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Curacao map
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| | Key Features
Curaçao is a medium-sized Dutch Antillean island just off the coast of South America in the south-western Caribbean, easily accessed from the States, Holland and South America. Mixed population, speaking Papiament (a local creole), Dutch, Spanish and in tourist areas English. Cultural and political centre of the Netherlands Antilles, some industry, limited traditional tourism, only a few beaches, plenty of cruise tourism. Some hotels, large entertainment industry (Willemstad) with restaurants, bars and clubs, extensive duty-free shopping, some nature and birding, good scuba, culture and history in Willemstad.
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Accommodation
Curaçao has a surprising number of large resort hotels, most of which are stretched along the protected south-west-facing coastline not far from Willemstad. They are mostly modern and have an upbeat atmosphere. But there is also depth to the island’s accommodation and you will also find hotels in traditional surroundings, including a landhuis in the countryside and in the restored 18th Century buildings of the city, including the very comfortable Kura Hulanda. Several hotels style themselves as dive resorts. There are also many apartment complexes and a few villa resorts for those who prefer independent living. They come in all sizes. One is set around a golf course inland, others are on the seafront. Finally there are also some simple, inexpensive hotels around Willemstad used by the many West Indians and South Americans who come to Curaçao to trade.
Hotels & Resorts
Most of Curaçao’s quite surprising number of resort hotels are stretched along the waterfront to the south of Willemstad. With just a couple of notable exceptions, they are generally modern and quite large. They operate to regular international standards (several are affiliated to international chains anyway) and so they have good facilities and a lively atmosphere. Several have a speciality in scuba diving. The best of the resorts and the larger hotels in Curacao are -
Avila Beach Hotel, Willemstad, 114 rooms, elegant beachfront Curacao island resort with an historical setting around an 18th Century Manor House, family run.
Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa and Casino, Willemstad, 80 rooms, luxurious city hotel of restored 18th and 19th Century Dutch Colonial Caribbean buildings with beach club at Blue Bay.
Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club, Playa Kalki, 74 rooms and suites, elegant beach hotel with dive centre, fitness centre and spa .
Habitat Dive Resort Curacao, Coral Estate, 70 rooms and villas, well presented accommodation set in a stunning beach location with PADI Five Star facilities.
Sunset Waters Beach Resort, Santa Martha Bay, 70 rooms, small all inclusive hotel with the island’s only nudist beach nearby.
Small Hotels & Inns
There is good variety within Curaçao’s limited number of small hotels and inns. They have varied locations, some in modern settings in town, others in old country houses, and they have specialities as diverse as scuba diving and art and nature.
The Scuba Lodge, Willemstad, 14 rooms, seafront setting in historic downtown area, good value family run hotel for divers and non divers
The Art & Nature Inn, Juliandorp, 14 apartments, all with individual artsy décor, low key, friendly inn run by Dutch artist, Geerdine Kuijpers.
Landhuis Daniel, Weg naar Westpunt, 8 rooms, early 18th Century plantation house setting, inexpensive with good restaurant, and good exploring base.
Villas
There is a reasonable supply of private houses and villas for rent in Curaçao (often referred to as Bungalows) if you are looking for independent living. Houses can be free-standing on their own, but villas are also contained within developments. Here is our selection -
Villa Manise, Rooi Catootje, 7 bedrooms with 2 bed apartment, contemporary and stylish luxury, fully staffed, plus meeting room and business centre.
Villa Resorts
There is a handful of villa resorts in Curaçao. One is set around a golf course and others are on the coast, often with a speciality in scuba diving. They vary in size and style – while most are recently built, some have traditional Antillean features – and some offer special facilities for families.
The Villa Park Blue Bay Village, part of Blue Bay Golf & Beach Resort, villa accommodation, 18-hole course, salt lake with pelicans and flamingos.
Lagun Blou Dive and Beach Resort, Playa Lagun, family run apartment and bungalow resort with dive facilities.
Papagayo Resort, Jan Theil Beach, 85 villas, accommodation set in five hectares of exotic gardens with dedicated services for children.
Chogogo Resort, Jan Theil Beach, 93 well-presented cottages, apartments and studios overlooking the sea.
Cottages, Apartments and Condominiums
There is a good range of condominiums, apartments and bungalows for rent on Curaçao. They are located in all areas of the island and generally the developments are not that large, so they have a friendly atmosphere. Here are some of the best -
Limestone Holiday Resort, Spanish Waters, 9 apartments, relaxed and friendly family run for divers, nature lovers and escapists.
Royal Sea Aquarium Resort, 30 condos, friendly and fun hotel for families, well placed for exploring sea life and swimming with dolphins.
All West Apartments & Diving, Playa Piskado, 12 apartments, low cost, well appointed owner run beachfront apartments. Dive shop.
De Plantage Bungalowpark, Jan Thiel Lagoon, 8 units, nicely turned out self-catering cottages in neat gardens with free entrance to the Jan Thiel Beach and Baya Beach Club.
Guest Houses
There are not that many good guest houses on Curaçao but we recommend the charming exception below. There are also several cheap places to stay around Willemstad itself -
La Palmeraie Bed & Breakfast, 3 rooms, Santa Catharina, keenly priced, owner run B&B with 2 rooms and a 1-bedroom bungalow.
Sailing and Cruising
We are currently researching the Sailing and Cruising accommodation options which will be published in due course.
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