Editorial note: the picture shown at the top of the page is not the Avila. I don't know what it is, perhaps an artist's rendition? But it is far too tall, has far too few trees and the Avila is not anywhere packed as tightly. This needs to be updated or changed. (peek at the two links I provide)

We (family of four) enjoyed 10 days at the Avila in late July 2003. We rented one of the two bedroom units are the far edge of the facility, on the ground floor, and very quickly felt like we had been there before. It was condo-like and had plenty of room for the four of us.

http://www.idyll.com/gallery2/v/places/curacao/

The rooms were airy, clean and well equipped. Our suite included a king size bed in one room and a pair of twins in the other. It was apparent the configuration could be changed and more beds added depending upon the number of people due to the space available. Each room included its own air conditioning and thermostat including the living room-kitchen-shared area. I am not terribly fond of A/C but in Curacao it is something to be used. There were also three ceiling fans inside as well as one outside in the covered patio. We used them as well as the A/C to fend off the late afternoon and evening humidity. In point of fact, the humidity is present at all times but the early morning is OK due to lack of overhead sun. Most nights I would turn off the A/C after everyone was sleeping and just use the overheads.

I would guess another two beds would be possible without crowding things, and in fact it is likely one of the two couches was convertible but we never messed with it.

There is one additional sink and toilet off the living room which was a nice touch if everyone was cleaning up for dinner.

The suite is a full living space and included a nominally large but fully equipped kitchen. Small packets of tea and coffee were replenished each day, as well as a large bowl of fresh fruit.

There were three televisions! One in each bedroom and one in the living room. Though we only used them sparingly, mostly in the evening as we dozed off, they appeared to provide a reasonable cross section of "dish" offerings and a movie channel in English. They used a dish system with which I was not familiar but it behaved like domestic US systems.

The furnishings were not plush but comfortable. The showers provided plenty of hot water though we tended to take cool showers to offset the persisting inclination to sweat. Both bathrooms were combination shower-baths

The cleaning staff were funny, to us. The lady we saw in the morning when we were around to see her, was totally indifferent to us or what were were doing. She just cruised in and did her thing. We would smile and nod or say hello but she did not attempt to engage us in any way. She was not rude at all, just focused. We felt badly always having left sand all over the hard floors from our diving/snorkeling gear but she didn't appear bothered by this as vacuums on hard floors are a mismatch, so she swept.

The setting distinguishes the resort. Our shaded patio was perhaps twenty yards from the protected cove which itself is adjacent the Caribbean. Crystal clear water, a private beach and a wide open view of the steady traffic of gigantic international vessels into the port at Willemstad results in a very visual and idyllic setting.

The food is very good. But keep in mind the island is /hot/. As such, even with the constant offshore breeze (the Trade Winds, literally) eating in Curacao is rarely possible without feeling overheated. In our case it impacted what we ate as well as how much.

The outdoor eating consists of the buffet breakfast which regrettably is tucked back into a corner, and thus minimizes what breeze there is in the morning. Combine this with the largely Dutch-European clientele, which tragically means a fair amount of cigarette smoke, and it can result in a less than ideal way to start your day if you are a non-smoker.

The breakfast food reflects the Dutch prominence on the island, to some degree, but in saying that it should be noted it is more like a "western" buffet than not. Fruits and cereals as well as more traditional eggs and strong coffee were offered, and some unusual pancakes. When the breeze hits the setting is quite pleasant. When the breeze dies, and instead a cloud of unfiltered Turkish cigarette wafts, the experience becomes similar to a visit to a college dorm room in the 60's.

Please, no flames. By simply relocating the outdoor eating twenty yards around the corner there would be a substantial breeze and thus, less heat and potentially less lingering smoke. I respect their right to smoke. What is lacking is the inverse respect, that's all. I would not condemn the resort on the basis of this issue but it is worth noting.

The formal dining is very good, and the evening setting is spectacular under the canopy of little white lights. The Blues is the island's premier jazz site and sits at the end of the small pier on the resort property. It is a splendid place to relax and enjoy the cool evening breeze.

The staff is friendly, very eager to assist and all speak fluent English.

We explored the island and other than Kura Hurlanda would not consider staying anywhere else. As we are avid snorkeler/divers the Kura would also not be our first choice due to being utterly land locked in the redeveloped downtown area, but it is absolutely worth checking out. The Kura would be like staying in a museum. It is also reputed to have awesome, though expensive dining.

The Avila is five minutes from downtown and though you could walk easily, it is likely the heat and humidity would deter you.

This is not an all-inclusive resort, and there are not hoards of people loading into and out of tour buses. It is quiet, serene and a very relaxing place to get away from the crowds.

As a place to base your explorations of the island it is great. You can always return for a cool swim/snorkel in the calm of the private lagoon. And, you will wish to cool off. ;-)

regards,

patrick






Recommended: Yes