Escape to Paradise: Curaçao's All-Inclusive Mangrove Beach Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Curaçao - A Review That's Real (and a Little Messy)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I've just emerged from a week at "Escape to Paradise" in Curaçao, and let me tell you, paradise ain't always perfectly packaged. This ain't your glossy brochure review, this is the real deal.
First Impressions: The Good, the Grumpy, and the Gorgeous
Pulling up, the sprawling resort is seriously impressive. The turquoise water practically begs you to dive in, and the mangroves? Honestly, they give the place a unique vibe. It's like a secret underwater garden right next to your all-inclusive buffet. However, and here's where the realness begins… the entrance? A bit underwhelming, actually. The reception desk felt a tad…sterile. Like, a modern art installation but the artist forgot the art. But honestly, a quick peek at the pristine, white sand beach immediately made me forget all about my slightly grumpy arrival. The views are just that good.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good (with a caveat!)
Listen, accessibility is huge for me. I'm not a regular user of accessibility features, but it's a MUST for any resort to deserve its name. “Escape to Paradise” tries, bless their hearts. They have elevators (hooray!), accessible rooms (more on that later), and ramps scattered around. The signage is pretty clear, thank goodness.
However, (yup, there’s always a “however”)… the walkways around the resort? A bit uneven in places. And getting down to the beach? Okay, the main pathway is fine. But trying to get a wheelchair near the water… that’s where things get a little tricky. The sand is soft and deep. My friend (who uses a wheelchair) had a bit of a battle, but the staff were SUPER helpful and always willing to pitch in. BIG props to the staff! They were honestly amazing.
The Room: My Sanctuary… Mostly
My room? Okay, this is where the “mostly good” really shines. I splurged on the "Deluxe Mangrove View" room (totally worth it for the view, seriously). It had all the usual suspects: air conditioning (essential!), a mini-bar stocked with water and enough tiny bottles of liquor to slightly mess with my vacation sanity, and a really comfortable bed. The bed was heaven. I also loved the blackout curtains (snoozing in past noon is the ultimate luxury, right?).
The bathroom was a good size, with a walk-in shower. The toiletries were… basic, but hey, I always bring my own fancy stuff anyway. The room itself was clean, spotless! Even better, they provide a safe. That's a huge plus, I don't want to worry about someone touching my stuff, and they have a laptop workspace which is great, especially when you're trying to work in a nice environment.
Let’s Talk about the Internet: Because, You Know, Life
Okay, so the website shouts about "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" And yes, technically, that's true. But… it's also like the internet's on island time. Sometimes it's blazing fast; other times, it’s like trying to download a kitten video on dial-up in 1998. There's also LAN access, which is great, and they offer internet services and wi-fi in public areas, so that's good for you. But honestly, I was hoping to do a bit more work, and that made me miss the quality internet connection.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (Mostly Buffet-Style)
Alright, let’s get to the most important part: the food! They have a ton of options, which is great for an all-inclusive. You've got buffet options galore, I love the buffet for its variety and speed, but remember to eat responsibly, and of course, the other ones. But here's the thing about buffets… sometimes they're a culinary wonderland, and sometimes… they’re just… meh. The breakfast buffet was pretty solid, with fresh fruit, omelets to order, and enough carbs to fuel a marathon (or a long day of lounging).
They have a la carte restaurants that are open, including a vegetarian spot, so you can explore different tastes. They have happy hour where you can get the best of drinks, and the poolside bar is great once you start getting tired, they offer a bottle of water and, there is snack bar.
The Asian restaurant was a highlight – seriously delicious sushi and noodles. The international cuisine was reliable. The desserts, well, let's just say I definitely indulged. (No regrets!) And they have room service, 24 hours, that's what I'm talking about.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Paradise Found (and Sometimes Over-Scheduled)
This is where "Escape to Paradise" really shines, and where I went full-on decadent. You can swim in the outdoor swimming pool, and there is a pool with a view.
The Spa! Oh. Em. Gee. The spa is divine. Seriously, it was worth the entire trip. I was so blown away by the variety of services – from massages to body scrubs. I'm going to single out the body wrap that I got. It was pure bliss. The masseuse (shoutout to Maria!), was a miracle worker. I emerged feeling like a new woman. (And smelling like coconuts, which is a win-win.) Seriously, book a spa day. Book it now!
Fitness Center: They have a gym/fitness, but honestly, the idea of stepping foot in a gym while I could be swimming in the ocean felt… wrong. But good on them for having it.
The Sauna, Steamroom and Foot Bath: All there, all fantastic.
Daily Disinfection in Common Areas: They really go the extra mile to ensure cleanliness and safety standards.
Fitness Center: They have a gym/fitness, but honestly, the idea of stepping foot in a gym while I could be swimming in the ocean felt… wrong. But good on them for having it.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure, Mostly
The resort is obviously very on top of things when it comes to cleanliness. I saw staff constantly sanitizing, and they've got all the Covid safety protocols in place: hand sanitizer everywhere, masks required in certain areas, and they use anti-viral cleaning products. It definitely put my mind at ease. Also, they have a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit.
For the Kids: Kid-Friendly, for Sure
This is a family-friendly resort! They have babysitting services, kids facilities, even kids' meals. I saw a lot of happy little faces running around. But it wasn't overly rowdy, which was a bonus.
The Little Things That Made a Difference:
- The Staff: Seriously, the staff were amazing. Super friendly, always helpful, and they remembered my name (which is impressive, considering how many guests they have!).
- The Terrace: They have a terrace, it's a great place to chill and feel relaxed.
- Daily Housekeeping: Essential!
- Safe Dining: They have a safe dining setup.
In Conclusion: Should You Escape to Paradise?
Yes! With a few minor caveats, absolutely yes. If you're looking for a relaxing, all-inclusive getaway with stunning scenery, delicious food, killer spa treatments, and a genuinely friendly staff, "Escape to Paradise" in Curaçao is a great choice. Is it perfect? Nah. But its imperfections are part of its charm. It’s a little rough around the edges, a little chaotic, and yet… utterly, wonderfully, memorable.
My Recommendation: Book a massage, grab a drink, and get ready to relax. (And maybe pack a book, just in case the Wi-Fi acts up.)
And now, the offer!
Escape to Paradise: Your Curaçao Dream Awaits!
Tired of the same old routine? Craving turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and a little bit of pampered bliss?
"Escape to Paradise" in Curaçao is calling your name!
Here's what awaits you:
- All-Inclusive Luxury: Indulge in endless food and drinks at our diverse restaurants, from international cuisine to delicious buffets.
- Breathtaking Views: Wake up to the beauty of the Caribbean Sea and the unique charm of our mangrove beach.
- Ultimate Relaxation: Melt your stress away with our world-class spa treatments, including our signature body wraps!
- Unforgettable Experiences: Explore Curaçao with our curated excursions, swim in our outdoor swimming pool, or simply relax on the beach.
- Comfortable & Convenient: Free Wi-Fi, spacious rooms, and top-notch service ensure a seamless stay.
But wait, there's more!
Book your Escape to Paradise now and receive:
- Exclusive Discount: Get 20% off your stay with promo code CURACAOESCAPE20
- Complimentary Spa Treatment: Enjoy a free 60-minute massage per person!
- Free Airport Transfer: Start your
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is CURACAO, baby. And we're about to get lost in the sun, the sand, and probably a ridiculous number of cocktails. This is my (highly opinionated) schedule for a week at Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio by Hilton, and trust me, it's gonna be a REAL rollercoaster.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Buffet Debacle (and a cocktail… or three)
10:00 AM (ish): Arrived at Hato International Airport, and the heat hit me like a wall of humid bricks. Okay, first impression? Beautiful… but also, sweaty. Customs was… well, it was customs. The usual polite grilling about why I was there (vacation, duh!). Finally, freedom! Pre-booked shuttle was supposed to be waiting. Nope. Cue frantic phone call, and a slightly apologetic (but super handsome, just sayin') driver arrived 20 minutes later. Score!
11:30 AM (ish):" Check-in at Mangrove Beach. The lobby? Stunning. Pictures don't do it justice. Seriously, turquoise everywhere, and a salty breeze that promised great things. BUT, this is where the wheels slightly wobbled. They "lost" our reservation. Cue internal panic. Apparently, they found a spot in the end, our room key worked!
1:00 PM: The Great Buffet Debacle. All-inclusive, right? Blissful ignorance, I thought. Wrong. The buffet. Oh, the buffet. It's a warzone of hungry tourists and undercooked… well, everything. The chicken was questionable. The pasta? Starchy. The little pastries were a joy though, so that's good. The saving grace: the mimosa station. I became intimately acquainted with it. It was a love-hate relationship. I ate far too much and then felt terrible.
3:00 PM: Room unpacking (mostly, I just threw stuff on the bed). View? Glorious. Ocean, pool, and a sliver of a beach. Success!
4:00 PM: Poolside. Sunscreen application (very important, lesson learned from past sunburn atrocities), and a serious assessment of the cocktail situation. I chose a classic daiquiri. The barman, bless his heart, was learning English. I was learning Dutch. It was a beautiful, slightly messy, exchange. And the daiquiri? Perfection.
6:00 PM: Sunset cocktails. (Different bar, slightly less crowded, better views). I observed a couple trying to have a romantic dinner, and it was super cute watching them. This is the life, I thought, as the sky exploded with color.
8:00 PM: Dinner. (Not at the main buffet. Never again if I can help it). We tried a restaurant, the service was slow, but the food was better. I had the best fish ever.
9:30 PM: Bed. Jet lag is a beast. I am so tired.
Day 2: Beach Bliss and the Near-Disaster of Snorkeling
8:00 AM: Wake up naturally, and eat pastries from the shop.
9:00 AM: BEACH TIME! The sand was white, the water was crystal clear, and the sun was… intense. I immediately fell in love with the beach! I had a long walk on the sand, and there was no one around. It was amazing! I read my book, and then I went for a swim!
11:00 AM: Snorkeling excursion. I'm a terrible swimmer, and I'm slightly terrified of the ocean, but the coral reefs looked amazing. I got a bit too excited and went too far. I got a little panicked and started hyperventilating. It was a near-disaster. I was totally fine, but I decided to stay on the beach for the rest of the day.
1:00 PM: Lunch at the beach bar. Cheeseburger and fries. Exactly what the doctor ordered after nearly drowning.
2:00 PM: More beach lounging. I watched people, and I took notes. I watched people get engaged! I saw people building sandcastles! It was fun.
5:00 PM: Cocktails at the swim-up bar. The pool was great! I ordered a Mojito, and I met some people. I made some friends from all over the world!
7:00 PM: Dinner at the Italian restaurant. It was alright. I wasn't that hungry because of the pastries.
9:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: Willemstad Exploration and the Painful Truth about Souvenirs
9:00 AM: Wake up and eat breakfast.
10:00 AM: Taxi to Willemstad. Holy moly, the architecture! The colorful buildings are something else. The iconic images, the picturesque facades! I could have died of happiness. I took a million photos. You know how they say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder?" Well, Willemstad's appeal is universally undeniable.
1:00 PM: Lunch in the city. I tried a local dish, and the food was decent. Nothing extraordinary. I kept walking around seeing all the shops!
2:00 PM: The souvenir hunt began. Oh, the pain. I hate shopping. I got conned in a hat shop because I was too tired to care. I went to a chocolate shop and bought a bunch of chocolate. I felt like I was getting ripped off but I was too tired to care.
4:00 PM: Back to the resort. I was seriously drained! I think I burnt out!
5:00 PM: Pool time!
7:00 PM: Dinner and drinks.
Day 4: Lazy Day, Regrets, and the Surprisingly Excellent Spa
9:00 AM: Wake up and eat breakfast.
10:00 AM: I just relaxed. I had no plans! I spent the whole day at the pool bar!
1:00 PM: I was at the pool bar, and I was hungry. I got myself a burger!
2:00 PM: I napped for a bit, and then I went to the bar again!
5:00 PM: I went to the spa! I wasn't planning on going, but they offered massages, and I was so exhausted from shopping and walking around. I had a massage and it was the best thing that ever happened to me.
7:00 PM: Dinner at the buffet (regret).
Day 5: Diving (Attempted), and the Fury of the Sun
9:00 AM: Wake up and eat breakfast.
10:00 AM: Diving lesson! I had a panic attack and almost died! I can't do it!
12:00 PM: Beach!
1:00 PM: Lunch!
2:00 PM: Sunbathing! The sun was so strong! I got burned!
4:00 PM: I laid in my bed because I was burnt.
7:00 PM: I felt better and went to dinner!
Day 6: Farewell, Sunshine, and Stuffed Suitcases (and maybe another cocktail)
9:00 AM: Breakfast, the last one!
10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir panic! Realized I hadn't bought anything for the dog. (I'm a terrible pet owner, apparently). Scrambled to find a shop. Found a beach towel. Close enough.
11:00 AM: Beach time! Attempted to cram as much sunshine into my pores as possible. Took one last dip in the ocean. Bliss.
1:00 PM: Lunch. (The buffet. Sigh. But hey, free!). The last one!
2:00 PM: Packing! The art of the suitcase puzzle began. Realized I'd bought far too many t-shirts. The hat I got conned into buying was NOT helping.
4:00 PM: Final cocktail. Had a "farewell to paradise" special - something fruity, something strong. Shed a single, dramatic tear as I watched the sunset. (Maybe it was the cocktail).
6:00 PM: Last dinner. Gave the buffet a final "meh". The ice cream was good.
8:00 PM: Head to the airport, with a heavy heart, and a suitcase that probably weighed more than me.
Day 7: Home!
- Upon Arriving: I got home, and I started doing laundy. I had a bit of a hangover. I also realized I had sunburn. I also realized I ran out of milk! It was great though!
Observations and Rants:
- The All-Inclusive: It
Escape to Paradise: Curaçao's All-Inclusive Mangrove Beach Getaway - The Unofficial FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, Official Ones Are Boring!)
Okay, so "All-Inclusive." Does that *really* mean all-inclusive? Like, *ALL* inclusive? (And More Importantly: The Booze?)
Alright, let's cut the crap. The booze situation is CRITICAL. Look, the fine print *technically* says "select premium liquors," but let me tell you, after three days straight of "select premium liquors," my brain started questioning the very fabric of reality. They had the good stuff, though! Think Grey Goose for your morning mimosa (don't judge), decent rum for the daiquiris (which I may or may not have consumed a *few* of). And the beer? Cold. Always cold. Mostly local brews, but hey, you're on island time! Forget counting calories, count shots! The food? Mostly great, a couple of misses, but I was so drunk, I didn't care.
Anecdote Time! One night, I was convinced the buffet table was a sentient being, judging my every plate selection. I may have whispered apologies to the pasta station after he judged my fifth helping. Seriously, though, the pasta station *did* give me the side-eye.
The all-inclusive covers most things. Excursions? Nope. Massages? No. But the food, the booze, the beach chairs? Oh, you're golden. Unless your definition of "all-inclusive" includes helicopter rides to the moon, in which case, you might be disappointed.
Mangrove Beach? Is it, like, full of creepy crawlies and quicksand? (My Mom's Worried.)
Okay, Mom, deep breaths. You're envisioning a swamp monster movie, aren't you? Relax. The mangroves are beautiful. Yes, you see the roots, the shallow water, the little fishies zipping around...it's all very Instagrammable. There *might* be the occasional tiny crab scuttling by (they're more scared of you than you are of them, trust me) and a few mosquitos at dusk, but nothing remotely Jurassic Park-ish. Quicksand? Nope. Just soft, sandy beach at the water's edge. The water is calm and clear. I actually saw a starfish, and then spent a half-hour trying to get it to smile for a picture. I failed.
Quirky Observation: I swear, the air around the mangroves smells faintly of… happiness? Or maybe it was the rum. Hard to say. Definitely not swamp monster breath, though.
The Imperfection: I got a tiny mosquito bite. I swear it was after the second daiquiri, they are sneaky at dusk. Bring bug spray. Just in case. But seriously, it's far from a nightmare. It's paradise, people. Even for Moms.
The Rooms... Are they, y'know, *livable*? Like, not a roach motel?
Let's cut to the chase. Are the rooms clean? Yes. Are they luxurious? Ehhh, depends your definition of luxury. They’re clean and comfortable. The air conditioning works (a MUST, trust me, the sun is a scorcher!). The beds are comfy enough that I passed out almost immediately after each day’s sun and rum extravaganza. There may have been a bit of a musty smell at first (welcome to a tropical island!), but it quickly dissapated.
More Anecdote: The first night, I tripped over a rogue beach towel and swore it was a vengeful spirit. I blame the jet lag and that post-flight shot of rum...
Opinionated Language: Okay, the furniture probably isn't the latest IKEA catalogue, and the décor is a little… dated. But honestly, you're not there to stare at the wallpaper, are you? You're there to be at paradise! And I was. And I would go back tomorrow. The rooms are the least important thing about the whole trip.
Just pack your favorite bathing suit, a sense of humor, and a bottle of sunscreen. The rooms will be perfectly good enough.
How's the Wi-Fi? Because I'm, like, addicted to Instagram… and actually, I need to work a little too… (Don't Judge!)
Okay, the Wi-Fi... let's be real. It's decent. Not warp speed, but good enough. You can post all those envy-inducing beach photos, you can check your email (sigh), and stream your favorite shows in the evening. Don't expect to download entire movies in seconds, but hey, you're on vacation! You should be looking at the ocean not a screen.
Emotional Reaction: Honestly, I embraced the slightly slower Wi-Fi. It forced me to disconnect, to actually *live* in the moment. To not feel like I was missing out on something on the internet. I spent a whole afternoon just watching the waves. It was glorious.
Minor Categories: The Wi-Fi worked better in some areas than others (try the lobby), and sometimes, it just vanished into the ether for a few minutes, especially during peak hours or when everyone was trying to FaceTime their families. But that's just life, isn't it? It'll be there *eventually*.
Is this place... romantic? I'm dragging my partner with me. (Hope they don't read this...)
Alright, let's talk romance. Yes, it can be romantic. VERY romantic. Imagine a sunset over the ocean, hand-in-hand walks along the beach, a tropical cocktail or two… It caters mostly to couples, families and the lone traveler. But here's the thing: It's what *you* make it. If you're looking for candlelit dinners and hushed whispers, you got it. If you're looking for boisterous singalongs around the swim-up bar, that's an option too!
Emotional Reaction (good, surprisingly!): I went with my partner, and it was the best trip we had in YEARS. We actually talked, laughed, rediscovered each other. I thought we were stuck in a rut, and Curaçao worked its magic! I'm not saying it's a guaranteed relationship cure-all, but the relaxed atmosphere, the beautiful scenery, the all-inclusive convenience? They all contribute to a feeling of simple bliss. It actually made us feel like a couple again!
Rambling: The beach itself is beautiful, the water is crystal clear, there are plenty of opportunities for privacy if you want it, and the staff… the staff are wonderful. They're incredibly friendly and helpful. They work tirelessly to make sure you have a great time. I even think I overhead them making fun of me. That's the level of charm you gotta expect.
The Food! Tell me about the food! I'm picky! (I'm a terrible person, I know.)
