Stay & Play
LionsDive Beach Resort Curacao – So Much More Than a Diver’s Sanctuary
by Susan Campbell
I was recently surprised to learn that Curacao’s LionsDive hotel was celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. To be honest, I’d not been keeping up with it much over the years since I don’t dive. (Yet!) But its reputation as being the island’s first diving accommodation Mecca has always been well established. I remember it way back when as a rather nondescript small black and white building of 70-some rooms. But it is the location in front of a unique wall shore dive, beside Ocean Encounters, the island’s premier dive operator, and steps away from the legendary Curacao Sea Aquarium, all added to its allure for those seeking the ultimate scuba holiday. And though I’d passed it countless times conducting my continuous research seeking all new on the island, its transformation was not readily apparent since the bulk of the property sits upon a hill above the beach. So, this trip I decided to plan a brief stay there to catch up with the changes, and all I can say is, “Wow! I had no idea!”
This once Spartan little outpost has since morphed into an uber impressive full-service resort. You’ll need to explore the mazes of lush gardens and secret alleys throughout to discover surprises like an Olympic-size swimming pool (the only one in the Caribbean,) with immaculate lounging areas and a child’s pool. And tucked beside their awesome Asian dining spot called “Nemo” you’ll find another pool bedecked with stunning outdoor local art. In fact, there are many outstanding murals throughout the property created by local artists. I also immediately noted sustainability and environmental protection are a hallmark of this property. Solar panels are on prominent display and water conservation, recycling programs and the like are prominent in the rooms. And let’s talk about the rooms!
This resort now offers a wide host of accommodation choices for all holiday styles and budgets including the luxe new beachfront cabana walk-out suites, and the completion of 28 additional rooms and suites is scheduled for September 2024. (They also plan to improve their gym and spa facilities as well.) But it was my two-bedroom oceanfront second-story stay that was definitely something to write home about. It begins with a full modern kitchen stocked with all you need to self-cater, two bathrooms with rain showers, multiple smart TVs and some beautiful communal living areas. (Note: all outlets are European style, there are no 100–120-volt outlets in the rooms to charge your tech, so adapters are required.) And my balcony was a real showstopper! It was massive, and could easily host a party of a dozen people comfortably, and the view overlooking the beach is spectacular. Day and night.
Then there’s the beach! They have staked out their own private surfside heaven in silky white sand right out-front cresting calm, protected waters ideal for snorkeling and paddle boarding. And if you opt for breakfast inclusion, it’s served buffet-style at Hemingway’s right on that beach. For off-property fun, right next door you have all the cool shops, bars, beach clubs, cafes, and trendy restos of multi-level Mambo Beach Boulevard. And if you want to explore the famous colorful UNESCO World Heritage sites of Willemstad nearby (and you do!) the hotel provides free daily shuttles to town. Oh yes, and if you do dive, they offer excellent sleep and dive packages as well.
