Most Romantic Hotels in Willemstad, Curacao

This 23-room luxury boutique hotel is a Balinese-inspired paradise in Curaçao where the details make the difference -- hand-carved teakwood pieces, gift bags left on the beds, and candles lit all around the property are just a few examples. The highlights of the resort are the elegant rooms and villas, some with private pools, the excellent fine-dining restaurant, and a lovely (though man-made) stretch of tranquil beach. This is the top luxury resort on Curacao, without contest. Those looking for a larger luxury property with an all-inclusive option might prefer the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, however. 

This hip, vibrant 21-room boutique hotel offers a laid-back island vibe and is set in historical 19th-century Dutch colonial buildings. The colorful mid-range property with two small pools is located in Pietermaai, a district known for local art and culture. The Scuba Lodge is a dive-centric hotel, as the name suggests, but it still offers plenty of value to non-divers with its friendly, welcoming charm, ocean views, and location close to town. It stops short of having a beach, however – there are some sandy areas to lounge in, but the coast is rocky and the closest beach is a bus ride away. If a beach is a priority, consider the similarly priced (or sometimes slightly pricier) Avila Hotel. 

The upper-mid-range Kontiki Beach Resort aims to create the feeling of a tropical paradise, and generally succeeds; lush green foliage surrounds its four romantic lagoon-style pools and the 80 modern rooms, constructed in dark wood from Brazil, feel tucked away in the jungle. The vibe is young and trendy, especially at the Cabana Beach restaurant and beach club next door, where some nights the party goes into the wee hours. With a location next to the popular BLVD shopping and dining center, this resort is close to the action, but inside the property it's relaxed and casual.

This upscale oceanfront resort, opened in 1949, is the longest continuously open hotel on the island of Curacao -- and over its history it has maintained roots by preserving the refurbished original mansion and the quaint Dutch colonial architecture. Today the 150-room hotel blends history with modern luxury, offering updated rooms with flat-screen TVs, a sleek infinity pool, an excellent gym, business facilities, two small beaches, and three restaurants. Couples may also want to consider the similarly priced, adult-only Floris Suite Hotel, though it's a short walk from the beach.

This sprawling, immaculate 350-room luxury resort draws both couples and families with its lovely spa, tennis lessons, kids' camp, and three pools. With an 18-hole golf course and meeting rooms, the hotel is also popular with business and corporate guests. The wide, white-sand beach and protected swimming area are also highlights. Though it enjoys a quiet location with natural beauty, the Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort is far from town and no other restaurants or hotels are anywhere close by. Still, it's easily one of the island's top options -- the Baoase Luxury Resort is nicer, but also significantly pricier, making this a terrific luxury value. 

Papagayo Beach Hotel is a fashionable, four-pearl property located on Jan Thiel Beach. The hotel’s 155 guest rooms have clean lines and trendy decor, and all feature roomy balconies, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. There's an infinity pool with striking ocean views, and guests have access to extensive facilities at the neighboring Papagayo Beach Club and Papagayo Beach Plaza. Unfortunately, the hotel has a handful of issues that prevent it from feeling like a luxury property. Also, guests with limited mobility should be aware that there's no elevator. Families looking for a stay with more kid appeal can check out Royal Sea Aquarium Resort.

Boutique Hotel 't Klooster is a pleasant, three-pearl property located in Curaçao’s trendy Pietermaai District. Housed in a repurposed monastery, this compact property embraces its heritage with 26 guest rooms that feature colorful original floor tiling as well as a restaurant set in the building’s old chapel. A good location and intriguing history are this property’s strong points, but guests should bear in mind that the rooms and facilities are no-frills across the board. Travelers with some flexibility in their budget might want to consider Avila Beach Hotel, which also offers a historic setting along with direct access to the beach.

La Maya Beach Luxury Apartments is a serene property featuring 34 luxury two-bedroom apartments, all with views of a harbor known as the Spanish Water. The modern, upscale apartments have beautiful kitchens and decks facing out onto a lovely pool. However despite the hotel’s name, the beach area is underwhelming and the murky water is not great for swimming. There is no restaurant, fitness room, or other amenities on the property. Guests should rent a car in order to access lots of dining and nicer beaches close by, as nothing is within walking distance. Those who prefer to stay a nicer beach should consider the similarly priced Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, Curacao, though its rooms lack La Maya's kitchens and space.

This 82-room upscale resort is more than hotel – it is an entire restored 18th-century village, complete with cobblestone alleyways and courtyards peppered with sculptures. The beautiful European and colonial architecture allows guests to feel like they've stepped back in time. It’s conveniently located in downtown Willemstad, an area with lots of dining and shopping that also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel offers two lovely pools, two restaurants, a spa and an excellent museum. Art lovers, culture hounds, and history buffs will appreciate this property, though note that no beach is on the premises or even close by; for that, consider the similarly priced Kura Hulanda Lodge & Beach Club.

The Floris Suite Hotel is a sleek, modern adult-only resort that caters to couples and friends who are looking for chic relaxation. This 72-room, upscale hotel makes a statement with its crisp, all-white decor. The excellent pool area is a definite highlight, while there are two nice beaches close by, but not directly connected to the property. Those who prefer to be right on the sand might consider the Avila Hotel, though its beachfront can get crowded.