WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao — From signing an agreement with Airbnb to celebrating the island’s annual Carnival event, here is a look at the latest news from the island of Curaçao.
Island News
- Airbnb and Curaçao Sign Tourism Agreement: Last month, the government of Curaçao and Airbnb signed an agreement that will create a partnership allowing the parties to address pertinent issues, including taxes and accommodation standards, as well as data sharing strategies and support for the Curaçao Tourism Board’s marketing campaigns. Together, Eugene Rhuggenaath, Curaçao’s Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, and Kenneth Gijsbertha, Curaçao’s Minister of Finance, met with Shawn Sullivan, Airbnb’s Caribbean and Central America representative, to pen an agreement that will help promote Curaçao as a world-class destination for travelers. Currently, there are more than 1,000 Airbnb listings in Curaçao. The agreement will play an important role in growing the island’s sustainable tourism through government and private sector partnerships, officials said. The new arrangement also aims to diversify the island’s tourism industry and bring new opportunities and job development to the nation. For more information, click here.
- Construction of Second Mega Pier Underway: Curaçao Ports Authority is working on constructing a second mega pier, The Tula Pier, located in the Otrobanda area, west of St. Anna Bay. The $43 million project, which is currently on schedule, will assist in keeping up with increasing cruise traffic demand. Over the next few months, supplies, including cranes, 165-foot pipes and special concrete will be delivered to the island from overseas to build the pier. For more information, visit www.curports.com.
- Curaçao Airport Unveils New Arrivals Hall and Restaurant: The Curaçao Airport Partners and the island’s Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Eugene Rhuggenaath, recently unveiled a new arrival hall at Hato International Airport. The new hall, located outside of Customs, features a modernized design that will help travelers kick off an unforgettable vacation experience. Additionally, the airport terminal recently welcomed Gelati Bella Italia, a café serving gelato, coffee, pizza, paninis, smoothies and shakes. For more information, visit www.curacao-airport.com.
Hotel News
- Mood Beach Club Opens at Kontiki Beach Resort: Kontiki Beach Resort recently welcomed Mood Beach Club, a chic, bohemian-inspired beachfront sanctuary, open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Perfectly situated on the sands of Seaquarium Beach, the luxurious new area features comfortable beach beds and spacious cabanas shaded by gently swaying palms. Adjacent to Mood Beach Club is Mood Bites, a stylish oasis set beneath an African-inspired stretch tent. The trendy bar and restaurant serves a selection of sandwiches, salads and pasta for lunch, along with fresh gourmet bites in the evenings. For more information, visit www.moodbeachcuracao.com.
- Morena Resort Adds New Villas, Apartments, Pool and Cafe: Morena Resort, one of Curaçao’s most environmentally friendly hotels, recently completed its expansion process, welcoming new one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as luxurious three and four-bedroom villas. The new accommodations feature a modern design with splashes of reds, warm wood undertones, open kitchens and breezy balconies overlooking the resort’s tropical gardens. Additionally, the property’s new saltwater pool includes luxe chaise lounge chairs and oversized palapas, while the resort’s new restaurant, Mocca Café is expected to debut this month. For more information, visit www.morenaresort.com.
- Avila Beach Hotel Renovates Restaurants and Plans for Room Renovations: Avila Beach Hotel, the oldest operational hotel in Curaçao, recently introduced new menus in all of its on-property restaurants, including the Pool Bar, Schooner Bar, Belle Terrace and Blues Bar & Restaurant. New items include gourmet starters such as mango ceviche and steak tartare, along with fresh seafood and a Truck di Pan 2.0, a local favorite kicked up a notch with chicken, cabbage and fries, smothered in bbq sauce. In addition to the new restaurant menus, Avila Beach Hotel plans to renovate its 20 Oceanfront Blues Rooms in early spring with new furniture additions. For more information on the property’s updates, visit www.avilabeachhotel.com.
- ACOYA Opens A New Spa and Restaurant: Located in downtown Willemstad, ACOYA, a tropical retreat with spacious guest rooms and tranquil villas, recently opened its Lotus Spa & Wellness Center and La Lagoon Restaurant. The new spa encourages guests to rejuvenate with relaxing massages, facials, waxing, manicures and pedicures, while La Lagoon Restaurant features international dishes and is overseen by the same managers who run the popular “The Green House” restaurant on The BLVD. For more information, visit www.acoyacuracao.com.
Diving News
- Substation Curaçao Offers A Shark Deep Dive: This month, Substation Curaçao will feature a new Shark Deep Dive excursion for travelers to get a glimpse of the Caribbean’s sharks 1,000 feet below sea level. The new shark dive is dedicated entirely to spotting the ocean’s shark species, including Cuban Dog Sharks, Seven Gill Sharks, Green Murray Sharks, and more. Thanks to the Curasub, a certified mini-submarine, participants can explore depths unreachable for divers. Once underwater, explore the island’s bustling underworld of colorful fish, corals, and shipwrecks. For more information, visit www.substation-curacao.com.
Information courtesy Curaçao Tourist Board.