A Premier Destination of Culture and Hospitality

Exploring the operational practices behind Curaçao’s leading resort experience

 

Travelers seeking an immersive island experience that blends luxury with local culture should look no further. The Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is the deluxe destination that does all of the above!

As the resort expands, its leadership is approaching growth from multiple angles of refinement—enhancing sustainability efforts, evolving guest experiences, and strengthening its role within the local economy.

Sustainability is especially important among the areas that need improvement. The resort has already taken major steps toward Green Key certification, a prestigious recognition of eco-friendly hospitality.

To secure this status, continued investment in energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction is crucial.

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.

Operationally, guest engagement remains a top priority. By enhancing cultural integration through initiatives like Papiamentu Café, local artisan showcases, and destination dining concepts, the resort is ensuring a truly authentic Curaçao experience.

Additionally, expanding its food and beverage offerings has further elevated the resort’s appeal, setting it apart from competitors.

Nurturing employee growth is also a major focus internally, so resort leadership has emphasized and implemented several initiatives to ensure that staff members have the tools and training needed to advance their careers.

Through sustainability, guest-centric innovations, and workforce development, the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is shaping itself as a distinguished model of Caribbean hospitality, ensuring a thriving future while honoring the island’s rich cultural heritage.

An Extravagant Cultural Experience

Nestled on the pristine shores of the Caribbean, the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort stands as a symbol of luxury, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

With a prime location just ten minutes from the airport and five minutes from the capital, Willemstad, the resort seamlessly blends accessibility with the allure of an island escape.

Boasting five restaurant outlets, two large swimming pools, a vibrant beach bar, and an extensive activities program, the resort offers a multifaceted experience that caters to diverse travelers.

More than just a lavish getaway, the resort prides itself on blending world-class hospitality with authentic local appeal. At the heart of the resort’s guest experience is a deep commitment to integrating the local culture into every aspect of a visitor’s stay.

“I’d like to talk about our coffee shop, Papiamentu. Papiamentu is the local language, so we’ve branded the coffee shop so that people can experience the local language. On every cup, they write a phrase in the language so that guests can learn a few words in Papiamentu; it’s a very unique experience.,” says General Manager Gary Farstad.

This small but meaningful detail enhances the guest experience and allows visitors to learn and connect with the local dialect, providing a sense of place and belonging.

Culinary authenticity is another cornerstone of the guest experience. “The culinary options in Curaçao are great. We have over 69 nationalities, so it’s a melting pot of different things… and we want them to have that true Curaçao experience, so we encourage them to explore that,” explains Director of Sales & Marketing Anjali Bakmeijer.

The resort integrates traditional local dishes into its food and beverage offerings, marking them as “local favorites” to celebrate Curaçao’s rich 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, the resort places a strong emphasis on cultural storytelling. Special events, such as the weekly Wednesday Manager’s Reception, serve as opportunities to showcase local traditions.

Guests can enjoy performances showcasing traditional music, dance, and fashion, such as classes on the symbolic hair-wrapping traditions of Curaçaoan women. Additionally, the resort educates visitors about the island’s famous Curaçao liqueur, its history, and how it complements various cocktails.

The island’s rich artistic scene is also highlighted, with curated experiences that introduce guests to the creative expressions found in Willemstad’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed streets.

Located within walking distance of Willemstad, the resort also provides easy access to both Otrobanda and Punda, the city’s two historic districts connected by the iconic Queen Emma Bridge.

The resort encourages guests to explore these areas to reinforce the belief that love for Curaçao as a destination enhances the overall resort experience.

Elevating the Local Economy and Market Adaptations

Beyond offering world-class hospitality, the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort plays a vital role in the island’s economy. The resort has an approximately 350-person workforce, of which over 80% hail from the island.

“We’re a major employer for the island. We have local staff, managers, and executive committee members… We also provide courses for the local youth. We have a food and beverage course in the summertime that prepares the locals to work in hospitality on the island. Lastly, we’re a member of the Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association, which also works on local projects,” Farstad explains.

Local engagement also extends beyond employment, with partnerships that support local bakers, food producers, and artisans.

“We try to get all of our produce and goods locally sourced because it tells a story… and we want to make sure that we give locals the opportunity to showcase what they have. So, we often work through things like community programs and sponsorship in the local community,” Bakmeijer says.

A prime example of the resort’s key role in Curaçao’s economy would be the new hotel the resort is about to open, which means new employment opportunities for the Curacao Marriott and the Piermont Autograph Collection.

When completed, this development is projected to employ about 400 employees.

Developments like these are warmly welcomed because the hospitality industry is ever-evolving. One of the most significant changes since its grand reopening in 2019, following a $42 million renovation, has been the transformation of the resort’s guest demographic.

Initially attracting a predominantly Dutch market, the resort now caters primarily to North American travelers, with a growing Brazilian clientele.

This shift has necessitated many of the strategic efforts and service adjustments made 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 intent-to-recommend surveys, to monitor and enhance guest experiences.

The resort 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.

Sustainability and Workforce Development as a Future Focus

Sustainability is woven into the fabric of the Curaçao Marriott’s operations, as the resort is committed to eco-friendly practices.

“We’re working on our Green Key certification. We have some folks on the property analyzing where we need to be to get certified,” Marketing Manager Rachel Cronmiller comments.

This certification is a prestigious eco-label for tourism establishments committed to sustainable practices.

As one of the first properties in Curaçao to pursue this certification, this move shows a commitment to implementing environmentally friendly practices that align with global sustainability standards.

New properties are implementing innovative technologies, such as using ocean water to cool air conditioning systems. Other innovations include guest educational programs on marine conservation, the adoption of paperless procedures and biodegradable materials, and water-saving faucets and recycling programs.

The Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort recognizes the importance of collaboration within the hospitality sector to create a unified approach to sustainability. By working together with other hotels and local businesses, the resort aims to establish standardized sustainable practices, such as reusable water bottle programs and shared environmental initiatives.

A key highlight is the resort’s partnership with a coral reef renewal initiative, allowing guests to witness and participate in marine life. “We are also now a sponsor of the Reef Renewal Foundation, which is a local foundation that not only protects coral reefs but also restores them,” Cronmiller clarifies, noting the resort’s on-site coral nursery as a symbol of its sponsorship.

Visitors can explore the growing coral reef just a three-minute swim from the shore, an experience that underscores the resort’s deep connection to the surrounding ecosystem.

Finally, the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort’s dedication naturally extends itself to its employees. With a robust training and career development framework, staff members are empowered to advance within the organization.

“We’re trying to get the workforce ready for the future. We’re identifying what skills they need and will help them move up,” Farstad says.

Key initiatives include “Passport for Success,” a structured onboarding and career development program that guides employees through their first year.

There is also “Succession Planning,” which identifies and prepares employees for leadership roles, particularly in light of the upcoming Piermont Autograph Collection.

Also, the resort’s language and skills training offers English and Spanish language courses and helps with enrolling employees in local professional development programs.

Ultimately, the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is not just a premier destination; 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 shining example of responsible tourism in the Caribbean.

By weaving local traditions into the guest experience and continually innovating its offerings, the resort ensures that every visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation for Curaçao. As it looks to the future, the resort remains committed to delivering exceptional hospitality while preserving and celebrating the essence of the island.

At a Glance

Who: Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort
What: A premier luxury resort offering an authentic Curaçao experience through cultural integration, sustainability, and exceptional hospitality.
Where: Willemstad, Curaçao
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/curpb-curacao-marriott-beach-resort/overview/?msockid=2bbb4fa3a08060d5235d5b78a19961f0