As I stood decked out in a rather ungraceful ensemble of diving gear, I tried my best to look the part. I took the opportunity to go go scuba diving for the first-time shole staying at Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, and I felt a blend of nerve-wracking excitement and an eagerness to explore the unknown. It was somewhat of an easy choice: they had me at “shore diving for newbies.”
Photo: Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort
Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort: Where the Hardest Decision Is to Have a Pool Day or a Beach Day
The lack of grace was forgotten by the sights. The natural splendor is like someone placed a beautiful coral reef right on the doorstep of a resort. Whether you’re a snorkeler on a mission or a seasoned diver seeking that next big thrill, the Curaçao Marriott allows you to immerse yourself in the full Caribbean experience — both above and below the water.
And that’s not even half of it. This resort is more than just a place to sleep between underwater escapades. The Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is a family-friendly haven with 330 rooms and suites, all poised against the backdrop of a dreamy private beachfront at the picturesque Piscadera Bay in Curaçao.
Located outside of the Caribbean’s hurricane belt, Curaçao has beautiful year-round weather, a rich history and culture, and some of the most pristine waters in the world.
After a breezy three-hour flight from Miami International Airport, I found myself at the resort’s doorstep in less than 15 minutes. My taxi meandered around a grand driveway, where I was met by striking architecture and an airy open-concept hotel lobby with a contemporary Caribbean feel.
I stayed in an oceanfront double room on the first floor, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer spaciousness of it all. With closet space aplenty, beautiful Caribbean decor, and a private veranda decked out with cozy beach chairs and a table set for intimate sunset rendezvous, it was vacation bliss waking up to the symphony of waves crashing, birds chirping, and those swaying palm trees doing their tropical dance.
@epic.stays Add this stunning beachfront property in #Curaçao to your list 🤩 📍Curacao Marriott Beach Resort 🎥 @Alexa | Travel Creator 🫶🏾 #traveltiktok #curacaohotel #luxurytravel ♬ original sound – Airbnb & Hotel Guide
Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort amenities and experiences
The hardest choice you’ll have to make at the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is whether you want to pool all day, or beach all day.
The resort offers two large pools on the property. The Harmony pool is the largest, and the family-friendly pool on the property. The Serenity pool is the adult-exclusive option that is equal parts lap pool and infinity pool, providing adults with the best of both worlds. Both pools have plenty of comfortable beach chairs and luxury cabana seating that I greatly took advantage of.
And, of course, there’s always the option to take a dip in the sparkling blue waters of the ocean, only a few steps away. The scuba shop Goby Divers calls the resort home and offers guests shore scuba diving excursions as well as snorkeling.
On one of the mornings, I woke up to participate in a relaxing beach yoga session on the resort shores. Nothing quite says peace like meditating to the melodic sounds of waves crashing in the background.
Additionally, the resort has a fitness center, lush gardens, and the Green Turtle Kids Club. And for those seeking that extra dash of VIP treatment, the resort offers The Reef Club. This swanky, air-conditioned lounge area available to guests at an additional fee.
Dining at Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort
One of my favorite aspects of my stay was I didn’t have to look hard to find amazing culinary options.
The main restaurant on the property is ÇSpice. By day, it serves an extensive buffet-style brunch, though guests can opt for a la carte orders as well. By night, ÇSpice transforms into a premier dinner spot offering Mediterranean-inspired selections from seafood pasta to decadent desserts.
However, the must-try spot in the property is Izakaya Sushi Bar. Fans of sushi — both raw and cooked — should make time to stop for a roll or two, whether it be a traditional maki roll or something a little more exploratory and Caribbean-infused.
For those seeking a more laid-back dining experience, the Salt Iguana Ocean Grill is your go-to, serving up casual favorites like burgers and quesadillas. Think Caribbean beach bar with a stunning backdrop.
Another option for a quick bite is Papiamentu. This is a grab-and-go spot sells snacks as well as local comfort food indulgences like Johnny cakes stuffed to the brim with salty Swiss cheese and ham.
Food, of course, course best with drinks. At Zala Gastro Lounge in the main lobby of the hotel, you’ll find cocktails inspired by the vibrant flavors of Curaçao. The bar also serves an array of food options that speak to the diverse flavors and global influences that exist on the island.
What to do around the island
Cocktail workshop and tour at Landhuis Chobolobo
Bright blue Curaçao liqueur is used in tropical cocktails around the world. However, it’s not often the authentic blue Curaçao found on the island that lends its name. An informative tour and cocktail-making workshop at Landhuis Chobolobo teaches guests the difference and more. Curaçao liqueur is made from dried orange peels, and despite being offered in an array of colors, it’s all the same flavor. And to have the true authentic stuff, it has to be from Senior and Co.
This informative tour and workshop brought me through the liqueur production process and supplemented that knowledge with tastings. At the end, a cocktail-making workshop puts me in the role of bartender where I learned to make island classics like the mai tai. It’s a fun and informative experience where you may quickly realize, like myself, that bartending is more than knowing how to shake a cocktail.
TukTuk tour of Punda and Otrobanda
One of the best ways to see the bright neighborhoods of Punda and Otrobanda in the vibrant capital of Willemstad is by tuktuk. Curtuktuk offers city tours that traverse the tight spaces and narrow streets on the small vehicles, meaning you can get far more up close and personal to the interesting sites and incredible murals painted across Willemstad. The tour does more than a drive by of beautiful sites, it dives into the history and culture of this fascinating island (not to mention the rides proved some shade and breeze on hot days).
Sunset sail with BlueFinn charters
You’d be remiss to not get out on the ocean during your time in Curaçao, and this is the perfect way to do so. The sunset sail with BlueFinn takes place on a luxury catamaran with a world-class crew cranking out delicious cocktails and island-inspired appetizers. When the sun finally sets over the horizon, the music cranks up a bit and the sunset charter transforms into a full-out dance party. I cannot tell you the last time I’ve done the macarena, but childhood dances surely come back to you when you’re sharing in joy (and drinks) with newfound friends on a boat.
How to get to Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort
The Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is located 15 minutes from Hato International Airport, and five minutes from historic Willemstad. You can get to the resort by taxi or rental car. 