Baoase Luxury Resort

When entering the gates of the Baoase Luxury Resort in Curacao, one enters a carefully crafted world of chic yet down-to-earth elegance. Loungey remixes of Gotye drift through the air, mint-infused frozen drinks are served in coconuts, and succulents in small pots line the bar and tables. You’ll happen upon Buddha statues residing next to conch shells, and a Ganesha statue chilling close by, amidst the sound of palm tree fronds rustling in the wind.The boutique hotel knows that what makes a property unique and memorable is in the details. From the candles and incense lit in the evenings to the rustic, hand-carved decorative pieces imported from Asia, the experience is stylish, intimate and relaxed.The luxury hotel’s style is heavily influenced by Indonesian culture; for example guests are asked to take their shoes off before entering the rooms, and a small footbath with a bamboo ladle sits by every door. Another instance: dozens of antique wood doors from an old monastery in Bali were shipped in to create one-of-a-kind art pieces for eight suites that were added in 2015.Children are allowed at the hotel, but the posh atmosphere is definitely geared toward adults. It is one of the most romantic hotels on the island, with special extras available for couples, such as luxurious moonlight picnics. The resort is centered around a large Banyan tree at the heart of the property, surrounded by a garden where colorful fish-shaped lanterns hang near a small Hindu shrine. Large pieces of driftwood are used for furniture on the beach, like tables and benches, while dozens of lanterns and candles are lit about the property, make a very romantic setting at night. Another quirk: Next to the pool there is an area surrounded by a stone wall where two large turtles reside, and often munching on meals of fresh fruit. All of these details combine to transport you to another place -- a calmer, hipper place where time is not of the essence, and a chill atmosphere and relaxation are the order of the day.

The Baoase Luxury Resort is located on the popular south coast of the island, just outside of the capital city of Willemstad. It sits on a quiet stretch of man-made beach that wraps around a small protected cove, creating calm waters for swimming. The property extends out to a footbridge that connects to a small man-made island, offering great sunset views.The location of the hotel is relatively remote, and not much is located in walking distance of the property -- a car or taxi is needed to get to town or to any other restaurants or bars. It’s about a 10-minute drive to Punda, which is the main downtown shopping district and historic area of Willemstad. It’s a 20-minute ride to the airport.

Of the 23 units making up the resort, there are three rooms, 11 suites, and nine villas with two, three or four bedrooms. Some of the villas are actually separate houses featuring a private yard filled with tropical foliage, an outdoor living room, a pool with a hammock and a private outdoor shower. Other villas are centered around the main pool, with steps leading to the water, allowing guests to swim out from their deck into the pool. Still, plenty of privacy is provided by a discreet layout and dense tropical foliage between the units.The outdoor living rooms feature comfortable seating, filled with pillows in jewel-tone ruby reds and purples, surrounded by elegant archways and dark wooden columns that frame views of the pool. The rooms differ in size and have unique amenities, but all have a general Indonesian theme and open layouts. The Honeymoon Suite features a large deck with a five-person hot tub and a flat-screen TV that rises up from a hidden spot at the foot of the bed with the push of a button.All rooms have iPod-friendly stereo systems, an espresso machine, and a selection of teas, snacks, and a stocked mini-fridge (fees apply). Many rooms have outdoor bathrooms in a private courtyard, featuring a stone soaking tub and an outdoor shower. Indoor bathrooms are finished with dark wood and stone, offering in-floor lighting accents and rainfall showerheads. Villas include sleek, fully equipped modern kitchens with upscale stainless-steel appliances and fixtures. Some bedrooms have unique features, like a ladder or staircase leading up to a loft area for extra storage.And the resort’s thoughtful details continue here. Each bed is adorned with a small burlap satchel containing a few humble presents: an eye mask, earplugs, and all-natural bug spray. Nightly turndown service is available, during which slippers and a chocolate or treat will appear on your bed.

The Baoase Culinary Restaurant is a highlight of the resort, featuring fine dining with Caribbean and Asian influences. The chef creates elegant dishes that begin with a delicate amuse bouche and continue the creatively plated main courses. One choice is the chef’s special surprise menu, where you allow the chef to create a meal based on the day’s best ingredients. Guests can arrange for a romantic picnic in the sand, and the hotel will create an elaborate setting with plush blankets and pillows, candles, and a special dinner served in a private nook by the water. There is live music weekly.The main pool is a free-form infinity pool surrounded by lush tropical foliage. A number of villas are placed around the pool, with direct access from the decks. A hidden hot tub can be found in the middle of the main pool by swimming through a small cave, obscured by greenery.There is one main bar, under a tiki-hut roof, that’s adorned with succulent plants, nautical treasures, and wooden board games. There is an open-air hut on one side of the beach, decorated with buddha statues and stone sculptures, where massages and other spa treatments are arranged. There is a small fitness room with just a handful of machines.

The hotel's beach wraps around a small man-made cove, created by a piece of land that stretches out toward the sea. At the end is a wooden footbridge that connects the mainland to a small island, known as Bibi’s Island, named after the owner’s girlfriend. A sandy patch with more beach chairs can be found on the island, and there are great views for sunset. The protected cove creates an area of calm water great for swimming.The tranquil beach is spacious for the size of the hotel, with plenty of room to spread out over lounge chairs placed under gazebos for shade. Like many on Curacao, the beach is man-made due to the island's rocky coastline. The gazebos can be set up for guests upon request with extra towels, snacks, and cold drinks. The sand is regularly raked, and the grounds are always neat and tidy. A selection of kayaks and snorkel gear are available for use.