Goudhaen

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2025: We came back to Goudhaen for our second stay, this time for the whole month of February. I finally got to meet Colin and his family in person, and they’re fantastic hosts in every way. We also got to know other guests, many of whom return year after year. It starts to feel like a small family community, and most of us have already booked for next year. This really is a special place with special people. If you want somewhere clean, comfortable and great to stay, you can’t go wrong here. You might only visit, but it’ll stay in your heart all year. The new place next door is just as beautiful. If you’re still deciding and researching, I’ll save you some time. We’re in our early 60s, travel regularly, and decided to try an extended winter break for the first time. We spent 18 days here in February 2024, and had the greatest time. It wasn’t long enough. Every day and night was an adventure. I’d researched places to stay and Curacao extensively, and we saw the whole island, including driving past places and areas we’d considered. We couldn’t have made a better choice. Jan Thiel is a great area, and Goudhaen is exactly as pictured: clean, comfortable and very well appointed. By day two it felt like home. The reviews here and on other sites are true. You can’t beat this place. Many thanks to Colin, his father and everyone at Goudhaen, who guided me through everything from 2023. You’re truly special hosts. Our dream trip of exploring, snorkeling and beach-hopping was even more perfect than I could have imagined. It was so good that, after being home for just three days, I’d already booked the full month of February 2025. That should tell you all you need to know! S&G of MD via the NJ shore!

Colin made our last-minute booking easy and was quick to answer our questions. The apartment was modern, clean, and lovely, with the beach and great restaurants an easy walk away. We felt really well looked after.

We felt safe here, and Jan Thiel’s main spots were just a short walk away. Colin was attentive and happy to answer questions or help us get comfortable. We stayed seven nights and would book this place again when we return to Curaçao.

The pool is right outside the door, and the host was always available. When our flight was later in the afternoon, we were able to stay past noon instead of having to leave at 12:00. That was a lovely bit of flexibility. We spent a week at Papagayo before moving to an Airbnb. Goudhaen cost 2-3 times less than one room at Papagayo Hotel, yet we found the apartment 2-3 times better in quality. It was cleaner, more spacious, and better insulated and ventilated, so it didn’t feel as humid inside. Great house, location, and host. No wonder it’s rated 5 out of 5!