Hidden away on a 27-acre reserve on the eastern tip of the island, Atabei Spa at Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, Curaçao delivers secluded serenity in a beautiful, natural setting. The name Atabei means Mother Earth in Arawak, the language spoken by the island’s indigenous inhabitants who migrated from South America. As such, natural elements are a key part of the spa design. “All of our floors and vanities in the treatment rooms are made of natural stone from our own Table Mountain on property,” says spa and recreation manager Susan Van Haperen. “For our foot ritual, we use calabash bowls that grow in our trees and were used by the Arawaks, as well.” The ancient culture and rituals of the Arawak people also serve as inspiration for the spa menu. Its highlights include Atabei Journeys, which focus on four themes: Awaken to instill pure energy and enliven from the heat of the sun; Hydrate to restore balance and calm with the rhythm of the water; Nourish to cultivate beauty and nurturing from the earth; and Renew to activate health and detoxify through the pull of the moon. A comprehensive menu of à-la-carte services, including facials, massage, body treatments, and salon services, incorporate organic products made by local herbalist Dinah Veeris, skincare from Naturopathica, and polish from SpaRitual. For guests staying in the Sea Traditions Spa Suites, wellness is a 24/7 luxury. Daily 60-minute in-room spa treatments, an oversized soaking tub, and yoga mats ensure a spa escape without stepping outside.
Curaçao liqueur may be more recognizable than its namesake destination, so it’s no surprise that resorts on the island make good use of the locally made sweet orange spirit. This recipe for a Dushi You fruity cocktail is a popular choice for spa-goers before or after treatments at Atabei Spa.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 ounces of Blue Curaçao
- 2/3 ounce of lychee liqueur
- 2/3 ounce of pineapple juice
- 2/3 ounce of simple syrup
- 5 lime wedges
- 1 orange slice (as garnish)
Steps:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, and shake vigorously until chilled (at least 15 seconds).
- Pour into a martini glass.
- Garnish with an orange slice and serve.
There's much more to the spa scene in Curaçao, so check out our Destinations story in the March issue to learn more.