The Cool Pool of the Week: Papagayo Beach Hotel in Curacao

Millennials looking to take a cool dip on an off-the-beaten path Caribbean island might want to check out the zero-entry pool at the LGBT-welcoming Papagayo Beach Hotel in Curacao.

The expansive hotel, which is said to evoke an Ibiza-meets-South Beach vibe, serves as home base for the trendy International Swim Fashion Week and has 155 luxury guest rooms - complete with colorful LED lighting, rainfall showers and spacious living areas. There is also a 6,900-square-foot saltwater infinity pool with views of the Caribbean Sea.

The zero-entry pool on the sands of the affiliated Papagayo Beach Club is a popular spot for both locals and hotel guests. It has an infinity edge that creates a sort of optical illusion, seamlessly blending the colors of the pool and sea with similar blue hues.

A favorite among travelers, the infinity pool, which is continuously refreshed with natural saltwater from the Caribbean Sea, is said to give vacationers the feeling of being in the ocean without the crashing waves.

Surrounding the pool are three rows of white chaise lounges in pairs of two, ideal for couples or groups of friends who want to chill during their European-inspired escape. The chairs are set beneath gently swaying palms and cream-colored windsails, which provide ample shade from the sun. Beach chairs are available to the public for $10 each and are free for all hotel guests.

When basking in the sun calls for a bite to eat, Millennias can indulge in light beachside appetizers and snacks, including salads, sandwiches and pastas.

The experienced  bartenders are also standing nearby to create specialty hand-shaken cocktails such as the Passion Fruit Lemonade, a signature drink that's not to be missed. The hotel also hosts daily wine happy hours from 5 to 7 p.m. and live music on Friday nights. On Saturday, guests can enjoy burgers and brews, and on Sunday, the property takes it up a notch with fresh sushi rolls, sparking wine and a live DJ.

While the pool cannot be rented out for private parties, it's just steps from one of the island's most lively areas: Papagayo Plaza off Jan Thiel Beach. Here, people have their pick of several restaurants, including Zest Mediterranean, Zanzibar Bar & Restaurant and Mojitos & Bites. The area, which comes alive on Friday and Saturday nights, also features several boutique shops, including Out of the Blue, a small jewelry store that sells local art and trinkets. 

Visit www.papagayo.com and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest travel news. Be sure to follow Travel Agent’s Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike and Instagram @pike5260. For more cool hotel pools, follow us on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/travelagentmag/cool-hotel-pools.

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