8 Dreamy Curacao Hotels for Every Type of Traveler

The Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino is conveniently located in “La Otra Bando,” meaning the other side. This refers to its location on the opposite side of the bridge in Willemstad, so you can get to all the festive and vibrant street parties that happen in downtown in just a five- to ten-minute walk. The Renaissance is located near the cruise port and has one of the coolest pools on the island—a “beach” infinity pool, which means the pool floor is made of sand. The hotel is adjacent to the historic Rif Fort with convenient restaurants, and shops, plus beautiful sunset views. Even though there is a casino attached, the property is family-friendly.

Related:10 Remarkable Floating Hotels to Add to Your Bucket List

Pietermaai is to Willemstad as Williamsburg is to Manhattan. This gentrified neighborhood has trendy bars, restaurants, and hotels. You (literally) can’t miss the Scuba Lodge Boutique Hotel and Ocean Suites with its bright pink and yellow facades. It has two pools (one is an infinity pool), as well as a sandy beach bar and restaurant. It’s a smaller boutique hotel and rates are affordable (under $200 per night).

Also in Pietermaai, you’ll find the Pietermaai Boutique Hotel. It’s still within walking distance of Willemstad, but you’ll find more culture and flair since it’s deeper into this hip neighborhood. Rooms are minimalist chic, with open-concept bathrooms and charming and whitewashed beams on the upper levels. There are two pools with decks plus complimentary self-parking, which is convenient as many people rent cars on the island to explore more easily. Note that rooms can get noisy at night if you have a street-facing room.

Related:5 Caribbean Resorts That Should Be on Your Bucket List

You might mistake Baoase for a Bali retreat at first, but this 23-room property is located right near Curacao’s hottest beaches. The boutique hotel is one of the island’s most exclusive and is considered a hidden gem. Suites and villas perfect indoor-outdoor living with open-air rooms and outdoor baths and showers. Half the property’s rooms even have their own private plunge pools.

Vacation where the celebs go on Curacao at the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort. The property sits on 27 acres of a natural preserve, with a white sand beach and swimming lagoon. The resort offers pools, golf, tennis, diving, boating and other watersports, as well as a full-service spa and four onsite dining options. So really, you don’t need to leave if you don’t want to.

Related:The 10 Best Caribbean Beaches for a Relaxing Escape

If you’re looking for a more private hotel experience on Curacao, book a stay at Oasis Coral Estate Beach, Dive and Wellness Resort. Located under 20 miles from Willemstad on the northwest side of the island, you’ll find fewer crowds and less partying here. The property has an onsite restaurant, a diving area, water sports, an infinity pool, and a world-class spa.

LionsDive Beach Resort is located on the longest white sand beach on the island, so of course, this Curacao hotel is a favorite among beach goers. There’s a sports pool, dive school, private beach, spa, and four bars and restaurants. The resort is only a few minutes away from bustling downtown Willemstad, so you aren’t far from all the action.

Related:7 Seaside Hotels Fit for Your Bucket List

If you’re looking to stay in a beach area, then Papagayo Beach Hotel and Resort should be on the top of your list. The property consists of traditional hotel rooms and suites, referred to as the hotel portion; plus one- to three-bedroom villas on its resort side. The Papagayo Beach area has a public pool and beach area with popular restaurants and bars, a few shops, a casino, and a Dutch grocery store. If you stay at the hotel or resort, you have access to a private snorkeling area and pool, as well as day passes to the larger public pool. At night, the surrounding restaurants play live music and host DJs, so you can dance the night away—barefoot of course. While it’s not an all-inclusive, you have everything you need within walking distance.

• 9 Reasons to Visit Curacao
• What to Pack for the Caribbean; 35 Essentials
• Which Caribbean Island Is Right for You?

Ashley Rossi visited Curacao as a guest of the Curacao Tourist Board. Follow her onTwitterandInstagramfor travel tips, destination ideas, and off the beaten path spots.