Part 4 Adventures in Curacao - Curaçao Renaissance Resort & Casino

Curaçao view of the Capital City

Today we are conclude the four-part series on one of the most gems in the Caribbean – Curaçao. Today visiting the picturesque Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino there is soo much to see and do I hope to give you enough information. The flavor is hot, the people are warm and the breezes perfect. After you read all four locations I choose you’ll see why it’s hard to pick a favorite place on this island. Should you choose Curaçao, any of their locations will provide an ideal backdrop as you begin your new lives together.

The Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino is conveniently located in the historic capital city of Willemstad, Curacao. The resort is brand new, opening February 2009 and it is the first new hotel to open in Curacao in more than 15 years. Its downtown location makes it the perfect jumping off point for exploring Curacao's many attractions, yet the resort offers something that no other hotel in the downtown area can: a 32,000-plus square foot private Eternity Beach, the only one of its kind in the world. The Eternity Beach boasts white sand, palm trees and fresh ocean water complete with marine life - above sea level. The resort took the infinity pool concept and used it to create a gorgeous private beach area overlooking the ocean. The 223-room resort offers 14 suites, currently the largest in Curacao, as well as a luxury spa, the Aqua Spa, which occupies three floors at the historic Rif Fort and the top floor boasts a roof top relaxation area and an infinity pool hot tub overlooking the ocean. Of course, the resort has a team of planners that can assist the needs of the bride, groom and their guests. The groom and his groomsmen will enjoy the Carnaval Casino, which offers an elegant gaming experience from the latest slot machines to challenging table games.

What time of year are you hosting the most weddings?

Winter and early spring are traditionally the peak periods for destination weddings in the Caribbean. That has shifted a bit with the U.S. economy in a recession. Couples are looking to reduce costs by planning much more intimate ceremonies than they had wanted. But what we're seeing around the island is that couples are opting to get married in shoulder and off peak seasons, taking advantage of Curacao's pleasant year-round weather, instead of paring down the guest list or the reception. This will be the first full winter season for the resort, since we opened in February 2009. We are booking a fair amount of destination weddings for the winter season but we are also getting calls about non-traditional wedding periods as couples look to save wherever they can.

What are the best/signature experiences can a wedding party expect - or most importantly, if a couple is looking for a venue, why would they choose your space/island vs. another?

The Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino offers several advantages that other resorts do not. The resort is brand new, from top to bottom. Nothing is outdated, worn or drab. Being new, it's also the "hottest" place in town. The Eternity Beach, aside from offering amazing views (especially at sunset!) it is private and it can be used solely for the wedding ceremony and reception. It can accommodate small to mid-size weddings and our events department can create an amazing reception experience, handling every last detail. The resort's location allows the bride and groom to explore the island. It's minutes from downtown and our in-house car rental company, watersports operator and tour operator can plan any type of excursion, from an intimate picnic by a waterfall to adventure activities. There's also the Aqua Spa, which offers nine treatment rooms, a Vichy shower, and a rich and varied menu of massages, facials, manicure, pedicure and hair treatments. The spa also boasts two relaxation terraces and a sauna with ocean views - perfect for bridal party bonding!

Tell me about the catering, bridal suite, adventures and anything else you want to share with a bride/couple.

Our catering staff can create a customized menu to match the theme and feel of any ceremony. The resort also offers 8,600 square feet of versatile indoor space, which can be used as a bridal / groom suite before the big event. The resort also boasts a state-of-the-art salon, offering custom packages and bridal services.

Can you tell me about marriage requirements, costs or restrictions?

Couples need to apply for a non-resident marriage license (USD$167), present a passport and birth certificate, proof of a legal divorce decree (if divorced) or a death certificate (if a spouse has died). No blood tests are required.

For more info: This is truly one of my new favorite places. For more information about The Renaissance Curacao Resort and Casino, please look at their site: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/curbr-renaissance-curacao-resort-and-casino/