Best Area to Stay in Curacao for Every Taste and Budget!
Are you looking for the best areas to stay in Curacao? Then you are not alone!
Curacao is a tropical Caribbean paradise. The island is fairly big, so it can be hard to choose where to stay in Curacao for your vacation.
Over the last two years, I have stayed in Curacao for many months in many different places. And let me tell you one thing: there is no ideal area to stay in Curacao.
While some places might be amazing for honeymooners, others are great for adventurers. Some areas are ideal for nightlife, others for budget travelers.
In this post, I want to share my wisdom with you and give you insight into all the best areas to stay in Curacao for every taste and budget.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Best Area to Stay in Curacao for Honeymooners
- Best Area to Stay in Curacao for Luxury Travelers
- Best area to stay in Curacao for Digital Nomads
- Best Area in Curacao for Nightlife Lovers
- Best area to stay in Curacao for Adventurers
- Best Area to Stay in Curacao for All-Inclusive Lovers
- Best Area to Stay in Curacao for Budget Travelers
- Best Area to Stay in Curacao for City Lovers
- Conclusion: Best Areas to Stay in Curacao
- FAQ: Best Areas to stay in Curacao
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Best Area to Stay in Curacao for Honeymooners
Santa Barbara Beach
The best spot to stay in Curacao for honeymooners is Santa Barbara Beach.
Santa Barbara Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand off the beaten tracks. It’s known for its beautiful turquoise waters and palm-tree-lined shores.
The beach also has a coral reef offshore that’s full of colorful marine life. You can go snorkeling, kayaking, and on boat rides from Santa Barbara Beach. There is even a big golf resort on the Santa Barbara Plantation right next door.
Santa Barbara is the perfect area to stay in Curacao because it is so far off the hustle and bustle of the island. You have absolute peace and serenity there – the perfect place to relax and enjoy the honeymoon.
Hotel Tip: Royal Sandals Curacao
The fabulous Sandals Royal Curacao is one of the most romantic hotels on the island.
Sandals Royal Curacao is a newly built hotel located on Santa Barbara Beach and it is the perfect hotel for honeymooners. The resort features an array of luxurious amenities including beachfront suites with two-story infinity pools and private balconies, outdoor dining venues, fire pits, and so more.
How much more romantic can it get? Oh yeah, they do have a heart-shaped pool there with private villas surrounding it.
There are seven restaurants on-site offering cuisines from around the world. You will have access to top-notch spa services treatments ranging from massages and facials to body wraps and aromatherapy sessions.
This is the most romantic hotel in Curacao and I could not pick a better spot for a honeymoon. This is also an amazing place to stay in Curacao for couples.
Best Area to Stay in Curacao for Luxury Travelers
The best areas to stay in Curacao for luxury travelers are Piscadera and Willemstad. The fanciest resorts and most exclusive restaurants and beaches are located in this area.
Piscadera
Piscadera is one of the best areas to stay in Curacao for luxury travelers. It is located on the western side of Willemstad, with beautiful white sandy beaches and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
The area has become a popular destination for high-end tourists, with luxurious resorts such as The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott’s, offering top-class facilities and amenities.
For those looking to explore, there are plenty of activities to choose from in this area, including, sailing, water sports, and diving. Piscadera is located right outside of Willemstad, so in a few minutes of driving you can reach all the hot spots of the island.
With its idyllic location and abundance of luxuries to enjoy, it’s no surprise that Piscadera is one of the most sought-after destinations when it comes to luxury travel in Curacao. This is also the best place to stay in Curacao for couples.
Hotel Tip: Curacao Marriott Beach Resort
The Curacao Marriott Beach Resort is a luxurious hotel located in the picturesque area of Piscadera. This five-star resort offers private beach access, two pools and a spa and wellness center, and several restaurants and bars.
You can also enjoy onsite water sports activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and paddle boarding. There is no need to leave the resort if you don’t want to, they have got you covered!
We went to the Curacao Marriott Beach Resort for a day to visit friends and enjoy the amenities. And I was truly jealous – the resort was fabulous and I did not want to leave!
Overall, the Curacao Marriott Beach Resort is one of the most luxurious resorts in Piscadera which makes it an ideal destination for those seeking luxury travel experiences in Curacao.
Willemstad
Willemstad is the capital of Curacao and is located in Piscadera Bay. Willemstad is a bustling city known for its colorful Dutch-Caribbean architecture and vibrant culture. The city is home to a variety of attractions, including historic sites, shops, restaurants, and bars.
One of the most popular sites in Willemstad is the Handelskade, which features brightly colored colonial buildings along a strip of waterfront promenade. Along this promenade, you will find boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and art galleries.
Almost in the heart of the city, there are a couple of luxury hotels that you should consider for your Curacao vacation. The biggest perk is that you are within walking distance of the city while still having a calm oasis to retreat to.
Secret Tip: If you want to feel especially royal, stay at the Avila Beach Hotel in Willemstad. This is where the Dutch royal family always stays when they are on the island.
Hotel Tip: Baoase Luxury Resort
The Baoase Luxury Resort is a stunning five-star resort located in Willemstad. It is one of the most luxurious and exclusive spots on the island. Baoase is the best place in Curacao for luxury travelers to relax and unwind.
The resort itself offers cute private poolside villas and even A PRIVATE ISLAND you can rent. I mean how luxe is that?
The resort has its own private beach, which is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Baoase Luxury Resort also has a private marina with boat rentals ideal for exploring the nearby islands.
Baoase Luxury Resort truly stands out as one of the finest resorts in Curacao and one of the best resorts that I have ever seen.
Best area to stay in Curacao for Digital Nomads
Digital Nomads will enjoy staying closer to Willemstad, since there are many co-working spaces and shared office amenities available.
Another big perk of staying in the area of Willemstad is, that you can meet like-minded people. There is also an abundance of cute cafes from where you can work at.
Hotel Tip: Acoya Curacao Resort Villas & Spa
I have spent months in Acoya Curacao and I found it to be the perfect place for Digital Nomads. They have great internet connections and the villas and apartments are fully furnished.
Every room and villa has its own kitchen, living room, and even a desk for working. There are two restaurants in the resort, and you can catch the free shuttle bus to the supermarket or the beach.
In between work sessions, you can jump into the pool or take a walk around the resort and see the turtles in the pond.
This is a great place to stay if you are looking for a house or an apartment that comes with lots of amenities and is safe as well.
Best Area in Curacao for Nightlife Lovers
Jan Thiel Beach
Jan Thiel Beach is located on the southern coast of Curacao and is known for its lively nightlife and vibrant beach area. This is the best place to stay in Curacao for nightlife.
It’s a great spot to hang out with friends, grab a bite to eat, and go for an evening swim in the Caribbean Sea. Especially young people love staying at Jan Thiel Beach for all the hustle and bustle.
The beach itself is lined with bars and restaurants, as well as beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent. There are also several water sports activities available such as jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling.
There is nothing you can’t do at Jan Thiel Beach. Also, this is one of the safest areas in Curacao.
Hotel Tip: Papagayo Beach Hotel & Resort Curacao
Papagayo Beach Hotel & Resort Curacao is located directly on Jan Thiel Beach. You will be within walking distance of all the cool clubs and famous bars. The resort itself offers luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and a wide variety of dining options.
Papagayo offers swimming pools and hot tubs, a spa and fitness center, and pool lounges with live entertainment. My favorite part of this resort is definitely the artificial infinity beach.
The hotel also provides free shuttle services to downtown Willemstad. This is super convenient because Jan Thiel Beach is quite a drive away from the capital city.
Best area to stay in Curacao for Adventurers
Playa Lagun
If you are on the island for some adventure, you should stay far out west. On the impressive rugged cliffs on the western side of the island, you can find some pretty neat spots to stay.
Whether you want to hike the Christoffel Berg, check out the Watamula Hole, snorkel with turtles, or see Shete Boka National Park – there is an adventure for everyone in the West. The Christoffel National Park is only a short drive away.
My favorite place to stay out West is Playa Lagun. The beach is famous for its sea turtles and is extremely calm and quiet. It is the perfect starting point for adventure excursions and beach hopping.
Hotel Tip: Lagoon Ocean Resort
The Lagoon Ocean Resort has a very special place in my heart. The small houses are located right on the cliff and provide an unobstructed view of the ocean and the sunset.
The little houses in beach decor offer everything you could possibly need. The resort has a pool, a BBQ station, and direct access to a great restaurant. They even offer to bring you fresh bread and other groceries for breakfast at your house.
It is quite a drive to reach the Lagoon Ocean Resort. They do offer airport pickup, but I suggest getting a rental car if you plan on heading out by yourself. This is also the best place to stay in Curacao for diving.
Best Area to Stay in Curacao for All-Inclusive Lovers
Mambo Beach
Mambo Beach is a stunning beach with a bustling boulevard and it’s a great place for all-inclusive lovers. The beach has an array of white sand and crystal-clear blue waters that sparkles in the sun, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars on the beach, so you can enjoy some yummy snacks while soaking up the rays. In addition, there is an exciting nightlife with clubs offering live music, DJ sets, dance floors, and karaoke nights which can be enjoyed until late into the night.
The sea aquarium is also located on Mambo Beach, which is a great spot for an excursion. Lastly, Mambo Beach is right outside Willemstad, so you can easily reach the capital city for a day away from there as well.
Hotel Tip: Sunscape Resort & Spa Curacao
Sunscape was my very first hotel I stayed at in Curacao. The resort has the biggest private beach on the island.
The All-Inclusive resort was the perfect choice for our holiday. They offered everything we could possibly need and to never get bored. The suites and rooms are beautiful, and you can even upgrade your stay to a VIP area with a private pool and bar.
The beach is perfect for beginner snorkelers. Its close proximity to Mambo Beach and Willemstad also offers plenty of opportunities for a day outside the hotel, in case you crave one.
Best Area to Stay in Curacao for Budget Travelers
There is no perfect area to stay in Curacao for Budget Travelers. You can find great, budget-friendly hotels everywhere on the island.
Many hotels that are not directly located on the beach are much cheaper than the beach-side resorts. Make sure to book your hotel close to any attractions or beaches you may want to visit, then you can save some money on not getting a rental car.
Here are some of the best budget-friendly accommodations in Curacao:
- Scuba Lodge
- Bed & Bike Jan Thiel
- Oceanview B&B
- Marazul Dive Resort
Best Area to Stay in Curacao for City Lovers
Willemstad, the capital city of Curacao, is a great place to stay for city lovers. It has a vibrant culture and history, with interesting architecture, bustling streets, diverse eateries, and plenty of attractions. You can check out the famous Queen-Emma-Bridge and the Handelskade.
The city also has a wide variety of hotels to choose from that offer great value for money. Staying in Willemstad is usually a great idea. The city is safe and you can walk everywhere. Many of the island’s best restaurants are in Willemstad, so you will never run out of fabulous places to eat.
Keep in mind that most of the city is located by the water, but there is no direct beach access. If you are looking for a beach vacation, you have to look outside the city center for your hotel. There is one exception to this, the Renaissance Resort by Marriott.
Hotel Tip: Renaissance Wind Creek Resort Curacao
The Renaissance Wind Creek Resort in Curacao is a beautiful and luxurious resort in Willemstad’s Otrobanda district. It is connected with the Rif Fort Shopping Center and Mall, so there are a lot of stores and restaurants just outside the hotel.
The hotel is the ideal place to stay in Curacao because it has a huge, artificial infinity beach. This is the only hotel in Willemstad with beach access.
The view from the hotel is simply stunning and all the cultural highlights of Willemstad are just a few steps away.
Conclusion: Best Areas to Stay in Curacao
These are the best areas to stay in Curacao, depending on your preferences and your budget. With this useful guide, you absolutely can’t go wrong when picking your hotel for the ultimate Curacao beach vacation.
Most hotels in Curacao are absolutely divine, and I hope this makes the choice a bit easier for you.
For more inspiration on things to do in Willemstad head over to this blog post.
If you need a personalized itinerary for your vacation in Curacao, check out my shop for the Ultimate Curacao Travel Guide Book.
FAQ: Best Areas to stay in Curacao
The best part of Curacao to stay in depends on individual preferences and budget. Some popular areas include Willemstad, Mambo Beach, Piscadera Bay, Playa Lagun, Jan Thiel Beach or Santa Barbara Beach. These are all great options for a beach vacation with plenty of activities and attractions nearby. To help narrow down the selection even further, consider your desired accommodation type (hotel or resort) and the amenities you desire (restaurants, spa services etc.). With this useful guide, you absolutely can’t go wrong when picking your hotel for the ultimate Curacao beach vacation.
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