By far one of the nicest hotels on Curaçao: Marriott Beach Resort Curaçao
Speaking of the perfect vacation: go to Curaçao and book it Marriott Beach Resort Curacao. The ultimate holiday assured, we promise. The brand new hotel recently opened its doors and, in our opinion, has risen to the rank of the nicest hotel on the island. Everything is new and fresh and what we loved was the (catering) staff who, without being pushy, turn your stay into a gift. Friendly and cheerful and after a day most of them knew our names. Coming home for a bit. Although our house is not on such a beautiful bay and we don't eat as well at home as at the Marriott Beach Resort. But hey, you get the point.
First the location: about a 7-minute drive from the airport (nice!) and just above Willemstad (nice!) has been Piscarera Bay for years. A beautiful stretch of beach that you didn't really visit before - or you had to go to the Visserij restaurant on weekend days, more about that in a moment - because there wasn't really anything else there. That's the end: nowadays it is the place where you check in at the Marriott Beach Resort Curacao and that, we think, is exactly what you should do. Ergo that aforementioned beautiful bay, of which the most beautiful part is now the hotel's private beach, ergo De Visserij, our favorite island restaurant and ergo that perfect base in the middle of the island so that you can get anywhere in no time. In short: pure profit.
If possible, reserve one of the sea view rooms on the ground floor: you can walk straight from your bed onto the beach. Better yet: this goes through your own private 'garden' in front of the door so that you always have your own bed under the swaying palm trees (one of the advantages of the island: there is almost always a nice breeze, also in Piscadera Bay, and that's nice). Via that beach you continue to the breakfast buffet, which is both tasty and extensive and the chefs are especially on hand, it's a party: they make the tastiest pancakes and egg dishes.
You eat breakfast on the shaded terrace (or inside if you want, of course) which in turn overlooks the family swimming pool, which is really the nicest of the two swimming pools in the hotel: are you looking for peace and quiet or do you want to swim laps? then you rig to the adults only pool – easy as that. Perhaps a detail, but what we found very pleasant (and cleverly done) is that the family swimming pool is not a straightforward container of water, but a large swimming pool with a number of 'bulges' so that you can find your own mini pool. On the other side of this swimming pool you will find the small lunch restaurant where you can join us later in the day (although that is not necessary: the Marriott staff walks back and forth between the restaurant, swimming pools and beach so that you will not lack anything (also try the cheese balls from your beach bed! It may sound like 'fat and a lot' but it is not and it is super delicious). Plus: lunch by the pool or on the beach with quesadillas is a holiday through and through, right?
Although it is the dinner that takes the cake: perfect burgers and the sushi bar is open at the end of the week. DOING! You can sit at the bar, at one of the high tables, in the cozy low seats or in the middle section that overlooks the pool and the sea - it is impossible not to claim a nice spot. We think it is important. I will come back briefly to that nice staff: you will mainly find them here in the evenings. Those people who remember what you like and who, without you having to ask, will bring you something extra and tailor-made. Okay, a noticeable pregnant belly may also have something to do with that, but the catering qualities are in any case completely check at the Marriott Beach Resort Curaçao.
Just about all the water fun around the hotel: in addition to the two swimming pools, one for the whole family (the nicest place in the resort) and an adults-only pool for those looking for peace and quiet, and a private beach right in front of the door, Piscadera bay, a beautiful place just above Willemstad (location = 10 points). So there's plenty to do, but know that the hotel concierge will be happy to arrange all kinds of outings for you: a boat trip to Klein Curacao, for example, a snorkeling route or a dive.
Handsome boy who manages to drag himself out of the hotel, you get the point, but do it anyway: there is so much fun in the area. As mentioned, the central location is less than 10 minutes away by car Willemstad really perfect and you can also reach our favorite beaches, both towards Jan Thiel and to the north, in less than 15/20 minutes (Blauwbaai is even only 5 minutes away by car, also highly recommended).
Also very nice: in our opinion, the tastiest and nicest restaurant on the island is even within walking distance: The Fishery. This once old-fashioned, but now very clean and simply very nice 'fish auction' serves fish straight from the sea and it is always pleasant. You sit above the water and at the end of the day the sun sets while you enjoy fresher than fresh tuna, prawns and a cold beer. We want more.
Okay then, a little bit more: you can read about a (very) number of not-to-be-missed favorites to eat on the island here: Barts Best of Curacao (for foodies).
The most beautiful beaches? We have too.
