On Location: Three times the paradise – PAX unpacks Dreams, Sunscape & Zoëtry in Curaçao

With its white sand beaches, aquamarine waters, year-long warm weather, and unique features separating it from other tropical locations, the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao is becoming more and more of a popular destination choice for Canadian travellers looking to escape the winter blues.

“Canadians are pushing to get to know somewhere new,” said Juan Carlos Ramirez, associate director of sales for Curaçao’s Hyatt Inclusive Collection, “Canadians are eager to explore a new destination and that’s what makes us unique.”

Curaçao is an incredible destination for Canadian travellers, especially during the winter months,” added Carolina Bellina, Hyatt’s senior director of Canadian sales, “the island offers a unique mix of Dutch, Caribbean, and Latin cultures – with options for everyone.”

And when it comes to options for where to stay while in Curaçao,  the Hyatt Inclusive Collection offers several for sun-seeking Canadians - newest on the roster is Il Mare, the uber chic adults-only beachfront bungalows that opened in December on a previously uninhabited oceanfront portion of Dreams Curaçao Resort and Spa, and Casino, which Hyatt took over in 2019, the nearby Zoëtry Curaçao Resort & Spa, and Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino which Hyatt acquired back in 2021.

“Each resort brand offers a distinct experience, but together they provide the perfect blend of options to suit every type of traveler visiting Curaçao,” said Bellina. “Whether guests are planning a family getaway, a solo retreat or a destination wedding with loved ones, Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection’s Curaçao resorts are ideal for an unforgettable vacation.”

During a recent visit to the newly opened Il Mare bungalows, PAX was also invited to check out the Hyatt Inclusive Collection's other properties on the island 

Dreams Curaçao

Dreams Curaçao, part of the Southern coast of Curacao nestled along the sandy beaches of Piscadera Bay, is a 15-minute drive from Hato International Airport.

It offers 249 rooms (all with balconies offering ocean, partial ocean, or island views) along with a main pool, a kids pool, a stunning infinity pool, pool bar, several a la carte restaurants and other bars.

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

“Dreams Resorts & Spas offer vacations for couples and couples with children in luxurious beachfront settings,” said Bellina.

In addition to Curacao, Hyatt has Dreams locations across Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Europe.

“You have travellers that go to Dreams because they’re with their family, or they just enjoy their brand, or they just enjoy the location of the resort,” said Hector Quiroz, Dreams’ director of sales.

And while Dreams is not adults-only, it does offer portions of the result that are off limits to kiddos.

“Every single Dreams has an adult-only section – it could be a pool, a bar, it could be a small area of the beach that’s just for adults to hang out,” said Quiroz.

When it comes to dining, Dreams offers six options, including World Cafe, a buffet restaurant, a cafe, beachfront snack bar and three a la carte restaurants including Portofino (an Italian restaurant with an option for private dining), and the two oceanfront restaurants, Seaside Grill (American fare) and Oceana (Caribbean fare with menu items like ceviche, lobster bisque, and tuna tartare). It also features unparalleled views of the nightly sunset.

In fact, for Canadian travellers in search of stunning picturesque sunsets, Dreams is top notch. During the daylight hours, for fitness aficionados, the resort offers the largest and most outfitted fitness centre of all the Hyatt Inclusive Collection properties.

Reconnect at Zoëtry

At nearby Zoëtry which is an easy walk or quick golf cart ride away from Dreams and Il Mare, the atmosphere is one of tranquility and serenity.

“Zoëtry has a more wellness focus,” said Quiroz. “It’s more about reconnecting with yourself. As soon as you walk into the property, I particularly love it because it automatically calms you down. The tropical vibe invites you to relax.”

The Zoëtry property is quiet and lush with plenty of foliage and a relaxed botanical feel to it.

Bellina describes it as “a 72-suite tropical paradise retreat with a garden, tropical and pool views with unique décor inspired by natural and organic motifs.”

The Zoëtry brand, with locations across Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Saint Lucia, and Spain, “is known for being a sanctuary of peace with a sauna, steam room, rain shower, and indoor and outdoor lounge areas,” explained Bellina. “Here, guests can relax and recharge where everything is included in the stay – from organic food and beverage selections to 24-hour private in-suite dining.”

The pool area, including a hot tub, is surrounded by abundant flora and fauna with a bar, Palm, serving up top shelf liquor and cocktails, and restaurant, Botanica, offering poolside snacks at lunch and á la carte grilled specialties for dinner – all al fresco.

Another restaurant, Bloom, with indoor and outdoor seating, serves up breakfast and dinner featuring international menu items with a Curaçao twist.

There are also two indoor lobby bars, Flora, where you can find coffees, premium drinks, and classic cocktails, as well as Corks and Cordials featuring red and white wines and Cava and Prosecco.

While Zoëtry itself doesn’t offer beach/ocean access, guests are invited to venture over to Dreams to use the facilities there including the beautiful beach.

“That’s the beauty of this destination,” said Quiroz, “we’re very versatile” Guests of Il Mare, meanwhile, are permitted full access to both the Dreams and Zoëtry properties and amenities

Family fun at Sunscape

Over at Sunscape, travellers will find a more traditional all-inclusive experience. With 341 rooms and suites, it’s the largest of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection in Curaçao.

It’s located on an expansive stunning white sand beach with access to water activities including snorkeling through the National Underwater Park just in front of the resort. And while Il Mare is the only truly adults-only experience in the collection, Sunscape is definitely the most family friendly of all the properties.

Bellina said Sunscape “takes family fun to the next level in vibrant, colourful beachfront locations. The resort brand stands out for its approachable, family-first focus that combines comfort, fun, and value. Each resort has spacious accommodations, kid-friendly amenities and exciting daily activities – perfect for multigenerational family travel.”

With four à la carte restaurants, a buffet, cafe, and multiple bars including a swim up, daily activities like bingo and cocktail classes and nightly entertainment, Sunscape has something for everybody.

“Sunscape is designed to provide guests with a worry-free experience,” said Bellina. "It encompasses 24-hour access to food and beverages, best-in-class service, endless day and nighttime activities, and supervised programs at the Explorer’s Club for Kids and Core Zone Teens Club. This approach ensures that everything guests could want or need during their stay is included.”

But should guests want to venture off the resort, heading into the city centre is made easy with a transportation option across the street from Sunscape.

“In this particular destination, Sunscape could be more for those adventurous travellers that are seeking a property where they can feel safe within the all-inclusive but still to be able to enjoy a little bit more of the destination,” said Quiroz. “You can explore, go outside of the resort, be able to go to a restaurant or bar without hurting your budget. Why? Because the price point of Sunscape is lower than Dreams or Zoëtry.”

Of course, it all depends on what specifics travellers are looking for in a trip to Curaçao but representatives from Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection say whatever Canadians are seeking, they seem to be finding it.

“For several months, Canada is our first market, so that means that they're liking it,” said Ramirez.

“Curaçao has long been a favourite destination for Canadian travellers, and it continues to be a great option due to the unique cultural experience, cuisine, and tropical climate,” added Bellina. “Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Curaçao, exploring unique architecture, diverse restaurants, and the city’s lively atmosphere.”

The culture is a huge draw for Canadians. In addition to the beautiful beaches Curaçao has to offer, the capital city of Willemstad, with its Dutch influences and European flair, sets it apart from other tropical destinations.

“It’s rich in culture, it’s rich in tradition. If you want to immerse yourself into a European Caribbean town, I think we’re in the best location for that.” said Ramirez. “Literally once you step into downtown, you feel like you’re in Europe with Caribbean style…you feel like you’re in Copenhagen or in Amsterdam with the beautiful, colourful houses.”

The connectivity, of course, is another attraction for Canadians.

“The accessibility is a big draw,” said Bellina. “During the winter season, there is an increase in direct flights from major Canadian cities with airlines like Air Canada and WestJet offering non-stop service from cities such as Toronto and Montreal.”

Ease of getting to Curaçao isn’t the only logistical advantage for Canadian travellers. “English is widely spoken which can be helpful when partaking in activities,” said Bellina, “and, since the island is outside the hurricane belt, there's extra peace of mind when planning a trip.”

Ramirez predicts Canadians will be planning more trips to Curaçao. “I’m sure that in the coming years, Curaçao is going to be one of the top destinations for the Canadian market in the Caribbean.”

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