The Charm of Villa Tokara: Curaçao’s Best Boutique Hideaway
Curaçao has no shortage of turquoise beaches and pastel-painted streets—but if you’re looking for a place to stay that feels truly special, Villa Tokara might just be it. Set in a historic mansion on the elegant Penstraat, this small boutique hotel offers a rare blend of intimacy, character, and effortless Caribbean style.
With only a few rooms, no front desk fuss, and the kind of serene garden you want to linger in all day, Villa Tokara is more than a hotel— it’s a home with soul. And its location, right at the edge of the buzzing Pietermaai district, places you at the crossroads of culture, cuisine, and the sea.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your stay, from how to get to Curaçao to what to do, eat, and explore around this hidden gem.
Why Curaçao?
If you’re torn between Aruba and Curaçao, here’s the honest take: Aruba may be easier to pronounce and filled with all-inclusives, but Curaçao is where you’ll find depth, soul, and something real.
Curaçao has done what few Caribbean islands have managed to do: preserve its historic identity while welcoming travelers in a quiet, confident way. It’s less about cruise ships and casinos, and more about wandering colorful backstreets, sipping a cocktail at sunset with locals, or finding a tiny cove that feels entirely your own.
Here, historic architecture, Afro-Caribbean culture, and a thriving local food scene mix in a way that’s both layered and lived-in. Curaçao isn’t curated for tourists — it’s just being itself. And that’s what makes it special. Villa Tokara fits into that spirit perfectly.
Why stay at Villa Tokara?
Villa Tokara feels like staying with an art-loving friend who just happens to live in a grand 19th-century estate. The interiors are stylish without being overdesigned: think tall shuttered windows, original tiled floors, curated artwork, and a calm palette that lets the building’s history speak.
Outside, the lush courtyard and pool area are perfect for slow mornings with coffee or a lazy afternoon nap. And because there are only a handful of rooms, the vibe is peaceful, personal, and refreshingly unpretentious.
But the real magic is its setting: on Penstraat, facing the Caribbean Sea, and just around the corner from Pietermaai’s best dining and nightlife.
Getting to Curaçao
Curaçao is easily accessible via direct flights from:
Amsterdam (KLM, TUI)
New York, Miami, and Charlotte (JetBlue, American Airlines)
Toronto (Air Canada, WestJet)
Bogotá, Panama City, and other regional cities
From Hato International Airport, it’s about a 20-minute drive to Villa Tokara. Taxis are available, or rent a car if you want to explore the island independently (free parking is available at the hotel).
What to do on the island
There’s more to Curaçao than its postcard-perfect beaches. Whether you're into art, nature, or just a beautiful afternoon drive, the island has something up its sleeve.
Beach-hop along the west coast: Think rugged coves, limestone cliffs, and striking blue waters. Favorites include Cas Abao, Playa Jeremi, and Grote Knip.
Hike Christoffel Mountain in the early morning—an exhilarating climb with panoramic views from the island’s highest point.
Day trip to Klein Curaçao: An uninhabited island with powdery white sand and a dramatic abandoned lighthouse—ideal for sunbathing and solitude.
Wander through Otrobanda: For a rawer, more local view of Curaçao, cross the floating bridge and head into Otrobanda. You’ll find bold murals, tucked-away cafes, and the kind of layered street life that makes you want to slow down and explore.
Explore the neighborhood: Penstraat & Pietermaai
Villa Tokara is perfectly placed for travelers who prefer walking to driving. Just outside your door is Penstraat, a historic boulevard where historic mansions meet the sea. It’s peaceful, breezy, and lined with local charm.
A few steps away is Pietermaai, Curaçao’s emerging creative and culinary district. Once crumbling, this area has been revived by local entrepreneurs and artists, and now houses some of the island’s best restaurants, boutique bars, and design shops—all nestled between colorful townhouses and lush inner courtyards.
Whether you’re after a sunset cocktail, a jazz night, or a quiet café, you’ll find it here.
Where to eat near Villa Tokara
Penstraat and Pietermaai are Curaçao’s dining sweet spot, and Villa Tokara puts you within walking distance of the island’s most exciting restaurants. Here are a few must-visits:
Sal the Kitchen – Right next door, Sal is an intimate, chef-driven spot with bold flavors and a rotating menu that mixes European technique with local ingredients. One of the island’s culinary standouts.
Lamunchi – A laid-back neighborhood bistro with vibrant, flavor-packed dishes rooted in local ingredients
Esty’s – French-Caribbean brasserie flair in a moody, marble-lined setting. Think oysters, steak tartare, and elegant plates that are as beautiful as they are indulgent. A polished favorite for date nights and special dinners.
Serafina – Romantic and refined, Serafina offers handmade pastas, Italian wines, and candlelit charm in a beautiful garden setting.
BijBlauw – Stylish and oceanfront, BijBlauw is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or cocktails at sunset.
Final word: Stay somewhere that feels like a secret
Curaçao is full of surprises and Villa Tokara is one of its most beautiful secrets. From the heritage-filled architecture to the warmth of its hospitality, it’s a place that invites you to slow down, connect, and sink into island life.
Book your stay at villatokara.com and discover why the best travel experiences don’t come from five-star chains — they come from the feeling that you’ve found something truly special.
