If someone came up with the wild idea to start rating hotels by their gyms, Hotel Avila would be at the top. How many times have we suffered through vacations with only a stationary bicycle in a hot room with no air conditioning? Too many, I’m afraid. Guess what? Get in shape at The Avila, Curacao, while you’re soaking up all that fabulous island sun, Caribbean ambience and the charm of the Afro-Dutch people.
Perched on the second floor of an octagonal wing just behind the lobby, the Avila’s gym practically sits in the Caribbean Sea and features dazzling views from its floor to ceiling windows. The state of the art facility is definitely a feather in the hotel’s cap and includes a wellness club with the latest TechnoGym equipment as well as one of the most beautiful spas on the island, the Santai Spa. Power up at one of the cardio stations that include integrated TV and ports for your iPod or enjoy an intensive workout on their Kinesis Wall, a professional movement system that incorporates countless exercises and is itself a thing of beauty. The clean and spare blond wood flooring throughout, diffused recessed lighting and an outdoor relaxation deck complete with a bubbling Jacuzzi will entice you to spend your mornings here after a stroll around the hotel’s stunning grounds and before a healthy breakfast of fresh fruit and muesli. Like skimmed milk on your cereal and hot milk in your coffee? No problem, the Avila’s got it covered.
If, like me, you’re feeling relaxed after breakfast from the sound of lapping waves and the energetic show of the sugar thieving Curacao finches, take ten in one of the hotel’s green and white Adirondack chairs on the adjacent beach patio and gaze wistfully out to sea. Let the soft Curacao breezes lull you into a little nap, and then order one of the Schooner Bar’s freshly made mojitos after your doze before moving on to explore the property’s Octagon Museum. This beautifully restored 18th century landmark on the Avila’s shores is an exposition dedicated to the life and accomplishments of Simon Bolivar who spent time in Curacao. I’m sure he hated leaving. The fine collection of restored 19th century local furniture will pique your curiosity about the hotel’s past and how it has evolved to where it is today. You’ll have no doubt about its pedigree though, after spying the 1926 Rolls Royce installed literally inside the Avila Boutique. The shining example of undisputed craftsmanship is only used for important governmental occasions on island but has been known to do double time at a wedding or two.
By the way did we mention the accommodations? Lodging at the hotel is exemplary with 3 wings, each unique in itself. The Octagon Wing is the latest achievement at the Hotel, the 68 guest accommodations all with balconies and ocean views and decorated in sophisticated neutrals with splashes of Caribbean colors. These will appeal to the modern traveler who truly appreciates a pared down sensibility and contemporary European style. If the Bolivar Suite is available, grab it, as you’ll never tire of that wraparound balcony. This top floor surprise weighs in at a full 1,544 square feet.
The Belle Alliance wing in a tropical garden setting is truly old world Caribbean in feel and was the first addition to the original Avila Hotel, built in 1949. In this typical Dutch colonial style wing, deluxe rooms and suites have private balconies and ocean views. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was sufficiently impressed to personally request to stay in this wing and it’s her favorite when she visits. Who can argue with that?
The Blues Wing rooms are part of an all wood structure built off a pier of the hotel’s private beach and are literally perched over the sea. These offer balconies and terraces with spectacular views as well.
The Avila’s sensational staff is at the ready to assist with a smile and the only problem you’ll have during your stay is tearing yourself away from the hotel. But then again, who can argue with getting in shape?
The Avila Hotel
Penstraat 130-134
Willemstad, Curacao
800-747-8162
+599-461-4377
www.avilahotel.com