancho San Minguel, where Auriga EcoLodge is situated, in rainy season ^ |
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