On Location: Chic bungalows with a view – PAX unpacks adults-only Il Mare at Dreams Curaçao

With all its perks, conveniences, and advantages, the all-inclusive experience admittedly may not be for all travellers.

But when it comes to Il Mare, the newly-opened, adults-only addition to Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino, part of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection, perhaps the more appropriate term to use is “all-seclusive” to more accurately describe the experience of staying in the resort’s secluded, ultra-private section that offers luxury with all-inclusive benefits.

Opened in December of last year, PAX was recently invited to experience the new addition consisting of 52 detached beachfront bungalows, offering unmatched and unobstructed views of Dutch Caribbean’s picturesque Piscadera Bay with its clear blue waters.

“Today’s travellers are increasingly seeking upscale amenities and personalized experiences, and Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection is delivering just that with the recent opening of Il Mare,” said Carolina Bellina, senior director of Canadian sales at Hyatt Inclusive Collection. 

A private piece of paradise

Each 377 square foot bungalow is a sleek fiberglass, self-contained spacious unit with modern finishings, a king-sized bed, two bathroom vanities, a work space for travellers who may have to log on remotely, and sliding glass doors leading to a private patio where guests can admire the view in solitude and serenity.

While Il Mare is indeed part of Dreams, it's removed enough from the main property to feel like its own separate private piece of paradise. “The truly unique Preferred Club beachfront bungalows are the perfect backdrop for the ultimate adults-only vacation,” said Bellina. 

“We’re the first in the Caribbean to have this kind of bungalow,” said Juan Carlos Ramirez, associate director of sales for Curaçao’s Hyatt Inclusive Collection. “The amazing vistas we have here in Curaçao, there’s no better way to enjoy them with a room like this one because you literally just open the curtain and you’re right there in nature.”

Butler service, activated

Part of Hyatt’s Preferred Club, the Il Mare experience comes with its own separate check-in process as well as exclusive amenities like Battelino, a Mediterranean á la carte restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and Blu, a poolside bar offering top shelf spirits and curated cocktails.

“While this private escape is perfect for those seeking intimate offerings, there are also areas for socializing with other travellers,” said Bellina.

READ MORE: Dreams Curaçao debuts Il Mare Adults-Only Preferred Club

Guests of Il Mare are also invited to take part in group activities like Sip & Paint events and cocktail classes and have full access to Dreams and all of its restaurants and amenities as well as the nearby resort, Zoetry, another property of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection in Curaçao.

The Il Mare experience is as inclusive or exclusive as travellers desire it to be.

For those seeking that more private experience, Il Mare offers 24-hour butler and room service.

“That butler service definitely is appealing for a lot of our guests,” said Hector Quiroz, Dreams’ director of sales. “I’d recommend travel advisors push that particular amenity because it's something that not everybody is aware of. We're trying to push that into the market so they know that as soon as you book, you can contact our butler team, and they can start customizing their experience.”

Seaside swimming

A particular gem of the Il Mare property is the stunning seaside infinity pool featuring a handful of private cabanas.

“That infinity pool is just beautiful,” said Quiroz, “because of how it’s laid out, almost anywhere you are in that section, the views just invite you to relax and enjoy the sun.”

While the pool is an amenity also accessible for guests of nearby Zoetry, the pool rarely, if ever, feels crowded. “It remains exclusive for all those that are paying additional,” added Quiroz.

And while Il Mare’s amenity area is mere steps from the bungalows, it’s spaced far enough away to maintain the secluded sanctity of the accommodations and that is by design.

“The idea here was to give privacy to everyone, because as you know, it’s adults only,” explained Ramirez, adding, “and the real goal here was not to disturb the views.”

“Like tiny houses, right next to each other”

So, who is the ideal guest for the Il Mare experience?

“Well, that’s the beauty of this particular section,” explained Quiroz, “we believe it connects with a wide range of segments.”

And that includes parties both small and large. “I would say couples and friends travelling together,” adds Ramirez. “It could be just a romantic getaway for couples celebrating the anniversary or their honeymoon. Also, we can host a wedding.”

Since opening in December, Il Mare has hosted three weddings, booking out about 20 rooms each time.

“It’s an ideal spot for a destination wedding because everyone has their own bungalow,” said Ramirez, “but we can put all rooms in the same section so they’re right next to each other but they also have their own space. But you’re still all together.” 

Friend groups are also welcome. “I think there’s no better way to enjoy it as friends,” said Ramierez, “They’re like tiny houses right next to each other.”

“It really depends on what you want,” added Quiroz, “and that’s the beauty of the butlers because they help customize the entire experience, they can focus on making it as romantic or as fun as you prefer.”

So far, Il Mare is going over well with travellers since opening four months ago.

“It’s been amazing and we are already sold out on a lot of dates in April…people are coming because they know it’s something different,” said Quiroz.

Corporate groups are also on the resort’s radar: “We’re actually getting some buyouts already for Il Mare because it’s such a unique zone.”

For Canadian travel advisors with clients looking for something different in a sun-filled destination, Ramirez says Il Mare fits the bill.

“You go to Cancun, you go to Cuba, you go to Cabo, you go to Puerto Vallarta…Canadians are eager to score a new destination,” he says. “Il Mare is a pretty unique option of the Caribbean.”

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