EXPLORE

Kurá Hulanda Village is located in the art district of Otrobanda, just a short walk from the cruise terminal and minutes from the iconic Queen Emma Bridge.
 
The Village is open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, though hours may vary by day and business. Stroll the cobblestone lanes and explore more than 30 boutiques, restaurants, cafés, galleries, a museum, and wellness experiences, each offering something unique.
 
Whether you are arriving by cruise ship, staying at a nearby hotel, or exploring the Island, Kurá Hulanda Village is one of Curaçao’s must-see destinations.

Today, Kurá Hulanda Village is one of the most vibrant and popular destinations in Curaçao - a walkable quarter of restaurants, cafés, boutique shops, galleries, gardens, and historic architecture connected through colorful laneways and shaded courtyards.

Part of Willemstad’s UNESCO World Heritage area, The Village blends daily life, culture, hospitality, and history in a way that feels more like a small town within the city than a traditional commercial district.

But it wasn’t always this way.

The name Kurá Hulanda means “Dutch Courtyard” in Papiamentu - a fitting name for a place shaped by colorful buildings, quiet laneways, shaded plazas, and open courtyards.

Located in the historic district of Otrobanda, Kurá Hulanda Village sits within one of Willemstad’s most important heritage areas. Its streets and buildings reflect the layered history of the city, where Dutch colonial architecture, Caribbean color, local craftsmanship, and daily island life all meet in one walkable place.

The history of this quarter dates back to the early 1700s, when parcels of land were first granted on the west side of Sint Anna Bay. Unlike parts of the city that were formally planned, this area developed more naturally over time. Streets, alleys, homes, courtyards, and gathering places grew into the distinctive layout that still defines The Village today.

By the late 20th century, much of this part of Otrobanda had fallen into serious decline. Buildings had been abandoned, roofs had collapsed, courtyards were overgrown, and many historic structures were at risk of being lost.

When Jakob Gelt Dekker became involved in Otrobanda, he saw more than neglected buildings. He saw the possibility of preserving an entire historic environment. Working with local craftsmen and restoration teams, he began restoring buildings one by one, keeping original walls, proportions, materials, and details wherever possible.

From that work came Kurá Hulanda Village & Spa - a restored village built around courtyards, streets, a hotel, and one of Curaçao’s most important cultural institutions: the Kurá Hulanda Museum. The museum brought a deeper historical purpose to the area, with exhibitions focused on human history, African heritage, Curaçao’s cultural roots, and the transatlantic slave trade.

After years of success, the original hotel operation entered a difficult period and filed for bankruptcy in 2013. Over the following years, parts of the area became increasingly quiet as businesses gradually closed their doors. By 2020, the neighborhood had largely become a ghost town. Restaurants, bars, shops, and hotel operations had shut down, public spaces sat empty, and much of The Village once again felt abandoned.

A new chapter began when the BMG Group took over the property in late 2021. Along with extensive restoration and revitalization work, the destination was reintroduced under a new identity: Kurá Hulanda Village. The goal was not simply to reopen the property, but to bring the neighborhood back into daily use as a vibrant mixed-use village in the heart of Otrobanda.

The museum and hotel were restored, while new restaurants, cafés, shops, galleries, wellness spaces, and boutique accommodations brought new energy to the squares, gardens, and courtyards - re-establishing The Village as one of Curaçao’s most vibrant destinations.