If you're looking to book a trip to the Caribbean, this upscale hotel offers peace, serenity, and tons of good food.

When you think of a beach vacation, you probably picture yourself on the shores of Florida, Mexico, or Aruba. But there’s another warm-weather destination that’s starting to make a big splash: Curaçao.

This tiny country is part of the ABC islands in the Caribbean Sea, just north of Venezuela. It’s part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and you’ll feel the Dutch influence right away. The capital city, Willemstad, will transport you to the streets of Europe. The buildings are full of architectural charm and painted in various bright colours, there’s always music playing somewhere, the café culture is strong, and all of the food is delicious.

Stepping out of the airplane and onto the tarmac, I was immediately hit with warm, humid air and bright sunshine. As I made my way over to the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, the sun came out, the breeze picked up, and my island getaway officially began.

The Resort

Located on the western shores, this newly redesigned hotel has 328 rooms and eight suites spread across six beachfront acres of white sand. My king room came with a balcony, a small lounge area, counter space with coffee maker, and a desk. The ocean view was the cherry on top.

The large bathroom features tons of closet space—maybe the most I’ve ever been given at a hotel. There was room for hanging, folding, and even shoes. The large vanity is well-lit, had plenty of space for toiletries, and easy to wipe down and keep clean.

The Amenities

The lobby of the hotel is completely open-air, which gives it direct access to the beach and the main pool. There are tons of lounge chairs, small tables, and even hammocks throughout, giving you ample opportunity to sit and take everything in. The lobby also houses the Zala Gastro Lounge, an ideal place for aperitivo, with a menu of drinks and snacks that are all served with a view of the ocean.

That’s not the only dining option on-site. There are four others, each with a different personality, ranging from Japanese-inspired to grab-and-go. If you have time to explore them all, you're lucky. If not, I highly recommend grabbing a bite at Izakaya Sushi Bar. If poolside dining is more your style, the Salty Iguana Grill offers burgers, sandwiches, and fresh-juice-forward cocktails. For breakfast, definitely opt for the buffet a Ç Spice—there are fresh pastries, yogurt, nuts, and seeds, platters of fruit and veg, and omelets made to order.

Let's go swimming

In addition to the aforementioned main pool, known as the family-friendly Harmony Pool, there’s the Serenity Pool, an adults-only lap pool and jacuzzi located a short walk away. Both look out onto the ocean, which you can also dive into. Towel rentals come with your room, and you’re welcome to grab any open lounge chair on the beach. Stop by the activity rental centre on the beach for access to snorkelling, scuba, and watercraft equipment. Other amenities include a large fitness centre and a children’s recreational area.

The Best Parts Of The Hotel 

• Beachfront property with cabanas and lounge chairs
• Quiet atmosphere, even though it’s family-friendly
• 5 on-site restaurants ranging in price and offerings
• Zala Gastro Lounge for upscale drinks with a view
• Adults-only pool and jacuzzi
• Fresh drinking water—Curaçao is one of the only places in South America where you can drink tap water without fear of illness—in fact, the hotel provides a reusable water bottle to each guest to promote sustainability.

What You Need To Know Before Visiting

• Don’t fear the language barrier—there isn’t one here! Since the island is owned by the Netherlands but located in South America, almost everyone speaks Papiamentu (the official language), Dutch, and English.
• Semi-secluded, the hotel is the only thing within walking distance, so it’s best to make bigger day plans or head to Willemstad if you want to do more.
• You can easily take a 10-15 minute taxi or tuk-tuk into the city, just talk to the concierge.
• The American dollar and the ANG are widely accepted.

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