The History Of LionsDive Beach Resort
LionsDive Beach Resort Celebrates 35th anniversary
“LionsDive Beach Resort began with a dream to create a place where people can relax and experience the beauty of Curaçao. We are proud of what we have achieved and remain dedicated to providing exceptional personalized service and unique experiences to our guests. We look forward to further realizing our vision and thank Curaçao for 35 years of trust in LionsDive.”
General Manager, Mimi Luttge
Blueprints to Beachfront: The Founding Years
Discover the vibrant history of LionsDive Beach Resort and Curacao, where the echoes of Dutch colonial charm blend seamlessly with the rhythm of Caribbean waves introducing tourists to a hidden gem in the Caribbean. In the mid-1980s, after the devaluation of the Venezuelan Bolivar and the departure of Shell, there was a crisis on Curacao. At that time, the Curacao Lions Club was wondering how, as a service club, it could make an additional contribution to the island and its population.
Curacao is a beautiful island that has a lot to offer; the azure blue sea, white beaches, nature, and culture that can be discovered. As a result, the Lions Club saw the opportunities on the island early on and devised a plan to capitalize on them.
Charting New Waters: Growth and Expansion
Koki van Eps, a member of the Lions Club, produced the idea of setting up a hotel. The first reason was to attract tourists to Curacao, thereby also creating more employment for the population and boosting the economy.
Koki van Eps’ idea grew into a plan, and it was decided to look for sponsors. The MCB Bank was one of the major sponsors that could help them move forward and financed the Feasibility Study and design, which was carried out by IMD. The next step was to seek support from the members of the Lions Club, financial institutions, and the population. The LionsDive Hotel was founded on November 5, 1986. Construction could be outsourced, and the foundation stone was soon laid.
Building Waves: LionsDive Beach Resort's Journey
The location, Bapor Kibra, was not that popular at that time. It resembled a moonscape, and there was a garbage dump nearby. The Sea Aquarium was already there, and of course, this place was right on the beach and offered many options. The hotel opened in 1989 with 72 rooms.
At the time, the hotel was mainly aimed at divers, due to its location on the beach and the beautiful reef nearby. This gave rise to the name LionsDive, Dive stands for the divers the hotel focused on, and Lions stands for the Lions Club.
Legend by the Sea: LionsDive Beach Resort's Legacy of Excellence
Curacao did not have much diving tourism at that time, Bonaire more so. In the mid-1990s it was decided to open a second location on Bonaire. Unfortunately, in 2000 there was a huge storm that largely destroyed the hotel on Bonaire. Fortunately, we were helped by the insurance company. It was decided not to continue with this hotel and to sell it. This was a good decision because with these proceeds we had starting capital to expand LionsDive on Curacao and can guarantee a good future.
There were more rooms, swimming pools (including the unique 50-meter pool), and more facilities for guests.
As LionsDive continues to flourish, it stands as a testament to the power of vision, unity, and perseverance in overcoming challenges and shaping a brighter future for all. Due to the unique concept, namely, to outsource as many tasks as possible to local companies, but also the location, employees, and management, LionsDive is to this day a well-known resort where guests feel at home.
OUR GUESTS FEEL LIKE FAMILY
We go above and beyond to make sure you have a great time.
Our friendly, helpful staff make it their number one priority to provide exceptional service.
It Feels Like Coming Home
Lions Dive has been around for 35 years, and we've been a part of it for 10. We first went there in November 2013 after a busy summer at Zandvoort beach. We loved chilling at Lions Dive's beach. We went back the next year in early December, and the place was buzzing with activity. Every year it gets busier, but we always find our spot under a little tree at Chill beach. It feels like coming home with familiar faces and friendly welcomes. We hope to keep coming back for many more years to enjoy Lions Dive. - The Paap Family
Our LionsDive - A Poem
It's a way of lifeIt feels so much like home After 35 years, we shout out to the festive atmosphere Enjoy the kind words And yes, there will be days when you hear other things All we can say is: keep it up, keep improving, and listen to your guests We are, in any case, extremely satisfied Lions Dive hotel guests - The Donker Family
Celebrating Carnival at Our Second Home
This year, we celebrated carnival on the island once again. Lionsdive had set up a grandstand along the route of the big parade. It was well-organized with snacks and drinks. We thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and danced to the music. At the Lionsdive resort, there was a prelude to carnival with guests and staff (how fun is that) dancing together to live music from an awesome Caribbean band. - Rene and Monique
Memories, Sweet Memories
I was born in Curaçao 67 yrs ago but grew up in the Netherlands. The first time I came back to Curaçao I was 35 yrs old. This was in 1992. By then Lions Dive was 3 years old and the hotel was still small and didn’t have air conditioning in the rooms. But I didn’t mind. The wind came through the shutters and made it very pleasant. Back in those days (just like now in Hemingway) a band played music on Sunday evenings, but that happened around the pool and I danced my first Merengue with a Kurasoleño. Magical! - Caroline Castendijk (Full Testimonial)
Welcomed With Open Arms
The first time in 1999 we found LionsDive impressive: the entrance with the lions, the open lobby where it felt like you were being welcomed with open arms, and that's true! Every time you enter, the lobby and all the "lions-divers" with their sunny island smiles "say" to you: "Bon Dia"…. and you feel at home again. Over the years, you grow along with the staff, like in the early years with Desiree, now a mother of three children and working elsewhere. Being welcomed with open arms by "The Queen of the Lobby" Ilona, who does everything to make everyone feel comfortable and who knows exactly your room preferences. "Bon Dia Dushi" at breakfast as a greeting from Nina, the nail lady as I called her, because around carnival time she had the most beautiful creative nails made. Family it is! - Family Loekenbach
I Carry All The Memories With Me
Since 2011, my sister Marietje and I, Joke, have spent every January at your wonderful resort. We loved all the friendly people and the staff who were always ready to help. I often think about those wonderful times. Unfortunately, when my sister suddenly passed away four years ago at 78, our tradition ended. I missed it so much and had no one to go with. Until last year, January 2023, when my son and daughter-in-law joined me at your beautiful resort. At 91, I didn't think I would ever return to Curaçao. I was so excited but sadly fell ill on the plane and had to stay in my room for most of the trip. Even though I couldn't do everything I wanted, it was still nice to be back at Lions Dive and to see Ilona and Shendon again. I know I will never return, but I carry all the memories with me. Lions Dive, a beautiful place to be, thank you all for the wonderful times and keep being who you are. I have always enjoyed my time with you. - Grandma Joke
A Dedicated LionsDive Team
At LionsDive, we are immensely proud of the many team members who have dedicated years to our community. Their hard work and commitment are the foundation of our success. Thank you for your loyalty and for making LionsDive a special place for both guests and colleagues. It's remarkable that one-third of our employees have been with us for between 5 and 28 years.
A little sun goes a long way
Sharing Our 365 Days Of Sunshine
From dusk until dawn, our resort and nearby Mambo Beach Boulevard offer the natural beauty of the Caribbean combined with Dutch charm and outstanding service.