CURAÇAO MARRIOTT BEACH RESORT A PREMIER DESTINATION OF CULTURE AND HOSPITALITY WWW.MARRIOTT.COM/EN-US/HOTELS/CURPB-CURACAO-MARRIOTT-BEACH-RESORT
A PREMIER DES OF CULTURE AN HOSPITALITY CURAÇAO MARRIOTT BEACH RESORT AT A GLANCE CURAÇAO MARRIOTT BEACH RESORT WHAT: A premium resort offering an authentic Curaçao experience through cultural integration, sustainability, and exceptional hospitality. WHERE: W illemstad, Curaçao WEBSITE: www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/curpb-curacao-marriott-beach-resort 1 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 02
STINATION ND Travelers seeking an immersive island experience that blends modern comfort with local culture should look no further. Situated on six beachfront acres, Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is the ideal backdrop to your perfect vacation. Reopened in 2019 after a $40 million renovation, its leadership is approaching refinement from multiple angles— including new sustainability initiatives, curated EXPLORING THE OPERATIONAL PRACTICES BEHIND CURAÇAO’S LEADING RESORT EXPERIENCE 2 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 02
guest experiences, and elevating the definition of “hospitality.” Sustainability efforts are particularly vital for a small island whose tourism depends on natural beauty.The resort team is working toward Green Key certification, a prestigious recognition of eco-friendly hospitality. To secure it, continued investment in energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction is crucial. And, as the hospitality landscape in Curaçao evolves, collaboration with other hotels to unify sustainable practices—such as expanding the use of reusable water bottles and eco-conscious cooling systems— has reinforced the resort’s leadership in responsible tourism. Marriott International’s Serve360 initiatives, designed not just to create stewardship over our environment but also to protect authentic culture and serve the residents of the locations where Marriott does business, include the preservation of language and history. To that end, Curaçao Marriott enhances guests’ experiences of cultural integration by ensuring there is a distinctly local presence in the resort. As just one example, the hotel’s marketplace is named after the island’s historic language: Papiamentu Marketplace. Accordingly, it is adorned with street art-style murals popular around the island featuring phrases and expressions in the language, and guests will find locally-made treats, traditional breakfast items and snacks, and other touches of Curaçao alongside their favorite snacks and beverages from around the world. Marriott’s brand promise is “wonderful hospitality, always,” and delivering on that promise requires high levels of staff engagement and ongoing professional development. Nurturing employee growth is therefore a major focus at Curaçao Marriott; resort leadership has emphasized and implemented several initiatives to ensure that staff members have the tools and training needed to advance their careers. Their “Passport” program brings employees on a journey that’s designed to increase engagement and retention and lead to more promotions from within. Through these initiatives and more, Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is shaping itself as a distinguished model of Caribbean hospitality, future-proofing while honoring the island’s rich cultural heritage. AN EXTRAVAGANT CULTURAL EXPERIENCE Nestled on the pristine shores of a southern Caribbean island, Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort sits on the vibrant sea as a symbol of relaxation and cultural immersion. With a prime location 3 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 02 CURAÇAO MARRIOTT BEACH RESORT
just ten minutes from the airport and five minutes from colorful, historic downtown Willemstad (the Otrobanda and Punda districts, a UNESCO World Heritage site, connected by the iconic Queen Emma floating bridge), the resort seamlessly blends its convenient location in town with the serenity of an exclusive getaway. Still, the resort staff encourage guests to explore—love for Curaçao as a destination enhances the overall resort experience. Boasting five on-site dining concepts, two large swimming pools (one of which is adult-only), a gym, a kids’ club, a recreation program, and two ballrooms, the hotel offers a multifaceted experience that caters 4 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 02
to diverse travelers. Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is as good a fit for weddings and honeymoons as it is for families and corporate meetings. More than just a lavish getaway, the resort prides itself on blending world-class hospitality with authentic local experience. At the heart of the resort’s guest experience is a deep commitment to integrating the local culture into each visitor’s stay. Through small but meaningful details, resort practices enable visitors to connect with and learn from locals, providing a sense of place and belonging for guests and staff alike. “I’d like to talk about our coffee shop, Papiamentu Marketplace,” says General Manager Gary Farstad. “Papiamentu is the local language, so we’ve branded the coffee shop so that people can experience the local language. On every coffee cup, the staff writes a phrase in the language so that guests can learn a few words in Papiamentu; it’s a very unique experience.” Culinary authenticity is another cornerstone of the guest experience.The Director of Sales and Marketing, Anjali Bakmeijer. explains, “The culinary options in Curaçao are great. We have over 69 nationalities living here, so the island a melting pot and we want guests to have that true Curaçao experience.” While many guests rent cars to explore the island, they can also get a taste of local flavor at the hotel itself. The resort’s dining outlets integrate traditional local dishes into its food and beverage offerings, marking them as “local favorites” to celebrate Curaçao’s rich Get in touch ecodms.com sales@ecodms.com +5999 521 2921 Perseusweg 27, Willemstad, Curaçao At ECODMS, we create seamless corporate functions and special events in Curaçao, handling everything from logistics to cultural experiences. 5 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 02 CURAÇAO MARRIOTT BEACH RESORT
gastronomic heritage. The culinary team, many of whom are from the island, collaborate to ensure that these dishes remain authentic, offering guests a true taste of the island. Beyond cuisine, Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort places a strong emphasis on cultural storytelling. Special events, such as a weekly Managers’ Reception for Marriott Bonvoy members, serve as opportunities to showcase local artists and businesses. Guests enjoy performances showcasing traditional music, dance, and fashion, such as classes on the symbolic hairwrapping traditions of Curaçaoan women. During the Christmas season, ornament-making workshops use dried kalbas fruit—rather than plastic ornaments—as the base for children’s creations. Additionally, the resort educates visitors about the island’s famous blue Curaçao liqueur and its lesser-known (but just as intriguing) green rum. ELEVATING THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND MARKET ADAPTATIONS Beyond offering world-class hospitality, Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort plays a vital role in the 6 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 02
island’s economy.As one of the largest hotels on the island, the resort has an approximately 350-person workforce, of which over 80% hail from the island. Those who don’t are offered free language classes at work to learn Papiamentu, and all staff can access complimentary classes to learn English and (in light of the growing Brazilian market) Portuguese. “We’re a major employer for the island. We have local staff, managers, and executive committee members. We also provide hospitality courses free for local youth who hope to work in the industry; we have a food and beverage course in the summer that prepares the locals to work in hospitality here. And, we’re a member of the Curaçao Hospitality And Tourism Association, which also works on local projects,” Farstad explains. The hotel’s owners are about to make an even bigger contribution to the economy of Curaçao: they’re opening The Pyrmont, a new all-inclusive Autograph Collection by Marriott. When completed, this hotel— flanked either side by historic monuments being restored as a restaurant and a spa—is projected to employ about 400 employees. Developments like these are due in part to the transformation of guests’ demographics.As Curaçao was previously a Dutch colony (the island achieved autonomy in 2010), the resort initially attracted a predominantly Dutch market, but it now caters primarily to North American travelers who’ve become more aware of the destination, with a growing Brazilian clientele. This shift has necessitated that strategy and service be adjusted to meet the preferences of these diverse visitors. Consequently, managing guest expectations remains a continuous challenge, but the resort leverages Marriott’s extensive feedback tools, including intentto-recommend surveys, to monitor and enhance guest experiences. The resort team ensures continuous improvement by closely analyzing these surveys and benchmarking success through platforms like Expedia and Booking.com. Additionally, Marriott’s Guest Experience Platform (GXP) allows real-time engagement between staff and guests, offering a direct channel for addressing concerns and providing immediate solutions. 7 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 02 CURAÇAO MARRIOTT BEACH RESORT
SUSTAINABILITY AS A FUTURE FOCUS As guests’ countries of origin change, so, too, do their priorities, and sustainability is climbing the list of travelers’ concerns when booking accommodations. Though Curaçao presents unique challenges for business owners prioritizing sustainability, Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is pursuing Green Key certification—which will make them one of the first properties in Curaçao to be certified, a move that shows their commitment to implementing environmentally-friendly practices that align with global sustainability standards. The Curaçao Marriott leadership recognizes the importance of collaboration within and outside of the hospitality sector to create a unified approach to sustainability. By working with other hotels, local businesses (like Limpi, a recycling company currently producing recycling bins made of recycled plastic for the resort), and nonprofit foundations (like Club17, a cross-sectoral association of members who work toward projects with measurable impacts), the resort is consistently working to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and encourage mindful consumption. For example, each guest is given a reusable water bottle made of sugar cane at check-in, and refill stations have been installed around the property. A key highlight for guests is the resort’s budding partnership with Reef Renewal Curaçao, who— together with on-site Goby Divers—plants and maintains a coral nursery in the sea just in front of the Marriott property. The house reef at Marriott is stunning and Goby guides divers both at the property and around the island. As the resort’s relationship with Reef Renewal Curaçao emerges, Curaçao Marriott now funds complimentary snorkel sessions for guests; a Goby staffer brings a small group of snorkelers through the reef and to the coral nursery, allowing guests to witness new growth, connect with marine life, and learn the impact they can make on coral restoration efforts. Ultimately, Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is not just a premium oceanfront resort; it is a dynamic entity that evolves with the needs of its guests, employees, and the broader community. As it continues to innovate in sustainability, guest experience, and workforce development, the resort remains a 8 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 02
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PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n ECO Destination Management Services www.ecodms.com ECO Destination Management Services (ECODMS) specializes in creating destination experiences that surpass all expectations. As a minority- and LGBTQ-owned business, we bring a unique understanding and passion to every event. Our services include innovative event planning, second-to-none transportation, day and evening activities, and a team of experienced professionals dedicated to ensuring unforgettable memories. Our deep local connections allow us to add a special flare to every occasion. shining example of responsible tourism in the Caribbean. By weaving local traditions into the guest experience and continually updating its offerings, the resort ensures that every visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation for Curaçao. As it looks to the future, the resort leadership remains committed to delivering exceptional hospitality while preserving and celebrating the essence of the island. 10 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 02
WWW.MARRIOTT.COM/EN-US/HOTELS/CURPB-CURACAO-MARRIOTT-BEACH-RESORT WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM AS FEATURED IN Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort
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