The Avila Beach Hotel Curacao, is a Dutch Colonial style hotel, unique in its history, location, architecture, atmosphere, and lush tropical surroundings. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Curacao/avilabeachhotel/hotel/1424/35/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:50:46 EST The heart of the Avila Beach Hotel is a beautiful Dutch Colonial style mansion, which today houses the lobby and various executive offices of the hotel. It is estimated that the original mansion was built at the end of the 18th century. During the British rule at the beginning of the 19th century, it became the residence of the British Governors and later on that of the Dutch. The original part of the complex was called "La Belle Alliance". Another building of great historical importance on the Avila grounds is the charming seaside cupolo known as the Octagon because of its octagonal shape. Around 1812, the Venezuelan liberator Simón Bolívar and his two sisters took refuge at the Octagon during their time of exile from the Venezuelan war of independence against Spain. Today this building serves as a small museun in memory of the connection between Simón Bolívar and Curaçao. The historical ambiance and romantic seaside setting are perfect for hosting elegant wedding receptions, special meetings, poetry readings and concerts. The Avila's a step back in time and a step forward in vacation pleasure. A special place to make a little history of your own. Regardless of improvements, current and yet to come, guests can remain assured that the core values that make up the hotel's philosophy will remain untouched. The Avila Beach Hotel has a rich history and a bright future as one of Curaçao's premium sophisticated hotels. What to expect: A late-1700s Dutch Colonial mansion at the center of this multi-section hotel once served as the Curaçao governor's residence and now is the lobby building. The mansion was called La Belle Alliance. That name is preserved in one of the hotel's sections, which includes a vermillion recital hall where chamber-music festivals are held several times a year. The Avila Beach Hotel's rich history, proximity to downtown Willemstad, and reputation for personal service (the Dutch Royal family stays here) attract guests from around the world. Amenity highlights: Two private beaches with thatched shades fringe swimming coves protected by rock breakwaters, with snorkeling-and-scuba reefs just beyond. A dive center one block away delivers rental snorkeling and scuba gear. Treatments at the hotel's Relax au Paradis Spa include the Water Massage in the sea, couples massage, the After Sun Aloe Wrap, and the beachside Sunset Massage. Insider tip: Octagon, an octagonal, tower-like house with a domed roof is located on the hotel's grounds. Venezuelan liberator Simón Bolivar spent time there before setting out in the early 19th century to free Venezuela (and eventually all South America) of Spanish colonial rule. When his first revolt failed, he retreated to Curaçao, and his two sisters moved into Octagon. Today the house is a museum devoted to Bolivar. Guided tours are offered for a surcharge. Blues Wing The west wing is called BluesWing, because it complements the wooden structure of the pier restaurant, Blues, across the water Deluxe The East wing is called La Belle Alliance because this was the original name of the Governor's mansion.It was our first addition to the Avila Beach Hotel and in this wing you will find the Deluxe rooms with balconies and ocean view. Suites The 8 spacious Suites are also located in the La Belle Alliance wing and consist of a living room, a separate bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen with microwave and dishwasher, a private bathroom with bath and an extra toilet. Classic Rooms Our moderate and preferred rooms are located in the historical section of the hotel. They are smaller in size and do not offer hot water due to the limitations of an older plumbing system. However, the sun heats the pipes from the Curaçao water system which in turn provide warm water at day-time and cool refreshing water at night. The Avila Beach Hotel offers two small, private beaches with swimming coves protected by rock breakwaters. Reefs just outside the cove are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. A dive center one block away delivers rental snorkeling and scuba gear and offers scuba instruction/certification and snorkeling/scuba excursions. Use of a lighted tennis court is complimentary. Belle Terrace Imagine a romantic Caribbean open-air dining terrace where balmy trade wind breezes and the vivid blue Caribbean sea provide the ultimate tropical setting to an exquisite and unforgettable dining experience. The breaking surf on the beach serves as background music as the giant old Royal Poinciana ("Flamboyant") tree transforms into a magical canopy of hundreds of festive white lights above. The Belle Terrace features an exquisite à la carte menu with international, Danish, and local island cuisine, as well as a weekly 3 course special dinner menu. Experience authentic Curaçao culture and cuisine at the Avila Beach Hotel with our Wednesday's "Antillean Night" with local specialties and live entertainment. Saturday evenings is our delectable "Grill Night" with an expansive salad bar and live steel-band or Mexican (Mariachis) music. The Belle Terrace is open for lunch from noon to 2:30 p.m. and for dinner from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Blues Cool cocktails, succulent lobster dishes and…live jazz! The Blues bar and restaurant is THE jazz spot in Curaçao, Located at the end of our beach pier, The Blues offers the jazziest sunsets in the Caribbean, late night dining and is the favorite place to be for local jazz fans. Open every day (except Mondays) for dinner. Live music on Thursdays and Saturdays. Avila Café Awaken to the heavenly aroma of baking breads, pastries and fresh brewed coffee. Breakfast at the Avila Café, our charming patio restaurant, is a sumptuous buffet offering many choices for all tastes. Snacks and an assortment of beverages served throughout the day. Schooner Bar Resembling a wooden boat halfway buried in the white sands of the Avila Beach, the Schooner Bar presents you with the ultimate quiet relaxation with your favorite drink during daytime, at sunset, and into the balmy, tropical night. Type: Hotel No. of Rooms: 108 Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Curacao/avilabeachhotel/hotel/1424/35/ Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:50:46 EST