Baoase, the intimate boutique resort on Curaçao’s southern coast, is preparing for a significant new chapter. Along with adopting the name Baoase Curaçao, the property has announced an expansion scheduled to open in early 2027, introducing 14 new accommodations and increasing its total room count to 37.
Plans also call for a new swimming pool for resort guests and an additional restaurant. The development represents considerable growth for a property that has built its reputation around privacy, personalized service and a relatively small number of villas, suites and rooms.
Rather than moving away from that boutique model, the resort says the expansion has been designed to accommodate more guests while retaining the atmosphere that has defined Baoase since it opened in 2009.
A New Name with a Stronger Sense of Place
The transition from Baoase Luxury Resort to Baoase Curaçao is intended to place greater emphasis on the destination and the local community behind the resort.
Baoase began as the private family home of the van der Valk family before opening as a boutique resort. Its architecture and tropical landscaping draw considerable inspiration from Bali, but its identity has also been shaped by its waterfront location, Curaçaoan hospitality and the people who have worked at the resort over the years.
“Luxury has never been about what we call ourselves,” said Thijs van der Valk, managing director of Baoase. “It has always been about how we make our guests feel through every interaction, every detail and every moment of their stay.”
Van der Valk added that including Curaçao in the resort’s name recognizes the importance of the island and its people to the development of Baoase.
The name change has already begun appearing across the resort’s communications and official website.
Fourteen New Pool Suites
The expansion will add a collection of 14 Oceanfront Pool Suites and Junior Suites. Once completed, the resort will offer 37 accommodations, compared with its current 23.
The new suites are being designed around privacy, contemporary comfort and the expectations of today’s luxury traveller. Integrated technology and updated design elements will be incorporated without abandoning the warm materials, tropical landscaping and indoor-outdoor atmosphere associated with the existing property.
Private pools will be a defining feature of the new Oceanfront Pool Suites, complementing the resort’s existing collection of pool villas and beachfront accommodations. Although Baoase will grow by approximately 60 percent, the finished property will remain small compared with many of Curaçao’s larger resorts.
“This expansion is not about becoming bigger; it’s about becoming better,” said Niels van der Valk, director of Baoase. “Growth only has value when it strengthens the guest experience.”
According to van der Valk, the planning process draws on nearly 15 years of guest feedback and operating experience. The goal is to introduce contemporary conveniences while maintaining the personal service and sense of seclusion expected at the resort.
A New Pool and Restaurant
In addition to the accommodations, Baoase Curaçao plans to open a new swimming pool available to all resort guests. The addition should provide another communal alternative to the private pools included with many of the villas and suites.
A new restaurant is also expected to join the resort’s culinary offerings. Baoase is already known for dining beside its private beach, including its Culinary Beach Restaurant and romantic dining experiences in secluded locations around the property.
Further details about the restaurant’s concept, culinary direction and opening date have not yet been announced. Its addition, however, should expand the dining choices available without requiring guests to leave the resort.
An Intimate Retreat Near Willemstad
Baoase Curaçao occupies a secluded waterfront setting a short drive from Willemstad. Its Balinese-influenced architecture, tropical gardens, private beach and lagoon-like water create an environment that feels removed from the city, despite its convenient location.
Current accommodations range from rooms and junior suites to multi-bedroom villas designed for couples, families and small groups. Many include private pools, outdoor living areas or direct access to the beach.
The resort also offers a spa and wellness program, watersports, private dining, yacht excursions and experiences around Curaçao. Its relatively small scale allows stays to be highly personalized, an approach the resort says will continue after the expansion.
Baoase has recently received significant recognition from travellers, including being ranked the Caribbean’s leading resort in the 2025 reader awards from both Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.
Exploring Beyond the Resort
Although Baoase has been designed as a self-contained retreat, its location makes it possible to combine time at the beach with a closer look at Curaçao.
Willemstad’s colourful Dutch colonial architecture and historic harbour are among the island’s most recognizable sights. The city’s central districts form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with restaurants, galleries and shops spread across Punda, Otrobanda, Pietermaai and Scharloo.
Curaçao is also known for its cultural diversity and distinctive food traditions. Travellers interested in exploring the island through its flavours can read DRIFT Travel’s guide to planning a cooking holiday in Curaçao.
Beyond Willemstad, visitors can discover sheltered beaches, snorkelling and diving sites, rugged coastal landscapes and Christoffel National Park. DRIFT Travel’s overview of new hotels and expanded flights to Curaçao offers additional inspiration for planning an island getaway.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The expansion is scheduled to welcome its first guests in early 2027. More specific information about the new suites, swimming pool, restaurant and opening timeline is expected to be released as construction progresses.
For Baoase Curaçao, the challenge will be growing without losing the privacy and personal attention responsible for much of its appeal. By keeping the expanded room count at 37 and building on its villa-style layout, the resort is positioning the development as an evolution of its boutique experience rather than a departure from it.
The result will introduce more opportunities to stay at one of Curaçao’s most distinctive resorts while giving Baoase a stronger connection to the island represented in its new name.
