One of the reasons that we chose the Bonaca was that we couldnt find any bad reviews - which is most unusual on this site.
I guess there were points that one could criticise but one would have to be pretty picky to do so.
There are 3 or 4 Bluesun hotels located adjacent to one another and we were in the 3 star Bonaca complex which is arranged as 6 or 7 low rise blocks of rooms, each with seperate entrance and balcony.
The room itself was slightly small for 3 of us and the fold-out bed distinctly uncomfortable for an adult but no complaints from a child. However, it was clean and beautifully serviced every day and its only for sleeping in after all. Didnt need to use the A/C at all, (and this was height of summer), as there is usually a decent breeze through the apartment.
The Pool area is where it all happens at a Hotel and this was a pleasant environment to be in. There is a slight shortage of sunbeds and umbrellas which leads to some disagreements but not as bad as in some places. The pool bar serves free drinks all day. ( We receommend the Kruscovak local spirit - made from plums). The Pool is clean and pleasant, although not heated, which might be a challenge out of high summer.
The restaurant is superb - although you cant quite get away from the school refectory atmosphere that goes with all inclusive. We have done All Inc holidays in Turkey and Tunisia and I would say that the quality and variety of food here was definitely superior, with good quality meats, (bacon, salami,pork, chicken, beef,veal) regularly provided, as well as a variety of fish every day. It was the salads and vegetables however, that were really to die for. Good quality ice-cream after lunch and dinner was also a real treat.
Free on-site bike hire was a real bonus, with good quality mountain bikes a treat to ride.
Disappointingly, we only had 3 days left when I discovered that I could have had a free hour of wind-surfing at the Big Blue Windsurf school every day with my Bonaca card. Also annoying was that I didnt pack my tennis-shoes, as the site is adjacent to the Croatian national tennis centre, which must be one of the biggest/best in Europe (25 beautifully landscaped courts) Not quite sure what the hire arrangements were -although I think there was some free access)
Between the Hotel and the beach is a lovely shady paved boulevard that stretches from Sladni Rat spit (beach) to Bol town and is bordered by lots of activities (eg trampolines) and stalls as one gets closer to Bol (which is only 15 mins walk). The beach has a Volley Ball court and the hotel has a booking at 4 pm every day where the various nationalities get together and play some good competitive matches.
Take or buy beach shoes as getting in and out of the water is hard on the feet, although once in, the water is chrystal clear and great for snorkelling.
There is a great mix of nationalities at Bonaca, with Brits accounting for no more than 5 to 10%. The biggest group would probably be German/Austrian but also lots of Croatians and Scandinavians. Animation team were very friendly and tried very hard although evening entertainment was a bit lame - but fine for the kids.
Just a word about transfers. We were offered a transfer package for £399 when we booked with Direct-Line holidays. Luckily we said no, although we were slightly concerned at knowing that we would be arriving in Supetar at 1am and still on the wrong side of Island.
In the event, the transfers for 3 of us cost us £150 all in. Croation Airlines run a bus from from Split airport to harbour, around £5 each. Ferry from Supetar to Bol is about £4 each(and half of that for Kids) Taxi in Supetar cost us around £65. (Hot Tip, get off ferry promptly and see if there is anyone else headed for Bol with whom you could share) . On the way back, the hotel booked us a taxi and invoiced us (which is a new service they have just started in the last few days) and it was only 230 Khuna (around £29). One surprise on getting back to Split was that the Croatian Airlines buses from harbour to Airport finish around 6pm (Whereas on the way out we got a bus from the airport at 9:30pm). In the event, we shared a taxi ride and split the fare (which was 260 khuna total). A cinch really. (If you are going to be arriving in Supetar at 1am on the Ferry, its probably worth contacting the hotel to see if they will send their new taxi service to meet you.)
There is of course a catamaran that goes directly from Split to Bol every day at 4pm but the journey from Bol to Split is at 6am. (Wish we had taken advantage of it though, for a cheap and easy day-trip to Split).
All in all, we loved Croatia and the exceptionally friendly and helpful Croatians. We plan to go back, not least because although hot and sunny, the temperatures were enjoyable rather than unbearable as one often finds further south.
