Hotel Intel: Therapy dolphins, total accessibility mark this resort duo in Curaçao

Article content

I got goosebumps when I met some of the most distinguished residents of the idyllic Caribbean nation of Curaçao. No, they were not showbiz celebrities, royals or sports stars. My new BFs were dolphins who play a crucial role at the Curaçao Dolphin Therapy and Research Center. They’re also a big draw for people staying at the Dolphin Suites and Wellness Curaçao, a boutique resort.

Article content

The two non-government enterprises are almost adjacent, so they work together accommodating special needs guests of all ages. The hotel and therapy centre are about 100 metres from the ocean, with adapted transport and beach access.

Article content

“About 50 per cent of our clients are here to participate in the therapy-assisted program,” said Alette Borger, manager and co-owner of the Dolphin hotel. “Our hotel is completely wheelchair accessible, so it is a great fit, but we also have regular sun-seekers who love our pool, and we hold wellness retreats.”

Here is a look at the dolphin duo with a focus on visitors with special needs.

Dolphin Suites: The hotel is renovating its 21 existing rooms and suites and is opening a major new wing of 38 more, which includes configurations a big as a three-bedroom apartment. All accommodations are fully accessible, equipped with anti-slip floors, adapted bathrooms and decor in soft colours for a low-stimulus environment. Guests without disabilities like this hotel, too, especially for the extra space in the guest rooms.

Article content

Article content

The new wing, opening this summer, is a vision of tropical decor indoors with the added attraction of outdoor terraces and corridors that let in natural light and the Caribbean breeze.

Part of Dolphin Suites’ expansion is Reefs Café and Co, a new go-to eatery and mini-market. Reefs maintains the wellness theme with natural decor and lots of light and plants. It has a simple menu of smoothies, pancakes, burgers, wine and beer. The takeout section offers sandwiches and fruit so guests can stock their fridges.

Dolphin Suites hosts special retreats for all geared toward creating a healthy lifestyle and building meditative techniques and self-awareness (Nov. 22-29, 2023, May 22-29, 2024).

The events will be led by Kirti Daryanani, life coach and author of #BeFriendurMind. Some of the exceptional experiences are a dolphin swim and “wataflow,” a form of bodywork that sees water as a sacred element.

Article content

Dolphin therapy: Almost next door, the Curaçao Dolphin Therapy and Research Center (CDTC) welcomes special needs visitors of all ages. Most of the patients are youngsters or teens, but adults participate as well.

“Our organization chose Curaçao because of the wonderful warm climate, the natural open water for our dolphins and the country’s high medical standards,” said general manager Jeannette Pot. “We have patients from throughout North America and Europe, especially Holland and Germany.”

The centre’s two-week, supervised program includes speech, physical, behavioural or occupational therapy; swimming and interacting with the dolphins; a family swim and consultations on issues like mobility, hygiene, aggression, life skills and sensory integration.

Article content

“Having fun is paramount, but it’s also a very intense, very personalized program,” Pot said. “Each patient has three people attending — a therapist, the dolphin trainer and an assistant — plus, of course, the dolphin.

“Our visitors see results and that is the most beautiful thing.”

The dolphins live in natural sea lagoons with other fish and wildlife. The centre has its own veterinarian and expert animal handlers.

“The dolphins seem to like what they do,” Pot said. “They are spirited and playful and they interact freely, swimming with people and sometimes nosing up and even touching, which is wonderful close contact.”

The CDTC has treated thousands of patients with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, ADHD, many other congenital and non-congenital disorders, and even cancer and post-traumatic stress.

Article content

Sightseeing: Curaçao’s capital city, Willemstad, is a UNESCO heritage site for its colourful harbourfront houses and cobblestone alleys, which date from Dutch colonial times of the 1600s.

Willemstad’s OIermai district is popping with galleries and cafés. History fans can enjoy the Maritime Museum and the Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest in the western hemisphere. Nature excursions explore turtle and flamingo habitats.

And everyone takes a selfie at a huge sign that says “Dushi,” which, in the local language of Papiamento, means many endearing things, including darling or sweet.

IF YOU GO

Air Canada flies directly from Montreal to Curaçao seasonally and from Toronto to Curaçao year-round. Bell offers free messaging for Aeroplan members on most flights (aircanada.com).

Curaçao Tourism: curacao.com.

Dolphin Suites and Wellness Curacao: 5999-465-2700, dolphinsuites-curacao.com; Bapor Kibra, Willemstad, Curaçao.  From approximately $210 CND for two (basic room) and from approximately $342 CND for two (suites). Deluxe apartment for six, $400-$575 CND. Winter/Christmas rates are higher.

Curaçao Dolphin Therapy Center: 5999-461-9886, cdtc.info; Bapor Kibra, Willemstad, Curaçao. Fee on request.

Article content