The Rif at Mangrove Beach Corendon Curaçao is an all-inclusive resort in the Curio Collection by Hilton, on a private beach at Pater Euwensweg 31A in Willemstad. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and unlimited drinks are included, along with weekly activities, the fitness centre, poolside service and full access to the sister resort next door. Check-in starts at 4 pm, and check-out is at noon. The mood is relaxed rather than busy, and the sister resort covers anything livelier.

Rooms and suites overlook the gardens, the pool, the sea, or the cruise ships, and feature Caribbean-inspired decor, a desk, and a minibar. Deluxe Rooms sleep three, and the Deluxe Swim Up Room sleeps two with a private terrace opening straight into the water. One Bedroom Suites and the Superior Suite sleep four and add a separate living area and a private balcony. Mobility-accessible rooms are available.

An activity calendar appears on arrival, and the programme changes throughout the week. Concierge and poolside service run through the day, so a drink or a booking never means a long walk. Water slides and family facilities sit at the sister resort, and your stay includes access to them along with its restaurants and bars. The fitness centre is open at any hour. Weddings and seaside conferences use the resort event spaces.

A palm-lined outdoor pool sits at the centre, with cabanas, sunbeds and drinks brought to you. The Coral Pool Bar runs from 10 am to 2 am and has an attached lounge. The private beach looks onto the shipping lane, so passing cruise ships and sea turtles become part of the view. The fitness centre stays open around the clock.

Four restaurants stand in a row along the resort. Otrobanda is the buffet, named after the historic district, with show cooking and service from breakfast right through to a late sitting that runs to 7 am. Harbor Breakfast and Bistro serves international dishes from 7 am to 9:30 pm. Maya covers Mexican small plates and Sofra Turkish cooking, both from 6 pm. Two bars follow, the Sunset Beach Bar, open around the clock, and the Coral Pool Bar.

Willemstad is moments away, and the historic district of Otrobanda sits across the water from the beach. The resort address is Pater Euwensweg 31A, on the same stretch as its sister property, so the two share a setting, and you can move freely between them. The private beach is the main draw close at hand, with loungers, shade and a bar that never shuts.