The Avila Beach Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it is a vibrant part of Curaçao’s community, enriched with personal stories spanning generations. Our deep connection with the local community creates a warm and authentic atmosphere that draws guests back, time and time again.
A Historic Foundation
Since its transformation into a hotel in 1949, the Avila Beach Hotel has hosted countless local events and personal milestones. From weddings and anniversaries to family gatherings, our hotel has become a beloved venue where the community celebrates its most important moments.
Photo 1: The old entrance of Hotel Avila.
Photo 2: Dr. Pieter Hendrik “Gungu” Maal on the sea terrace.
Photo 3: The Avila interior in the early fifties.
Photo 4: One of the first aerial photographs of the Avila Beach Hotel.
Personal Stories that Connect Us
Our bond with the local community is made even stronger through the personal stories that have unfolded here. We are honored to share some of these unique experiences.
Sonia Santine-Pieters: Avila is My Birthplace
Since 1949, countless vacations, dinners, parties, anniversaries, and weddings have been celebrated at the Avila Beach Hotel. Remarkably, it also served as a maternity clinic when it was known as the Thelma Clinic, led by its founder, Dr. Pieter Hendrik “Gungu” Maal. Even today, some people can proudly say they were born there.
One of those people is Sonia Santine-Pieters, wife of Luis Santine Sr., who was born on August 5, 1939. On that day, the entire island of Curaçao was celebrating the birth of Princess Irene, with flags everywhere. Later that same day, Sonia was born as the middle child and most likely the only daughter among three sisters at the Thelma Clinic, or as Sonia affectionately calls it, the Avila Clinic.
“My husband, who is nine years older, lived across from the clinic back then. He always says he remembers hearing me cry as a newborn,” Sonia shares fondly. “Hotel Avila was already an exclusive and very chic hotel at that time. Guests enjoyed a lot of privacy, and you couldn’t just walk in like you can today. Despite our age, we still love visiting Avila for breakfast and receptions.” In honor of the princess, Sonia still proudly carries Irene as her second name.
Left: Sonia Santine-Pieters. Right: The birthplace of Sonia Santine-Pieters in the Belle Alliance building, which once served as the Governor’s residence and later became known as the Thelma Clinic.
Hetty Kooyman: Avila Is My Beloved Meeting Place
The Avila Beach Hotel started as a modest business that initially attracted primarily international business elites. Over the years, it has transformed into a luxurious resort that draws both tourists and locals. The Avila Beach Hotel has been a cherished meeting place for generations of Curaçaoans, including Hetty Kooyman. Born in 1949—the same year as Avila—she regularly visits the hotel. Whether dining at the restaurant, enjoying a staycation with her children and grandchildren, or relaxing at her favor.
“At home, I have a 25-meter pool where I’ve taught swimming for 40 years, but for true relaxation, I’ve always come to Avila,” she shares. “My family knows that spending a day at Avila makes me the happiest. I’ve even taught some Avila staff member how to swim, which makes it even more special. The atmosphere is wonderful; Avila truly feels like my second home.”
Left: The Avila Beach Hotel in the 1970s with the iconic Adirondack chair, known as the “perfect outdoor chair.” Right: Hetty Kooyman sitting in the still-popular Adirondack chair at Avila.
Boudino de Jong: Avila is in My Heart and Family
Boudino de Jong is the grandson of Mrs. de Jong, Avila’s longest-standing beach member. “My grandmother and father have been coming to the Avila Beach Hotel for many years. Their love for the hotel has been passed down to the next generations, even to family members living in the Netherlands. I also love visiting Avila with my own family.
I remember coming here as a little boy—how the beach looked with the small beach houses, how I used to dive for shells and sell them to tourists, then buy fries at the boat shaped Schooner Bar. It feels like home and is a great place to spend your free time. When my grandmother turned 90, we threw a grand party at the Avila Beach Hotel. She’s probably Avila’s biggest fan and always says, ‘Avila is my second home.’
Left: Boudino de Jong as a one-year-old enjoying life at Avila. Center: Avila with the small beach houses in the 1990s. Right: Boudino de Jong with his family at Avila.
Farley Hollander: Avila is My Workplace and Love Story
Avila’s timeless charm makes it a favorite spot for local residents to celebrate both personal and professional milestones. Its central beachfront location and top-notch facilities make it the perfect place for such occasions. Many couples fondly remember their wedding day at Avila as one of the best days of their lives.
One of Avila’s most well-known employees, Resident Manager Farley Hollander, also chose Avila as the place to marry his wife, Marcia. “My wedding day was the best party of my life. I remember dancing, and hotel guests I knew from work, who weren’t on the guest list, joined the party. They danced alongside me and having fun, making it an unforgettable celebration,” says Farley, who has been with the hotel since 1994 and celebrated his 30th anniversary at Avila on July 1, 2024.
Left: Farley and Marcia Hollander at Avila’s Grande Terrace. Center: A beach wedding at the Avila Beach Hotel in 2024. Right: Avila Beach Hotel staff in 1992 with Finn "Nic" Nicolay Møller, Mrs. Birte Jensen, and Tone Møller.
General Manager Robbin Vogels: Avila is My Past, Present, and Future
Avila holds a special place in the heart of General Manager Robbin Vogels as well. “As a young boy, I used to visit Avila regularly with my father. We would dock our boat at the pier and visit the Schooner Bar on the beach. It’s amazing how many memories have been created at this place,” says Robbin.
While Avila reflects on its rich history, it also looks ahead to the future. With continuous innovative improvements and renovations, the hotel evolves to meet the needs of modern travelers. Sustainability is a key focus, both on land and underwater. Robbin highlights the importance of service and personal touches: “It’s not just the beautiful beach or comfortable rooms that make Avila what it is. It’s our dedicated staff who play a key role in the memories and experiences of our guests. We work hard every day to be the best at what we do.”
Left: Robbin Vogels on the beach at Avila in 2022. Center: The beach and the boat-shaped Schooner Bar in the 1980s. Right: Will Vogels, Robbin Vogels, and Marco Vogels on the boat.
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Experience the Warmth of Avila
At the Avila Beach Hotel, we invite our guests to become part of this rich history filled with stories and traditions. Our deep roots in the community offer an authentic experience that will make your stay unforgettable. We hope you will feel the warmth of Avila and that it becomes your second home too.
For a glimpse into our past, feel free to visit the history wall in our hotel lobby.
