15 Best Hotels in Curaçao

This beautifully restored, seafront, colonial estate—where the Dutch royal family stays on visits—has state-of-the-art amenities, modern luxury, and a lively, contemporary vibe that keep it from ever feeling dated. Each of its three separate wings has a unique appeal; the Blues Wing is a romantic adults-only space perched over the sea, while the spacious suites in the Belle Alliance wing are great for families. The Octagon Tower's compact rooms will appeal to business travelers; it's also the location of the Cloud Nine Spa and fitness center. Two beaches protected by manmade breakwaters offer great snorkeling, too. There's also a small on-site museum where Simón Bolívar's sisters once lived.

Spacious villas, the ultimate in luxury, and top-notch service are the norm at this Balinese-inspired escape, where anything is possible—from private butlers and chefs to in-room spa treatments. Many of the villas are surrounded by tropical foliage and open onto a private water circuit and an immaculate man-made beach, itself set on a private lagoon with a sunbathing island. Twelve of the  exclusive superior beachfront suites have private infinity-edged dipping pools on a secondary private beach. If you really want to get away from it all (and have the means to go all out), opt for the four-bedroom villa on Isla Kiniw, an exclusive private island.

 A $40 million renovation transformed this legendary seafront Dutch colonial-style plantation property into a gorgeous new accommodation option. It has one of the island's most impressive entrances that leads to a grand alfresco lobby, and the large infinity pool out front seems to spill right into the sea. The rooms are fresh and bright with all the modern high-tech conveniences one might expect with a new hotel. Their signature C-Spice restaurant is proving to be a foodie’s favorite, and there's live entertainment every weekend at the Reef Club, their alfresco bar.

The cream of the crop of Curaçao's resorts beckons you to live it up from the moment you arrive. The grand open-air lobby ushers you into a wonder world, carefree and unpretentious, embraced by a private crescent beach that hugs the resort's edge. Towering palm trees and cheerful bursts of red hibiscus and oleander surround the panoply of laid-back luxury; an attentive staff greets you with pleasantries at every turn. Indulge yourself with a holistic treatment at the spa, frolic at the swim-up bar, try your luck at the alluring—though small—casino, or kick back with a mojito at the Emerald Lounge, which transforms into a nightspot. Guest rooms, which are attractively outfitted but otherwise standard-issue chain-hotel rooms, all have balconies or patios. With myriad options, the breakfast buffet is among the island's best. An all-inclusive option is offered.

This adults-only boutique retreat is a fresh, modern escape that's also the island's most LGBTQ-friendly resort—an active member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and TAG (Travel Advocacy Group) Approved. Indeed, its Moomba Beach Club is a favorite spot for same-sex weddings. Rooms are sleek and minimalistic, and amenities include a gorgeous pool, lounge, dining spot, spa, and fitness center—all surrounded by tropical gardens.

The exterior of this bright-yellow former monastery (klooster means "cloister") is more impressive than the hotel within, though stained-glass windows and a lovely courtyard with a plunge pool are bright spots amid the otherwise spartan interior. It's a comfortable, economical base for exploring the super-trendy Pietermaai district. In addition, the on-site Blessing restaurant, in the former chapel, is first rate.

The first dedicated divers’ hotel beside the Sea Aquarium has morphed from a spartan lodging into a full-service boutique retreat for all kinds of guests, including families with seriously upgraded rooms, amenities, and new restaurants. A location on busy but beautiful Mambo Beach, with all its dining, shopping, and nightlife opportunities, adds to the allure. Dining at their four restaurants can be added as an all-inclusive package. Children under 12 stay free.

A favorite of divers, this resort offers options for guests with different budgets as well as a great location just steps from Jan Thiel Beach and a village with shops, restaurants, nightspots, a spa, and a casino. It’s also a very family-friendly spot with lots of amenities for children, including their own pool and playground. Choose from small studios, two-bedroom apartments, or fully equipped stand-alone villas.

Opened in summer 2021, this sprawling family-friendly all-inclusive complex is set on its own beach very close to downtown. Rooms range from bright-airy modern studios to one- and two-bedroom suites; there are a few uber deluxe two-story penthouse suites with their own plunge pools on the balcony with killer sea views. It’s largely dedicated to family fun with plenty of special things for kids like a huge waterpark with six family-friendly water slides, a playground, a kids' club, and a dedicated children’s pool and arcade. However, adults can also enjoy it as a more sophisticated playground due to the beachfront spa, modern fitness center, infinity pool bar, private cabanas, foodie-focused outlets, and a fine spirits and cigar bar deck; the lobby bar/patisserie is open 24/7. Due to a manmade breakwater, the swimming and snorkeling are kid-friendly, and the surrounding mangroves full of wildlife make it feel close to nature. Day passes for non-guests are available depending on capacity. 

Set on the man-made beach in Jan Thiel, this sprawling, self-contained resort community offers a choice of two distinctly different stays: Papagayo Hotel, a sleek, modern, almost minimalist enclave of 155 rooms, and Papagayo Resort, a collection of 80 luxury villas with their own private pool across the street. Both, however, share the village-style amenities that include a shopping plaza, beach club, fitness center, spa, casino, restaurants, and lively alfresco nightlife spots on the surrounding sea front.

The four gabled buildings of this downtown Willemstad resort—in the historic Rif Fort amid an entertainment complex of high-end shops, restaurants, and the large Carnaval Casino—are painted in colors that mirror those of Punda across the harbor. Large, bright rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, many affording great harbor and oceans views. Lots of hotels now have infinity pools, but the Renaissance has gone one better: its second-floor, saltwater, infinity pool is complete with a bar, palm trees, and a realistic white-sand beach, allowing the whole pool area to blend visually with the real ocean beyond.

A destination within a destination, this full-service resort crests the island’s best golf course and offers snazzy stays, its own private Spanish Waters beach, a luxe spa, an inviting water circuit, pro tennis courts, and excellent high-end and casual on-site dining. Families will enjoy the tot-friendly surf and Kid’s Club, and couples seeking ultimate privacy will enjoy the romantic Sea Tradition Rooms, which have additional upscale amenities. All-inclusive is also an option.

Casual chic meets bohemian boutique at this seaside resort consisting of five, brightly painted, renovated heritage homes; a small beach and surf-side pool; a PADI dive center; and a surprising location in the residential Pietermaai district. The rooms and one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments are pleasant and airy with stellar sea views. You need not be a diver to enjoy a stay here, though you might want to take an intro course and make use of the on-site reef. An outdoor dining area is a lovely spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

This family-friendly resort has a house reef, dive operation, spa, casino, and dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs. "Unlimited Fun" means all meals and drinks at a selection of stand-alone and buffet dining spots, a café, and multiple beach bars. The protected lagoon provides some of the island's best family-friendly swimming and snorkeling, and the massive winding water circuit with a pool bar offers ample fun for all ages.

Perfect for families or small groups looking for value and amenities, this gorgeous four-bedroom villa—within the gated Coral Estates community on the wild coast of Rif Marie—has incredible sea views, plenty of space for cooking and lounging, and a private pool. The property is steps from a spectacular beach with great snorkeling and kayaking opportunities, as well as from Karakter, a lively surf-side restaurant. There's a fabulous seaside spa nearby as well. Seriously upscale decor and lovely grounds add to the allure.