{"id":145986,"date":"2021-10-21T22:13:08","date_gmt":"2021-10-22T01:13:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gay.blog.br\/?p=145986"},"modified":"2021-10-28T20:01:48","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T23:01:48","slug":"review-avila-beach-hotel-curacao","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gay.blog.br\/en\/leisure\/tourism\/review-avila-beach-hotel-curacao\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Avila Beach Hotel, Cura\u00e7ao"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is a Dutch proverb that says “Keep your finger on your wrist” (“De vinger aan de pols houden”<\/em>), which refers to the constant checking of vital signs through the heartbeat. This is possibly the motto of the management of the Avila Beach<\/a><\/strong>, the oldest hotel<\/strong> in Curacao.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Review:<\/a>
Avila Beach is the oldest hotel in Curacao. Photo: Vin\u00edcius Yamada<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Near the historic Punda <\/strong>district, Avila<\/a>‘s first building dates back to 1780, and is now the reception area. What we have as a four-star<\/strong> hotel today, previously served as the residence of English rulers until the mid-1800s, hosted the revolutionary Sim\u00f3n Bol\u00edvar and his sisters after the failure of the first stage of the revolt in Venezuela in 1812, was a private hospital at the end of World War II and, from the 1950s, became a favorite hotspot<\/em> for tourists of high social status. It is where, for example, Dutch royalty have always stayed, having recently welcomed King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima (current monarchs) as guests in 2018.<\/p>\n

Understanding and serving the context of each decade to never lose its vital signs is the finger on the wrist that Avila<\/a> maintains. One can be sure of this, now in 2021, when entering any of its 157 accommodations (131 rooms and 26 apartments) and being surprised by very modern facilities. Outside, centuries-old architecture, inside, the future.<\/p>\n

\"One<\/a>
Avila Beach Hotel’s private beaches – Photo: Vin\u00edcius Yamada<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another well-known tradition of Avila<\/a> is its hospitality to the LGBTQIA+ community,<\/strong><\/a> following the positioning of Cura\u00e7ao, which sells itself as “the most friendly island in the Caribbean”. On its website, the hotel reinforces: “Our inclusive policy reflects the fact that we are the first hotel in Cura\u00e7ao to become a member of IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association). Our staff is prepared to make no distinctions and we are highly sought after to perform wedding ceremonies for gay and lesbian guests on our premises. Whether your shower, commitment ceremony, romantic dinner, or honeymoon, our reservations and events departments will be happy to help you plan the details of your special day”.<\/em>\u00a0And, indeed, there a couple of lesbians kisses quietly on the beach of the Avila Hotel<\/a> without being the subject of any crooked glances, neither by the staff nor by the guests.<\/p>\n

About the staff, <\/strong>the team is spontaneously helpful and careful, to the point of remembering your place on the beach to bring your predicted drink and even receive a personal welcome from the general manager, the very nice Germaine<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"There<\/a>
There are two private beaches in Avila – Photo: Vin\u00edcius Yamada<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

TWO BEACHES \ud83c\udfd6\ufe0f<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While most major hotels in Cura\u00e7ao offer a private beach,<\/strong> the Avila<\/a> offers two.<\/strong> Both are calm, protected from the big waves by a small rock wall. It is possible to borrow from the hotel a stand up paddle board <\/em><\/strong>and\/or a snorkel<\/strong> to enjoy the beautiful reefs.<\/p>\n

On the sand are available parasols, kiosks, sun loungers, and a bar that serves drinks and snacks. Another gentle detail of Avila<\/a> is putting dispensers, such as those of alcohol gel, but with sunscreen<\/strong> of the brand Raw Elements<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"Photogenic<\/a>
Photogenic stone – Photo: Vin\u00edcius Yamada<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There is also very a photogenic infinity edge pool<\/strong> overlooking the sea near the “Octagon Museum”.<\/p>\n

MUSEUM \ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Still rescuing part history, the hotel has turned into a museum<\/strong> the two-story octogonal building where Sim\u00f3n Bol\u00edvar<\/strong> stayed before gathering the armed forces to end Spanish colonial rule in South America. Named “Octagon Museum”<\/strong>, the place is open for visitation on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 12 pm. In addition to the museum, various pieces of art, such as sculptures,<\/strong> are also strategically distributed throughout the hotel.<\/p>\n

In 2007, a wing was built next to this museum. Also called “Octagon”, the contemporary complex houses a convenience store, beauty salon, souvenir shop <\/strong>and 68 rooms, including the Bol\u00edvar Suite<\/strong>, <\/a><\/strong>the hotel’s most luxurious and beloved accommodation. A patio<\/strong> was made there, also in front of this complex, for weddings, concerts, fairs, and various events.<\/p>\n