A Hotel Brand That Left This Caribbean Island a Decade Ago Just Came Back — With a Brand-New Resort

Sonesta International Hotels has opened a new 196-room resort in Curacao, marking the brand's return to the Dutch Caribbean island after more than a decade away. Sonesta Resort Curacao sits overlooking Jan Thiel Beach on the island's southeastern coast, about 20 minutes from Willemstad.

The property reimagines the former Livingstone Jan Thiel Beach Resort, which has been transformed into a full-service Sonesta resort with a mix of standard guest rooms, apartment-style accommodations, and standalone villas. That range of room types is notable — most Caribbean resorts stick to one format, but the varied layout here gives the property flexibility to attract couples, families, and longer-stay guests.

Amenities include three pools, a 5-star PADI dive center with direct beach access, a fitness center, spa services, and water sports. Dining is anchored by an Italian-inspired restaurant and bar, with additional food and beverage options across the property.

Sonesta's last presence in Curacao was the former Kura Hulanda, a boutique hotel in the Otrobanda district of Willemstad that the brand exited more than ten years ago. That property now operates independently as Kura Botanica, an adults-only hotel. The new Jan Thiel Beach resort represents a fundamentally different play — larger, more resort-oriented, and positioned in one of the island's most popular beach areas.

Curacao has been drawing more attention from U.S. travelers in recent years, helped by expanded airlift and the island's reputation for reliable weather, strong diving, and a more laid-back atmosphere compared to the busier Caribbean hotspots. The new Sonesta joins a growing roster of branded properties on the island, which has historically leaned more toward independent and boutique hotels than chain resorts.

Rooms are available for booking now through Sonesta's website and major travel platforms.