75 Years of Avila: How Curaçao’s Oldest Operating Hotel Keeps Innovating

Seventy-five years of Avila isn’t just a milestone—it’s a masterclass in evolving with purpose. As Curaçao’s oldest operating hotel, opened in 1949, Avila Beach Hotel blends a storied past with modern design, sustainability, and thoughtful guest experiences. In this guide, you’ll see how heritage and innovation meet on property: from historic spaces like The Belle Alliance and the Octagon Museum to today’s private beaches, an infinity pool, wellness, culinary craft, and award-winning sustainability.

A Living Landmark Since 1949

Avila Beach Hotel’s character begins at its original building, The Belle Alliance—named after “Auberge de la Belle Alliance.” It later served as the country residence of the English Governors and today welcomes guests at the heart of the hotel lobby. The property also features the Octagon Museum, underscoring the belief that without history, there would be no future.

Milestones at a glance

75th Anniversary: Festivities and Solidarity

Avila marked its diamond year with a celebration of culture, community, and classic style—proof that enduring icons can still surprise.

February 1, 2024: Festive kick-off

• Musical breakfast with the talented Guitar Man from 8:00 am to 11:00 am.
• Lunch with a complimentary welcome drink and live music by Trio Ekis from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
• Evening performances: Tico Roberto & Friends at Blues Restaurant and Benjisax on the beach at The Pen Restaurant & Terrace, plus a free welcome drink for dinner guests.

June 1, 2024: Great Gatsby-themed party

• Glamorous arrival with valet parking and a black carpet; violin by CJ Opus set the tone.
• Warm welcome by General Manager Robbin Vogels and the executive team; photo moment at the “Avila 75” backdrop.
• Pre-concert lounge with Avila’s blues band and invited artists, a mixology bar, cognac bar, and hors d’oeuvre.
• Vintage lounge areas, living statues, and Avila’s 1926 Rolls Royce elevated the Gatsby ambiance.
• High-energy performances by Christine Corsen, Dibo D, Aemy Niafeliz, Yumarya Grijt, Ephrem J, and Izaline Calister kept the dance floor moving.
• Dessert corner with anniversary cupcakes, coffee from the hotel’s coffee truck, and a cigar roller; guests received goodie bags as a thank-you.
• Attendees included suppliers, event organizers, government officials, musicians, neighboring businesses, residents, returning guests, and the press.

Community giving on February 1

Avila emphasized solidarity by distributing 75 cakes to 75 local organizations and charities, donating 750 meals to the Daily Meal Plan, and providing 75 food parcels to Stichting Nieuw Nederland, distributed by neighborhood legend Rensley Victoria.

Innovation You Can Feel On Property

Avila’s upgrades are designed around how modern travelers relax, recharge, and connect.

Private beaches and an oceanfront infinity pool

• The hotel’s private beaches deliver calm Caribbean waters and postcard views.
• The Infinity Pool merges horizon and sea for a serene visual effect—perfect for a quiet swim or unwinding with poolside service and handcrafted cocktails.

Cloud Nine Spa: Personalized well-being

• Cloud Nine Spa offers therapeutic massages, rejuvenating facials, and luxe body scrubs—tailored to you—just steps from the sea for a soothing, multisensory escape.
• In-house guests can call ext. #7111 from the room phone to explore treatment options; external guests can call +5999 - 788 1949 ext 7111 or send a WhatsApp message. Advance bookings are available via live chat or email.
• Both Cloud Nine Spa and Avila Fitness Center offer use of the outdoor jacuzzi.

Avila Fitness Center and seaside wellness

• Fitness with a view: natural light, a relaxed atmosphere, and a beautiful sea outlook enhance every workout.
• Group classes combine movement with Curaçao’s setting:
  • Beach Challenge – energizing workouts by the shore
  • Spinning – cycling in the historic governor’s mansion
  • Yoga – relaxing seaside sessions
  • Zumba – dance-based fitness with a sea breeze
  • Pilates – core-strengthening with the sound of waves

Culinary Excellence with a Sense of Place

Dining at Avila is steeped in local flavor and coastal ambiance.

• The Pen Restaurant & Terrace sits right by the beach, serving fresh seafood and Caribbean-inspired dishes, including Avila’s famous traditional Keshi Yena. The Pen also hosts distinctive culinary events with Dutch Michelin Chefs twice yearly for over 15 years, alongside weekly happenings.
• Blues Restaurant delivers a one-of-a-kind, end-of-pier experience—seafood, international dishes, and live jazz in a lively, laid-back atmosphere. Don’t miss the famed Bon Bini Cocktail.
• Elevated moments such as Dinner on the Beach and relaxed sips at the Schooner Bar round out the culinary scene.

For more trip planning, explore Restaurants & Bars, Dinner on the Beach, and Curacao Tips.

Sustainability as a Standard, Not a Slogan

Long before “eco” was trendy, Avila anchored its approach in measurable, community-forward action.

• Recognized with a 5th Travelife Gold certification for sustainability.
• Social commitments: local workforce recruitment, prioritizing locally sourced products, and charitable efforts including furniture and school donations.
• Marine protection: partnership with Coral Restoration Foundation Curaçao to maintain a ‘pop-up’ coral nursery; annually, about 1,500 to 2,500 coral fragments are added to Curaçao’s reefs.
• Resource stewardship: integration of 1,246 solar panels, plus conscious reductions in water, electricity, and plastic use.
• Guest-powered impact: Pack for a Purpose invites travelers to bring school supplies for local institutions.
• Global reforestation: for each direct website booking, Avila funds tree planting in Haiti in partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects—15,000+ trees planted since 2019.

Awards and Recognition That Reflect Continuous Improvement

Recent honors affirm Avila’s focus on design, guest experience, and sustainability:

• Three MUSE Hotel Awards for the thoughtfulness of the beach resort, lobby, and fitness spaces.
• Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award, placing the hotel among the top 10% of hotels worldwide.
• Website of the Year 2025 and a TUI Global Hotel Awards Quality Winner recognition.
• An International Sustainability Award highlighting green practices and community care.
• Nominations in four categories at the 2025 LUXE Global Awards: Best Luxury Beachfront Resort, Best Scenic Environment, Best Luxury Heritage Hotel, and Best Luxury Sustainable Hotel.

People, Culture, and Learning

At Avila, innovation is human-centered.

• Hospitality icon and Resident Manager Farley Hollander celebrated his 30th anniversary in 2024. As a guest lecturer at the University of Curaçao (UoC), he supports the next generation with practical hotel experience and a passion for service.
• Avila’s Video Tour offers an immersive behind-the-scenes look at the property and pays a lasting tribute to Guest Relations Manager Germaine Illidge—a testament to the warmth and dedication guests feel upon arrival.

Plan Your Stay: Tradition Meets Today’s Traveler

Avila pairs heritage with modern convenience so you can plan with confidence.

• Prime amenities: Private Beaches, Infinity Pool, Cloud Nine Spa, Avila Fitness Center, in-room facilities.
• Secondary amenities and experiences:
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free Shuttle Service
  • Budget Car Rental
  • Tour Desk
  • Walking Tour Punda & Otrobanda
  • Octagon Museum
  • E Mucha Interactive Workshops
  • Water Activities
  • Wellness Activities
  • Meeting & Event Locations
  • Britt Gift Shop
  • Avila’s Interactive Art

For tailored ideas, explore Plan Your Stay by travel type: Romance & Honeymoon, Family Vacation, Business Travel, Meetings & Events, and Weddings & Ceremonies.

Quick Answers

When was Avila Beach Hotel founded?

• Avila Beach Hotel opened in 1949.

Why is Avila Beach Hotel considered Curaçao’s oldest operating hotel?

• It is the island’s oldest operational hotel, continuously welcoming guests since 1949.

How is Avila innovating after 75 years?

• By blending heritage spaces with modern amenities and programs:
  • Private beaches and an oceanfront Infinity Pool
  • Personalized treatments at Cloud Nine Spa
  • Seaside wellness and diverse fitness classes at Avila Fitness Center (Beach Challenge, Spinning, Yoga, Zumba, Pilates)
  • Verified sustainability (5th Travelife Gold), 1,246 solar panels, coral restoration, and guest-enabled giving (Pack for a Purpose)
  • Award-winning design and digital experience (MUSE awards; Website of the Year 2025)
  • Culinary innovation at The Pen Restaurant & Terrace and live-jazz ambiance at Blues Restaurant

What special events marked the 75th anniversary?

• A festive February 1 kick-off with live music all day and welcome drinks.
• A Great Gatsby-themed party on June 1, 2024, featuring a black carpet arrival, violin by CJ Opus, vintage décor including Avila’s 1926 Rolls Royce, performances by leading artists, and hospitality touches like cupcakes, a coffee truck, a cigar roller, and guest goodie bags.
• Community giving of cakes, meals, and food parcels across local organizations.

Practical Takeaways: How to Experience the Best of Avila

1. Start with a preview: watch the Video Tour to see rooms, beaches, and the people who bring Avila to life.
2. Plan your days: combine the Infinity Pool, a Cloud Nine Spa treatment (ext. #7111), and a seaside wellness class.
3. Make evenings memorable: book The Pen Restaurant & Terrace for Keshi Yena or head to Blues Restaurant for live jazz and a Bon Bini Cocktail; consider Dinner on the Beach for a signature night.
4. Add meaning to your trip: join Pack for a Purpose, explore the Octagon Museum, and browse Curacao Tips for local insights.
5. Streamline logistics: use Free Wi-Fi, the Free Shuttle Service, and Budget Car Rental via the Tour Desk to explore more of Curaçao.

Conclusion

For 75 years, Avila Beach Hotel has welcomed the world with a rare blend of heritage, hospitality, and forward-thinking innovation. From The Belle Alliance and the Octagon Museum to private beaches, an infinity pool, spa and wellness, culinary artistry, and award-winning sustainability, Avila shows how a historic hotel can keep leading—without losing its soul.

Ready to experience the best of both worlds? Check Rates & Availability, explore Plan Your Stay, and start designing your Avila getaway today.