As we ramp up our Spas Section leading up to 2015, I’ve been on the hunt for unusual spas, sustainable spas, life transforming spas or frankly any spa that does things just a little different. Of course, the Caribbean is a region of the world that would come to mind when you think of luxury spas although frankly, I haven’t explored much of the Caribbean, which is one reason I ended up in Curaçao recently, in an attempt to learn more about what the islands have to offer.
By the second day, I could hardly breathe – my chest was constricted and my energy level was at an all time low for such a leisurely trip. I’ve never been one to take a back seat and relax when I’m sick — type A personalities have a hard time with this concept. That said, with my entire system zapped of energy, I held back while my colleagues went snorkeling in the north of the island.
Frustrated that I had to miss beautifully colored fish, the caves and crystal blue waters, I tried to distract myself with a relaxing walk along the beach where Curaçao’s Hilton lays sprawled from east to west. On the property, I noted a spa and wellness center, although the spa didn’t appear to be part of the Hilton yet was on its grounds.
There, I met Sandra Tjonpoengie (try saying that backwards after a margarita :), the cousin of the owner, Ghislaine Kranenburg, who started her spa in 2002. The most interesting thing about the spa is its concept, its history and its name. Called The Color of People, it takes the opposite approach of the all pure white spas you see in so many luxury hotels.
They call it the Color of People to celebrate the diversity of all cultures and the spa replicates this in a fun way with each room painted a different color. Bursting with all things vibrant, the spa still manages to pull off a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.
There are four elegantly decorated treatment rooms with ocean views, as well as a sauna, steam room and relaxation area. Facials, body treatments, various kind of massages and micro dermabrasion are some of the offerings although they also have set packages as well.
I’m always astounded how bare treatment rooms are, even in high end spas. Sure, you might find a candle or two but often the walls are bare, the rooms are colder than you’d like them to be, and the music often sounds more like dental room music than meditative or spiritual healing music. While on my stomach, my view was of the lovely shrine-like platter below….a old but beautiful tea pot, flower petals and candles. Nice touch!
Sandra who gave me the treatment used eucalyptus because she knew I had a cold and wanted to give me a more healing treatment, rather than a deep tissue massage, which has the possibility of stirring up toxins when you’re sick. It was just what the doctor ordered. I left feeling less congested, more relaxed and finally…..able to breathe. Right choice!!
Below, one of the nail treatment tables are set up in the main relaxation area. I love the funky fun chair!!
They “get” the details throughout their salon. Nice rose surprise in the middle of the hallway that leads up to the treatment rooms.
Afterwards, you can relax over a cuppa of tea.
I love their concept of using lots of color throughout and their reasons why….it was a lot warmer than coming out to an all white environment after my treatment. The world isn’t in white, so why should salons be all white? Two thumbs up!!
Details:
Color of People Spa
Hilton Curacao
JF Kennedy Boulevard
Piscadera, Curacao
Tel: 
+599 9 4622760
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
