Curacao offers a unique Caribbean experience, blending Dutch architecture with tropical beauty. Its location off the coast of Venezuela makes it an accessible destination for many seeking sun and sea. The island is known for its stunning coastline, colorful capital city, and opportunities for both relaxation and adventure. For travelers looking for a comfortable and scenic base, exploring villa rentals within managed communities can be a great option.
Villa St Marie Ocean View
When planning a trip to the southern coast, a villa like Coral Estate Ocean View Villa 19 provides a private and spacious retreat. It’s part of a gated development managed by Coral Estate Holidays, offering a sense of security and resort-like amenities. This particular villa is situated in St. Marie, a central location that provides reasonable access to key island points.
Location Highlights
The villa is positioned about a 30-minute drive from Curaçao International Airport (CUR) and the historic heart of Willemstad. This means you can settle in without too much travel time after landing, yet still be within easy reach of the island’s most famous attractions. The development itself is designed with vacationers in mind, featuring many rental properties alongside the Coral Estate Luxury Resort.
Proximity to the resort is also a benefit. While the villa is a street away, you check in through the resort’s lobby. This arrangement grants you access to some of the resort’s facilities, bridging the gap between private villa living and hotel services. For navigation, having the precise Google Maps location is incredibly helpful for planning day trips or ordering transport.
Booking Your Stay
There are several platforms where you can book this property, including major vacation rental sites, but booking directly through the management’s website is often the most cost-effective method. Prices can vary significantly based on the season and how far in advance you book. Early planning can lead to considerable savings compared to last-minute reservations.
When exploring options, you might find initial listings priced higher. Sometimes, special offers or lower rates are available for direct bookings or for those willing to commit well in advance. It’s worth comparing options to secure the best value for your stay.
Arrival and Check-in Process
The check-in experience is streamlined through the lobby. You’ll be asked to provide a credit card for a deposit during your stay, which is standard for most accommodations. The process is typically quick, involving signing some paperwork before a staff member guides you to the villa.
A helpful aspect is being personally escorted by car to the villa. This not only ensures you find it easily but also allows for a brief tour of the property. The staff member will confirm that everything is in working order, addressing any immediate concerns you might have upon arrival.
The Villa Experience
Coral Estate Ocean View Villa 19, formerly known as “Villa E Shete Shelo,” has been recently updated. It offers ample space with four bedrooms, including two with en-suite bathrooms, and a third shared bathroom. This setup is ideal for families or groups of friends traveling together.
Living and Dining Spaces
Upon entering, you step into the main living area, furnished with comfortable seating for several people. The layout connects directly to the kitchen and a patio area, promoting a social atmosphere. From the living room, you can easily access three of the four bedrooms, as well as the outdoor space.
The kitchen is well-equipped for self-catering, featuring a good range of essentials for preparing meals. You’ll find a coffee maker, toaster, kettle, basic seasonings, cookware, and dinnerware. Having these facilities available allows for flexibility in your dining plans, whether you’re making a quick breakfast or preparing a full dinner.
Kitchen Conveniences
The kitchen offers a pleasant view of the ocean, making meal preparation a bit more enjoyable. While most necessities are provided, occasional requests for items like salt and sugar can be easily handled by contacting the lobby. The inclusion of a glass cooktop is standard, though, as in many kitchens, an overhead ventilation system could enhance comfort when cooking with oil.
The sink area is stocked with dish soap and cloths, and there’s detergent for the dishwasher. A minor point for improvement could be the absence of a dedicated dish-drying rack, as some guests may prefer hand-washing certain items over using the dishwasher. However, small thoughtful touches like complimentary welcome drinks and snacks in the refrigerator add a nice touch upon arrival.
Bedroom Comforts
The villa boasts four bedrooms, each designed for comfort. Three are accessible from the main interior of the house, while the fourth has a separate entrance from the outdoor patio. This unique layout offers a bit of privacy for guests in that particular room.
Bedroom 1 Features
This favorite room offers a direct view of the pool and the ocean through its front doors and windows. It features a true queen-size bed, providing ample sleeping space. Compared to the other rooms that have combined double beds, this offers a genuine queen experience.
Storage is adequate, with drawers and a closet for hanging clothes. The room also includes privacy screens for the glass doors, allowing for adjustable light and privacy. The en-suite bathroom is well-appointed, though the shower design, similar to others, may allow some water to splash outside the enclosure. An ample supply of towels is provided, and toiletries are available.
Bedroom 2 Features
Facing the pool area, this bedroom also provides direct access to the patio through its glass doors. It shares similar storage and en-suite bathroom features with Bedroom 1. This room might be the largest in terms of floor space.
The design prioritizes natural light and view, making it a pleasant space to wake up in. The attached bathroom offers the same amenities as the other en-suite options.
Bedroom 3 Features
This bedroom is one of the smaller rooms and does not have an en-suite bathroom. It includes a functional clothing rack and a chest of drawers, suitable for shorter stays. The view from this room looks out towards the front of the house and the parking area.
The shared bathroom is conveniently located within the house, easily accessible from this bedroom and others. It features a sliding shower door, which can be more effective at containing water than some other designs.
Bedroom 4 Features
The final bedroom is the most compact, offering views of the street and the villa’s entrance. It has a small area for hanging clothes and storing belongings. A notable feature of this room is the inclusion of a lock box for securing valuables.
Although it lacks an en-suite bathroom, its private setting and the presence of a safe make it a secure and practical option for guests. This room is perfectly suited for those who value security and a quieter sleeping environment.
Outdoor Living and Resort Access
The villa boasts a spacious pool area with both covered and uncovered sections. The shaded area includes comfortable seating and a dining set, perfect for enjoying meals outdoors. Sun loungers are arranged around the pool, inviting relaxation while taking in the expansive views.
The terrace offers a sweeping vista of the southwestern part of the island and the Caribbean Sea. For a more secluded spot, a small pathway leads to a private stoned area with additional seating, providing a quiet corner to unwind.
Coral Estate Luxury Resort Amenities
Guests of the villa have access to several amenities at the adjacent . This includes the use of the resort’s pool, restaurants, and beach towels. The resort itself offers a range of accommodations, from suites to smaller villas, many situated directly on the beachfront.
Resort Dining Options
Coral Estate features three distinct restaurants and a pastry shop. Karakter, located right on the beach, serves meals throughout the day and offers a focus on seafood. Koraal Curacao is situated above Karakter, offering rooftop dining with ocean views and a more varied menu suitable for diverse tastes. It’s a great spot to enjoy a drink with a view of the hotel pool.
For a more casual experience, there’s a pizza and pastry shop opposite the check-in office. While convenient, it’s worth noting that pizza quality can sometimes be inconsistent, with instances of burning reported. For reliable dining experiences, the resort recommends Karakter or Koraal.
Resort Pool and Beach Facilities
While the villa has its own private pool, guests are welcome to use the resort’s infinity pool free of charge. Pool towels are available at the front desk, making it easy to enjoy the resort’s aquatic facilities. The resort also has a beach area, though it’s noted as being quite rocky, which might appeal more to divers.
If you’re looking for softer sandy beaches, several excellent options are a short drive away, including Daaibooi, Port Marie, and Cas Abou beaches. Daaibooi is particularly close, just a few minutes from the villa.
Spa and Wellness Services
“8 The Experience,” the spa and salon center located near the pool, offers a range of treatments. You can indulge in massages, facials, body treatments, and beauty services for hair and nails.
Overall Impression and Travel Tips
This villa offers a compelling option for a peaceful getaway, especially for couples or groups. The property’s modern renovation ensures a clean and comfortable stay. The management’s responsiveness, particularly evident after a storm, highlights their commitment to guest satisfaction.
The main consideration for visitors is the travel time to Willemstad and other parts of the island; planning your excursions to account for the roughly 30-minute drive each way is advisable, especially during peak traffic. Despite this, the overall experience makes the villa a place worth revisiting for its blend of privacy and accessibility to resort amenities.
Is this villa good for families?
Yes, the four-bedroom setup with various bathroom configurations makes it suitable for families. The private pool area and access to resort amenities add to the family-friendly appeal. You can easily arrange for quiet time in one of the bedrooms or enjoy shared meals on the patio.
What are the dining options nearby?
Within the Coral Estate resort, you have Karakter and Koraal for sit-down meals, and a pizza spot. For diverse culinary adventures, venturing into Willemstad offers a wide array of restaurants showcasing local and international cuisine. My youngest loved trying the fresh fruit smoothies from the resort’s pasty shop.
How easy is it to get around?
Renting a car is highly recommended to explore Curacao at your own pace. While taxis are available, having your own vehicle provides the most flexibility, especially for reaching different beaches and attractions outside the immediate resort area. My husband appreciated the ease of navigating with a rental, especially for collecting groceries.