Scuba Lodge & Ocean Suites

The Scuba Lodge is a boutique property with plenty of character. It’s quirky and colorful, and many unique details can be found around the property, like the hand-painted signs and tile work in the gardens. Scuba diving is a key aspect of this mid-range property, and it’s what many guests come for, but non-divers shouldn’t be put off as it’s still a lovely boutique hotel with a lot to offer – including great ocean views and a location that's walking distance to town. 

The lobby at the Scuba Lodge is a contemporary, outdoor space with a large sunshade that looks out onto Pietermaai Street.  There is a small reception desk inside the building, as well as a tiny gift shop comprised of a few shelves with quirky items. The hotel occupies a row of historic Dutch colonial buildings from the 1860s, fully restored and brightly painted. It’s located in the center of Pietermaai, a district known for its rustic local charm and an artistic vibe.

The ambience at the Dutch-owned hotel is young, vibrant and hip – though the clientele is made up of guests of all ages, and families are definitely welcome. The atmosphere is breezy and casual, with those laid-back island vibes making a clear presence over the tranquil gardens and two small pools. The intimate, 21-room setting allows guests to feel like part of a family. In fact, that’s part of Scuba Lodge’s mission – its website says that it aims to create that "home away from home" feeling.

The Scuba Lodge is situated on the southwest coast of the island, on a small waterfront property that has a rocky coast, but no beachfront. While diving can be done in the water right off the hotel, the sea is often choppy and the area is only suited for strong swimmers. It’s located in Pietermaai, a colorful district of the capital of Willemstad that is known to be a center for art and trendy shops and cafes. Pietermaai is just south of the center of town, which is known as Punda. From the hotel it’s only about a 10-minute walk to reach the picturesque Queen Emma bridge as well as many dining and shopping options. Guests will have to take a taxi or bus to reach the popular beaches at Mambo or Cabana Beach, a 10-minute drive away. It’s about a 15-minute drive to the airport.

The 21 units at this small property consist of 13 rooms and eight apartments with either two or three bedrooms. In true boutique style, the rooms are all individually decorated in soft colors with a mix of antique pieces and contemporary decor. The Superior Room we saw had white bedding, tile floors, wood and wicker furniture, and white beamed ceilings; a colorful print of a local scene hung above the bed, and an accent pillow was emblazoned with "Home Sweet Home" -- fitting given the hotel's intimate, home-like appeal. 

Each room has a flat-screen TV, iPod dock, mini-fridge, and coffee and tea facilities. Rooms also have updated bathrooms, including walk-in showers with a rainfall showerheads. The apartments have separate living rooms and full, modern kitchens featuring fridges, stoves, coffeemakers, and dishwashers. Apartments have spacious decks or patios with seating and great ocean views, while the rooms have a small outdoor seating area or shared terrace area. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Scuba diving is a main feature of the Scuba Lodge. The friendly on-site dive shop offers a range of services and trips, and dive packages can be arranged with your stay. The small boutique hotel features two small pools. The larger of the two is perched right next to the ocean, with rocky cliffs leading down to the ocean below. There are several lounge chairs lining the pool deck with a few umbrellas for shade. The second pool is quite small, located next to the dive shop, and surrounded by tropical foliage, with a small waterfall on one end.

There are a few sandy areas, but there’s no actual beach at the Scuba Lodge. There are nice gardens in the open areas around the apartments, and a few tranquil nooks with lounge chairs or a comfortable day bed can be found, for those looking for a quiet place to read a book or catch a nap in the sun. There is no fitness room or spa, but in-room massage treatments can be arranged.

The hotel’s outdoor waterfront restaurant serves casual, island-inspired fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served in a unique way: Guests can share a generous breakfast basket filled with breads, pastries, meats, cheese, and fruit. There is a weekly happy hour and barbecue night as well as occasional entertainment.