Originally, built around 1780 as a mansion for governors, it was later used as a boarding school for boys, hospital, and finally a hotel that opened its doors in 1949 with only eighteen beds. Since then, the hotel has undergone many renovations and expansions and has grown into a luxury resort with 156 rooms, including several suites and apartments.
The Avila Beach Hotel is known for its historic charm, excellent service, and sustainable initiatives. Since 1949, Grand Dame Avila has hosted countless guests and remains an iconic destination in Curaçao.
Personal Favorite
Sandra Vestjens (TUI at Home) tells TravMagazine that she thinks Avila Beach Hotel is a gem for holidaymakers who are looking for comfort and tranquility and who want to stay within walking distance of Willemstad and in the vicinity of nice restaurants. ‘Of course, that’s one of the reasons why I sell it so easily and so easily. The two private bays, where there is plenty to see under water, also look very nice. On the beach you can enjoy the peace and quiet on one of the plenty of sunbeds. You know what’s so good? The service. When you are relaxing on the lounger, you can order anything and it will all be brought to you. That’s really a holiday.’
When asked why Avila Beach Hotel is her personal favorite hotel on the island, Sandra replies: “I have many reasons, but one of them is the very rich breakfast. You sit there wonderfully quietly with the sea in the foreground. It often happens that we are still enjoying breakfast and the girls are already in the sea, and yet you are still together.’ Sandra also says: ‘Curaçao is very popular and lends itself very well to being discovered with a rental car. Many of my clients experience that freedom as a real holiday. At Avila there is always a parking space available and there is also a security guard at the gate.’
Heart for the community
About 90% of the 170 employees were born and raised on the island and many live in nearby neighborhoods. Many employees have been with Avila for decades and contribute to the hotel’s warm, welcoming atmosphere. Avila’s slogan is ‘Feel the warmth’ for a reason. The hotel also gives back a lot. In the form of sustainability, green energy and recycling, but also through sponsoring, supporting initiatives, such as the Daily Meal Plan and Pack for a Purpose, and supporting some primary schools in the vicinity of the hotel and in Soto, near Santa Martha where the Vogels family is working on a new resort, TUI BLUE Curaçao hotel. Avila organizes numerous local (culinary) events and (classical) concerts, due to the love for music of the late former owner Finn ‘Nic’ Nicolay Møller. This has strengthened Avila’s role as a focal point for the community.
Intimate and cozy
Cynthia Roos (TUI at Home) says that she spent the night at Avila Beach Hotel for the first time eleven years ago. ‘That was during an OAD/Globe study trip and I immediately felt at home. Avila is small-scale and although a few buildings have been added in recent years, it is still intimate and cozy. The family feeling is still there and that is why there are many guests who like to come back. I always stay in the room type Blues Wing, which nowadays is Oceanfront Blues. This wooden accommodation is built on a pier and from your room you always have a view of the sea.’ Cynthia says that she has already spent the night at Avila a total of six times. ‘We often go to Curaçao to escape the cold in the Netherlands and to refuel. For me, Avila is the nicest hotel on Curaçao, mainly because of the above reasons and the fantastic location close to very good restaurants that you will find within walking distance, such as Serafina and Rozendaels, and the cozy Pietermaai with bars and restaurants, such as Komé, Ginger and Mundo Bizarro.
Fireworks
Cynthia has also celebrated New Year’s Eve at Avila. ‘That’s a big party. It starts in the afternoon with the lighting of up to 500,000 Pagara to say goodbye to the old year and drive away the bad spirits. Afterwards, there will be a buffet with delicious food and live music. Dancing barefoot in the sand or romantically watching the fireworks, while enjoying the cocktails on the beach!’
Marry
In addition to holidaymakers from abroad, locals also often choose Avila as the place to celebrate their special moments both privately and professionally, which is a testament to the hotel’s timeless appeal and its deep-rooted position in the local community. Its beautiful centrally located beachfront location, combined with top facilities, makes it an ideal choice for such celebrations. Many couples remember their wedding day in Avila as one of the most beautiful days of their lives. Farley Hollander, Resident Manager at Avila, has also tied the knot with his Marcia at the hotel. “My wedding day was the best party of my life. I remember that I was dancing and hotel guests that I know from work, but were not on the guest list, also came by and danced exuberantly next to me. It was a big party and it made the fun complete,” Farley said.
Leading role
Avila is a special place, according to Robbin Vogels, General Manager of Avila Beach Hotel. ‘As a little boy, I used to come here regularly with my father. We then moored the boat at the pier and visited the Schooner Bar on the beach. It’s still great that so many memories have been created in this place,’ says Robbin. While the Avila Beach Hotel looks back on a rich past, it also looks forward to the future. With continuous innovative improvements and renovations, the hotel continues to evolve to meet the modern needs of guests. Sustainability is of paramount importance, both on land and under water. The level of service and giving a personal touch is also extremely important. Robbin: ‘It’s not that beautiful beach or that comfortable hotel room that makes the Avila Beach Hotel, the Avila Beach Hotel. They are our employees, they are the linchpin and play a leading role in the memories and experiences of our guests. We work hard every day to be the best at what we do.”
