Avila Beach Hotel
www.avilabeachhotel.com
Steeped in more than two centuries of history, the Avila Beach Hotel is Curaçao’s oldest operational hotel and one of its most distinguished. Set along the vibrant Penstraat in Willemstad’s historic Pietermaai district, Avila is both a heritage landmark and a modern coastal sanctuary. Its original building, La Belle Alliance, dates back to the late 18th century, once serving as a governor’s mansion. Today, it welcomes travelers from around the globe, inviting them to slow down, reconnect, and embrace Curaçao’s unique rhythm — steps from downtown, kissed by year-round sun, with a vibrant reef and award-winning hospitality. Avila blends heritage and sustainability, allowing guests to Feel the Warmth while helping protect the island’s natural beauty for future generations.
With two private beaches, an infinity pool, and lush tropical gardens, the hotel’s setting is as much a part of the experience as its history. Each sunrise paints the horizon with coral and gold, while trade winds carry the scent of salt, frangipani, and sun-warmed sand across the property. Here, every detail—from colonial architecture to ocean-view balconies—is designed to make guests feel both rooted in the past and suspended in a perfect present.
The Wings of Avila
Avila’s three wings each tell a distinct story:
• La Belle Alliance exudes old-world charm, with colonial shutters, winding garden paths, and ocean-view balconies framed by swaying palms.
• The Octagon Wing offers a contemporary aesthetic—clean lines, soft neutral tones, and a calm, modern luxury that mirrors the gentle sway of the Caribbean Sea.
• The Blues Wing, perched dramatically above the water, is pure romance—wooden terraces hover over turquoise waves, the rhythmic lapping beneath creating an endless soundtrack of tranquility.
Together, the wings embody Avila’s duality: timeless yet modern, elegant yet effortless, historic yet infused with the energy of the present.
A Culinary Voyage: From Sea Breeze to Sophistication
Evenings at Avila are an artful exploration of flavor. Begin at The Pen Restaurant & Terrace, where open-air dining meets Mediterranean inspiration and Caribbean warmth. Candlelight flickers across the terrace as dishes arrive with effortless grace—snapper grilled to perfection, tropical salads bursting with freshness, and cocktails crafted to mirror the vivid hues of the island sunset.
On Live Music Night, follow the hum of the saxophone to Blues Restaurant, Avila’s signature waterfront venue. Tables hover above the waves, the scent of salt mingling with spice, while smooth jazz underscores the scene. Lanterns glow softly, and the air vibrates with Curaçao’s soulful energy—a dining experience that is as sensory as it is memorable.
The Art of Wellbeing: Cloud Nine & Beyond
Avila’s sense of serenity extends seamlessly into its wellness offerings. Cloud Nine Spa is a sanctuary of calm, where expert hands use aromatherapy oils, sea minerals, and botanical treatments to restore balance. Guests can choose from signature massages, detoxifying facials, and treatments inspired by the island’s natural bounty.
The Avila Fitness Center, with panoramic ocean views, invites early risers to energize with cardio or strength training. For a more mindful start, sunrise yoga sessions on the pier or plaza align body and spirit with the island’s rhythm. Those who prefer movement on water can glide along the calm bay on a paddleboard, the morning sun catching the turquoise waters as Curaçao’s coastline stretches endlessly ahead.
Culture & Connection: Willemstad at Your Doorstep
For those who wish to explore, Avila’s complimentary shuttle to Downtown Willemstad makes the city’s cultural heart effortlessly accessible — and for those who prefer to walk, it’s only about a scenic 20-minute stroll from the resort. In minutes, guests cross the iconic Queen Emma Bridge, wander streets lined with pastel Dutch architecture, and discover boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries that reflect the island’s cosmopolitan soul. Return by sunset for a dip in the infinity pool or a quiet moment on the beach before evening descends.
Life at Avila moves at a deliberate, restorative pace. Mornings begin with the aroma of strong coffee mingling with sea air. Afternoons unfold between sand and spa, sailing and strolls. Evenings crescendo with music, cuisine, and connection. Every element—from the attentive staff to the lapping waves—feels intentionally composed.
This is not just a hotel; it is a timeless rhythm—a dialogue between past and present, sea and soul. At Avila Beach Hotel Curaçao, guests do not simply stay—they arrive into a state of effortless serenity, where every detail invites them to slow down, breathe, and embrace the art of living beautifully.
Modeliste Must-Do: Sailing Curaçao in Style with Maxie Sailing
www.maxiesailing.com
There are few better ways to understand Curaçao than from the water. With its layered blues, rugged coastline, and constant trade winds, the island reveals itself differently at sea. Maxie Sailing captures that perspective with quiet precision — a day-long to half-day sailing experience that feels both polished and personal.
The journey unfolds at an easy pace. As the 48ft sailing yacht pulls away, Curacao’s candy-colored facades give way to open water and stretches of untouched coast. The crew, seasoned locals with an easy professionalism, set a tone that’s relaxed yet attentive. There’s no rush— just relaxing and a gradual immersion into the island’s rhythm.
Anchored in a sheltered, calm bay, guests dive into water so clear it feels endless. Snorkeling brings glimpses of colourful underwaterlife and tropical fish that flicker like quicksilver beneath the surface. Those content to stay on deck are met with a light breeze, the sound of water, and the simple luxury of stillness.
Lunch is served with understated elegance — a beautifully curated charcuterie board, and a glass of chilled rosé, paired with the hush of the private bay. Nothing about it feels staged; it’s the kind of effortless moment that defines the Caribbean at its best.
By late afternoon, as the sailing yacht makes its slow return to the harbour, with the sail out, Curaçao’s coastline catches the amber light. Conversation softens, the wind settles, and the beginning of sunset mirrors the sky.
A day with Maxie Sailing isn’t a performance — it’s a perspective. One that captures the balance Curaçao is known for: unspoiled beauty, quiet sophistication, and the luxury of time well spent.
