Curaçao offers an eclectic mix of history and culture

Hyatt Regency Curaçao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina bid “bon bini” (welcome in Papiamento) to its first guests yesterday, introducing a new level of luxury and service to this Dutch-influenced Caribbean island.

As the focal point of the 1,500-acre Santa Barbara Plantation resort community, the 350-room beachfront resort features Old Quarry by Pete Dye, the island’s only 18-hole championship resort golf course; Atabei Spa, an eco-friendly holistic retreat inspired by the island’s ancient traditions and rituals; and a full-service, six-slip marina.

The resort was designed to immerse guests in Curaçao’s rich culture and heritage through a variety of activities highlighting the island’s distinctive local flavour. From Camp Arawak, where children age 12 and under have the chance to explore the natural surroundings during cave hikes and iguana feedings, to the Lama Salt Bar which allows spa goers to create customised body scrubs from a selection of indigenous sea salts, herbs and aromatic oils, to an extensive farm-to-table dining programme, guests will walk away with a true taste and feel for Curaçao.

“Curaçao is a vibrant and captivating destination, and we are thrilled to bring Hyatt’s authentic brand of hospitality and extraordinary service to the island,” said Diego Concha, general manager. “We’ve worked diligently to capture Curaçao’s colourful culture and undeniable charm throughout the resort, and we look forward to sharing this with our guests.”

The resort’s other amenities include three outdoor pools with ocean views, palm lined sundeck, StayFit@Hyatt fitness centre, jogging trail, tennis and volleyball courts, and more than 38,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and banquet space. There are three globally inspired dining options, including MEDI, specializing in Mediterranean cuisine with an exhibition kitchen; SWIM, a poolside restaurant offering Pan Latino-influenced dishes; and SHOR, a speciality seafood restaurant.

All 350 guestrooms, ranging from doubles, kings and junior suites to VIP, executive and presidential suites, feature natural sandstone flooring, Hyatt Grand Beds, flat screen plasma televisions, deluxe bath amenities and scenic views of either Spanish Water Bay or the Caribbean Sea. Three beach bungalows in a private enclave are also available.

Located in the southwestern Caribbean, Curaçao offers an eclectic mix of history and culture. With a Dutch influence and European flair, the island is known for its sophistication, eco-tourism and pristine diving conditions. In addition to offering sun, sand, sea and diving, Curaçao also provides many cultural, historical and ecological points of interest that appeal to the discerning traveller.

Introductory rates start at $199 per room, per night. Reservations can be made by visiting curacao.hyatt.com.