BijBlauw

Pleasant, invigorating surprises are the root of any good story — and a great way to tweak a predictable story for the better. Such is the case with Curaçao’s BijBlauw, a Willemstad fixture that turns the old “beachy Caribbean resort” trope on its head. There’s still plenty of white-sand waterfront to work with, of course, but the focus centers squarely on the vibe: Pietermaai, the island’s trendy hub and catch-all entertainment district. It’s a best-of-both-worlds scenario, situating resort-style tranquility against a vibrant, walkable urban backdrop.

Behind it all is a gregarious couple, the van Dijks, with the resources and vision to transform a pair of stately, century-old buildings into the smart boutique it is today. Vision in the literal sense, too: unparalleled views of the Caribbean peek through the shutters into just nine rooms and an apartment, each individually decorated in a laid-back, island-contemporary style. The appointments are quite modern — king beds, flatscreens, Nespresso machines, rain showers — and upper-tier rooms come with furnished balconies, ideal for dolphin- or turtle-spotting.

All-day dining is available from the open-kitchen restaurant and lounge, an exercise in locally sourced produce and outstanding seafood preparations. You’d do well to plant yourself on the terrace, weather permitting, periodically refreshing yourself with classic cocktails and nibbles — the sea’s impeccably appropriate for an animated chat and a contemplative sip alike. Get moving whenever you’re ready, no rush. Pietermaai’s rainbow-hued cafés and nightlife joints aren’t going anywhere.