Curacao is one beautiful property after another. You could, however, put a tiny, run-down shack near any of Curacao’s magnificent beaches and it would start to look good. Step onto the Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino property, though, with a grand entrance of fountains, plants, and flowers, an open-air front desk area that overlooks a massive free-form pool, Olympus-like pillars in every direction,  and an imposing red roof above, and the beach isn’t even the first thing that you notice.

I’ve been to a fair share of resorts, but when I stepped out of the car and onto the Marriott grounds, I felt like royalty. The bellmen were standing by to take my bags and the front desk staff was anxiously awaiting my arrival. There was no wait. No stress. No worries. Everything was ready.

I walked up the steps and was greeted by a exquisite setting framed perfectly by massive, white pillars. The pool stretched out before my eyes and the ocean was just beyond my immediate view creating an endless sea of beauty.

The walk to my room was filled with tropical flowers and plants and the majestic pillars continued to lead the way along the path. The “Board Room” reminded me of how blessed I am to be able to travel for a living and put my day into perspective.

The gold and blue color palette in my suite extended the royalty feel into the room. The crisp white bedding and curtains were fresh and airy, and the desk overlooked a garden granting me serenity while I “worked”.

As always, the pool is where we spend most of our time. Athena knows about 30-40 words and roughly 10 of those words have to do with swimming. Needless to say, her approval of the pool is an important aspect of our stay. The varying height levels, unique design, refreshing temperature, and cleanliness exceeded our high standards and left us playing for hours on end, without a problem in the world.

Within feet of the pool is the ocean and it is there where my idea of paradise lies. After Athena’s pool time, we had Mommy time in the ocean. The reef, not far from the shore, blocked the waves and created the ideal environment for a family swim. Colorful fish, soft sand, and gentle waves filled our afternoon in the ocean.

The more we explored the Marriott, the more we fell in love. It captured a quite, refined elegance without sacrificing any of the family fun. Just looking at the photos brings me back to the peacefulness that encompasses Curacao and the Marriott.

*This journey was made possible with help from Tourism Curacao; however, as you probably know by now, all opinions & thoughts are my own.*