Baoase Luxury Resort Curacao
"You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore."
- Christopher Columbus
When you are arrive at Baoase Resort you are greeted with their welcome drink. You can do alcoholic or non... was soooooo refreshing!
A slip of paper with this quote and some handmade sweets were left on my bed one evening at Baoase Luxury Resort in Curacao. This quote rings especially true over the past year. We have all been hesitant to get back out into the world and explore. I am so glad I'm back at it and exploring resorts for you (and let's face it; for me too).
It's rare that I can say with true sincerity that I've found a hidden gem. Baoase Luxury Resort is so unique that I want to keep it for myself; truly. I mentioned this multiple times during my visit to this ultra-private resort. Around every corner is an Instagram-worthy shot; but it all feels so natural. It's totally intentional, yet feels so organic thanks to the owners; Ad van der Valk and his partner Bibi who have literally built (and styled) this resort stone by stone.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ad and Bibi; along with Thijs, son of Ad who is the General Manager and it's clear the making of this resort has been a true labor of love. I'm sharing this oasis only with select clients that would appreciate it the way it should be appreciated. Baoase gives us an opportunity to feel transported across the world. The Balanise style décor mixed with natural barefoot elegance is Zen at its finest.
While pictures and videos can never replace the feeling of being there in person, I hope the beauty & serenity of this resort shine through.
located on the beautiful island of Curacao
If you haven’t been to Curacao, put it on your bucket list! This island is the “C” in the ABC islands and its main port city, Willemstad, is unmistakably influenced by its past as a Dutch colony. Willemstad is also a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its unique architecture and long history in the region.
It has a very European feel compared to nearby islands. Even today, Dutch is more actively spoken than on the nearby islands of Aruba and Bonaire. Outside of the city you’ll find desert surroundings and weathered limestone cliffs.
Curacao is full of color. The island has brightly painted Dutch colonial buildings and colorful artwork around every corner.
The west side of the island has some of the best beaches! The bays and coves have calm turquoise water and the beaches have a powdery white sand. The island is also a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers. While in the city, you will find a booming art and culinary scene. Curacao is the perfect island whether you are looking for adventure or a quiet getaway (or a bit of both)!
When staying at Baoase, we can arrange private art tours as well as a Westside tour of the island with Carlos who has lived on the island since he was 9. Carlos is also an expert diver; he's been diving since 12 and will curate a diving experience to remember! Or, explore Curacao by boat and sail by Baoase's privately owned Island, Isla Kiniw.
For more on this beautiful island, check out our blog post The Colors of Curacao.
Bali Meets the Caribbean
Baoase is truly a hidden gem in paradise. With only 23 luxury rooms, suites, and villas, you’ll enjoy this quiet escape while still being minutes away from the city and nightlife. In 2005 Ad van der Valk and his partner Bibi dreamed up a luxury resort. They built their lagoon single-handedly one rock at a time. Every detail at this resort has been meticulously thought out… from the design elements to the foliage, everything is intentional, yet feels perfectly natural. The resort opened in 2009 and you will still find Ad & Bibi soaking in what they have created.
The resort also includes: the Baoase Culinary Beach Restaurant, private beach with butler service, private dining on the beach, private chef service, spa treatments, boutique, non-motorized water sports, onsite diving, private tour guides, luxury private airport transfers, and a helicopter platform.
Baoase’s Luxury Rooms, Suites, & Villas
Each of Baoase’s 23 accommodations has been thought out to the finest detail. While the property lends itself for a couples escape, there are larger multi bedroom villas for families. Couples, do not be discouraged, there are very few families here and with villas spread out throughout the resort, it still feels very much like a couples only retreat.
I had the opportunity to stay in a Beachfront Pool Suite and although I may be biased, it was spectacular and my favorite of all room categories. Between the gorgeous décor, private plunge pool and beach, it is designed perfectly to heighten all of your senses. I didn’t want to leave my villa…. it was an oasis within an oasis!
Accommodations are between 1-4 bedrooms and range between 511 to 4,8884 square feet. The Master Villa can also be connected to other rooms to accommodate 12-14 guests.
Beachfront Pool Suites
This suite is perfect for a couple’s getaway. You’ll enjoy your own lush garden, private plunge pool, roofed patio with lounge, and spectacular ocean view. This suite also includes a luxurious outdoor bathroom with large bathtub and rain shower and a spacious indoor bathroom with double washbasins.
Private Pool Villas
These spacious villas are surrounded by tropical gardens and consist of 1 to 4 bedrooms with modern bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a large patio, and your own private pool. The villas are perfect for a couple’s getaway or for families traveling with children. These villas would also work well for a multi-generational family getaway.
Master Villa
The Master Villa is the heart of Baoase and has panoramic views of the resort. While the villa is grand in size, you can hardly spot it from elsewhere on the resort. It’s intentional and provides the ultimate in exclusivity and privacy. It features a private infinity pool with a ‘luxury grotto’ and jacuzzi, a bar, and a fitness and relaxation area. You’ll also have a personal chef and butler and the use of a private beach. The villa can also be connected to additional rooms to sleep up to 14 guests.
Take my breath away…
From the moment the large gates open to welcome you to Baoase, you know you have entered something that is intentionally kept secret from the outside world. This luxury boutique resort is a Balinese-inspired paradise in Curacao where the details make the difference. Hidden Gem, Magical, Zen, Sensual, Barefoot Luxury, Elegance, Serenity, Refined are all words that come to mind when describing Baoase.
It's rare that I'm taken so off guard by the beauty of one spot anymore. However, I have been. It is even better than I have imagined (and I've imagined it for years). From the moment I walked through the non-descript gates of this resort, I feel I was transported to somewhere almost magical. Believe it or not, I want to keep this hidden gem all to myself so I've struggled even sharing it with the world. It's that good... and I don't want it to ever change. Ever.
Cheers to all things travel!
- Andrea Norfolk
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