There are some places you almost want to keep to yourself.
Not because they’re too good to share, but because they’re the kind of places you hope never change.
Tucked away on a private stretch of coastline just minutes from the colorful capital city of Willemstad, Baoase Curaçao is one of those rare places that exceeds every vacation expectation. From the moment we arrived, it felt different. Quiet. Intimate. Relaxed. The kind of luxury that never feels overdone.
Most travelers think of Aruba when planning a Caribbean vacation. But just 70 miles away is Curaçao, an island with the same crystal clear turquoise water and white sand beaches, but a completely different feel. It’s colorful, authentic and refreshingly uncrowded, with charming Dutch architecture, hidden coves, incredible snorkeling and diving, and a culture that still feels genuine. Even better, Curaçao sits outside the hurricane belt, making it a wonderful destination year-round.
What I loved most is that you don’t have to choose between luxury and authenticity. You can spend the morning on a secluded beach, wander the colorful streets of Willemstad in the afternoon, and be back at the resort in time for an incredible dinner overlooking the water.
If Aruba is the destination everyone already knows, Curaçao still feels like the Carribean's best kept secret. Hidden behind lush tropical gardens, Baoase Curaçao is one of those rare boutique resorts that feels more like a private estate than a hotel. With just 23 suites, villas and rooms, it never feels busy.
That feeling is no accident. Baoase Curaçao began as a private family retreat built by founder Ad van der Valk and his partner, Bibi. What started as their own Master Villa soon grew to include five family villas, surrounding what is now the resort’s signature tropical infinity pool.. Over time, that private familyoasis evolved into the intimate boutique resort guests enjoy today. Even after expanding to just 23 accommodations, it has never lost the warmth and personal feel of a family home. Even the name reflects its beginnings. “Baoase” comes from “Bibi’s and Ad’s Oasis,” a fitting tribute to the family retreat that grew into one of the Caribbean’s most beloved boutique resorts.
One of the coolest parts? We stayed in one of those original villas. Knowing the history made it feel even more special.
Our villa quickly became one of my favorite accommodations anywhere in the Caribbean. The indoor and outdoor living spaces flowed seamlessly together, but my favorite feature was stepping right from our terrace into the resort’s beautiful infinity pool. It felt like having our own private oasis while still enjoying everything the resort has to offer.
What impressed me most, though, wasn’t just how beautiful Baoase Curaçao is. It was how peaceful it felt.
The resort was completely full during our stay, yet you would never have guessed it. There were no crowded pools, no waiting for a table and no waking up at sunrise to claim a lounge chair. There were always cabanas available, and the staff happily reserved one for us each morning with towels and everything already set up. It made relaxing feel effortless.
One of our favorite surprises was the wildlife that calls Baoase Curaçao home. Iguanas roam freely throughout the lush tropical gardens, and before long we had adopted one as our own, naming him “Iggy.” Spotting him throughout our stay quickly became one of our favorite parts of each day and added even more charm to an already unforgettable place.
That feeling carried throughout the entire stay. The service was warm, genuine and incredibly thoughtful. Before long, the staff knew our names, remembered our favorite drinks and somehow always seemed to be one step ahead without ever being intrusive.
One of my favorite afternoons was spent at Baoase Curaçao’s open-air spa. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens with the sound of the Caribbean just beyond the palms, we enjoyed a couples massage that perfectly captured the relaxed pace of the resort. It was peaceful, restorative and exactly what a vacation should feel like.
This trip was especially meaningful because it was a rare getaway for just my husband and me, without the kids. Baoase Curaçao was the perfect place to reconnect and truly relax. At the same time, we found ourselves saying over and over how much our children would love it. Between the calm beach, tropical wildlife, spacious villas, private pools and endless opportunities to explore, it’s just as well suited for families as it is for couples. We left feeling refreshed as a couple - and already talking about coming back one day with our kids.
Then there’s the food.
The Culinary Beach Restaurant was one of the highlights of the trip. Every meal was creative, beautifully presented and absolutely delicious. We loved that every evening felt different, from themed dinners and beach barbecues to inventive tasting menus that made us look forward to dinner all day.
For guests looking to experience more of the island, Baoase Curaçao can arrange private yacht excursions around Curaçao, making it easy to snorkel, discover secluded beaches or simply enjoy a day on the water.
As tempting as it is to spend your entire vacation at Baoase Curaçao, Curaçao is an island worth exploring.
The colorful waterfront streets of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are filled with charming cafés, boutiques and beautiful Dutch architecture. Hidden beaches, dramatic cliffs and a welcoming local culture make the island feel authentic in a way that’s becoming harder to find in the Caribbean.
One experience we couldn’t miss was a day trip to Klein Curaçao, a tiny uninhabited island surrounded by some of the bluest water I’ve ever seen. Fair warning, getting there isn’t for the faint of heart. Depending on the weather, the open-water crossing can be rough. But once you arrive, you’ll understand why people rave about it. We spent the day snorkeling in crystal-clear water, enjoying a beachfront barbecue lunch and soaking in the unreal scenery. It felt like stepping into a postcard, and every bump on the boat ride over was worth it.
The best part? After a full day of adventure, we returned to Baoase Curaçao just in time to shower, relax and enjoy another incredible dinner overlooking the Caribbean. It was the perfect reminder that no matter how wonderful Curaçao is, coming back to Baoase Curaçao always felt like coming home.
What makes Baoase Curaçao so special isn’t just one thing. It’s the combination of beautiful accommodations, incredible food, thoughtful service and an atmosphere that’s somehow private even when the resort is full.
There are plenty of beautiful resorts in the Caribbean. Very few have you thinking about your return before you’ve even left.
Baoase Curaçao is one of those places. And while part of me wanted to keep it our little secret, it’s simply too special not to share.
Coming Soon: There’s even more to look forward to at Baoase Curaçao. In early 2027, the resort will debut 14 new accommodations, thoughtfully designed to offer the same privacy, personalized service and intimate feel that make Baoase so special.
For more information, visit www.baoase.com.
"There are some places you almost want to keep to yourself - not because they’re too good to share, but because they’re the kind of places you hope never change."