Family run for generations, the Avila Hotel can boast a unique history that covers more then two hundred years. Time seems to stand still here.

Ceiling fans whirl slowly. The air smells sweetly of hibiscus and trinitaria (bougainvillea). Palm trees on the beach seem to wave welcome. Brightly painted fishing boats chug across the azure sea. A full moon chases a warm sun westward. Another perfect day magically evolves into yet another balmy, star-studded night.

The Avila Hotel in an authentic reflection of the island of Curaçao. Friendly. Intimate. Understated. Welcoming. It is famous for its quiet, restful tranquility and yet it is only a short distance from bustling historic Willemstad (Curaçao’s capital).

The heart of the Avila Hotel is a beautiful Dutch Colonial style mansion. It is estimated that the original building was built at the end of the 18th century. During the British rule at the beginning of the 19th century, it became the residence of the British Governors and later on that of the Dutch. The original part of the complex was called "La Belle Alliance". Another building of great historical importance on the Avila grounds is the cheerful seaside cupola known as the Octagon because of its octagonal shape. Around 1812, the sisters of the Venezuelan liberator Simon Bolivar lived at the Octagon during their years of exile from the Venezuelan independence war against Spain. Today this building is a much-sought venue to host elegant wedding ceremonies and receptions.

At various times in history, "Avila" has served several purposes: as a country house or residence of English and Dutch Governors, as a boys' boarding school, as a private school, as a private dwelling, as a private hospital and finally as the oldest hotel, still in continuous operation, in Curaçao.

Doctor Pieter Hendrik (Gungu) Maal bought this villa in 1940 and accommodated a private clinic here for a short period. On February 1, 1949, this same doctor Maal opened the Avila Hotel, named after the medieval town in Spain where he spent his holidays. When the beach was constructed in 1959, the name Avila Beach Hotel was introduced. No history of the Avila Hotel would be complete without a tribute to its versatile and imaginative original owner. The role that Gungu Maal played in the creation and development of the hotel is a colorful story in itself. But equally important is the indelible impression he left on the hotel: the qualities of personal attention, order and respectability that have remained untouched by the many changes in the years to come.

Since 1977 the hotel has been owned and operated by the Møller family. Presently, the daily operation of the hotel has passed from Nic Møller into the hands of daughter Tone Møller and business partner Paul Kok. Over the past 15+ years, the complex has been thoroughly renovated and extended into a well-appointed modern hotel with an excellent international acclaim. Three exciting and luxurious wings have been added, one on the east side of the original buildings, and two on the west side.

The east wing, La Belle Alliance, was the first addition to the hotel, and its beautiful pastel-colored buildings have been designed to reflect the style and architecture of the historical Dutch Colonial mansion which houses the lobby. This wing houses the deluxe rooms and suites, all with balconies and ocean view and it combines modern conveniences and amenities with the charm of a bygone era.

The west wing, called the Blues Wing, was the next addition and was built to a new and unique concept, created by Florida architect Dan C. Duckham. It is an all wooden structure, a first for a Curaçao hotel, and two stories high, housing 20 premium deluxe rooms. All feature a private terrace or balcony overlooking the ocean, either facing the bay and the Blues pier with the sparkling morning and afternoon sun, or facing west towards the spectacular Caribbean sunsets.

The most recent and grandest addition to the Avila Hotel is the Octagon Wing. It represents the crowning achievement of  the hotel as it transformed itself into a contemporary luxury resort & spa. It features 68 spacious rooms decorated in sophisticated neutrals with splashes of exciting Caribbean colors. Room amenities include flat screen TV’s, high-speed internet connectivity and luxurious, modern bathrooms. The top floor of the Octagon Wing holds one more surprise. Measuring at around 1,500 square feet and named after the famed liberator of South America who on several occasions sought refuge with his sisters in the Octagon tower, the Bolivar Suite appeals to the discriminating traveler or VIP with fabulous views of the azure Caribbean Sea and the coastline of Curaçao. Furnishings are unparalleled and feature bamboo flooring, TV in the bathroom, Bose sounds system and much more. The exterior design of the Octagon Wing is contemporary yet great care has been exercised to incorporate elements of typical Curaçao architectural style and ensure that it forms a perfect combination with the “classic” Avila Hotel.