St. Elisabeth Hospice in Kura Hulanda Village

St. Elizabeth Hospital (SEHOS) is the old hospital located in the Kura Hulanda Village in the Otrobanda district. On Dec. 3, 1855, Monsignor Ferdinand Kieckens, with the support of the Franciscan nuns of Breda, founded this first nursing home, the St. Mary’s Hospital. Elisabeth Hostpital. In the beginning, mainly leprosy patients and people with intellectual disabilities received attention. Over time, the hospice grew into a hospital and a school for medical professionals.

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    Largest hospital

    SEHOS, one of Curaçao’s major employers, was the most comprehensive hospital within the Netherlands Antilles with 740 beds. Since its opening, this main hospital has undergone rapid modernization. The quality of living conditions improved, the number of available beds increased, the number of medical operations and nursing care grew, and the number of doctors and nurses expanded. The hospital grew from a small hospice to a full-fledged facility for the poor who did not have access to home care.

    Consequently, the vast majority of the population was born in the SEHOS. As a result, it grew to become the largest hospital in the Netherlands Antilles. It also served as a training center for medical personnel from the Netherlands and surrounding areas, including nurses, operating room assistants and pharmacy assistants. Over the years, the hospital has played an important role in the lives of both current and past patients. Entire generations have been nursed at the hospice.

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    Spread over an eight-block area, this property offers a unique luxury experience in a botanical and tranquil retreat, offering complete privacy and intimacy.
    Ideal for Business people, Couples or Lovers who need a break

    The buildings

    The earliest wings of the hospital were built sometime between 1855 and 1898. Since that time, the building has been periodically enlarged and adapted to the influx of patients and improvements in medical science and health care. The original design has been modified many times, so the complex has multiple construction eras. The earliest concept, practically none of which exists today, was a pavilion system made of a series of structures. The hospital underwent extensive expansion and partial reconstruction in the early twentieth century due to a severe lack of available space.

    Before the 1990s, the hospital was divided into sections where patients of both sexes, social groups and professional backgrounds were treated separately from each other. There were rooms for the less fortunate, a wing for elderly residents and several 1st, 2nd and 3rd class rooms. The lower floors housed the island’s underprivileged. Here, then, were most of the rooms.

    Above them were the quarters of the second class. The first-class rooms were huge and they were all located on the upper floors, where the wind could blow freely and the galleries could keep the space cool. CM. Baker added the chapel and west wing in the 1920s, and further additions and changes were made in the 1940s and 1950s.

    Airy layout

    Clustering the buildings around a patio also allowed the rooms on the leeward side of the complex to benefit from the wind. In addition, galleries, deep window niches, screens, overhanging balconies and custom colors were used to reduce glare from the sun. The building’s airflow could be controlled by tilting louvers.

    The modernist east wing of the hospital was designed by Ben Smit in 1956. His focus on patient comfort was central to the design. Primarily, adequate ventilation was required. A favorable lie to the sun was also crucial to maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature.

    A concrete awning was installed in the ridge, complete with movable and adjustable slats on the south side and turn hatch windows in the middle. Patients could enjoy the outdoors and the benefits of nature by having easy access to gardens. The children’s area that Smit designed had extra-wide corridors so children could run in and out.

    Kura Botanica Hotel Image Gallery

    Kura Botanica Hotel
    4.9
    Based on 28 reviews
    powered by Google
    Bas SmitBas Smit
    17:10 26 Sep 23
    It is a beautiful hotel with a perfect manager..
    Jonathan MarquesJonathan Marques
    23:23 17 Sep 23
    Hotel with a beautiful garden, in the middle of a historic village. The service from the staff has always been friendly and multilingual. The room we stayed in was new and the bed was excellent!However, some problems were observed. They didn't replace the amenities for our last night, nor did they even collect a towel that was on the floor.The shower is also not separated from the rest of the bathroom, there is no curtain or shower stall which makes the bathroom wet. There was also a lack of support for soap and shampoo, which are on the floor.The parking lot is far away and you need to either walk with your bags or take your car close to the entrance and then return to the parking lot.But the worst thing for me was the breakfast. it is served in another hotel and there is no variety, it doesn't change between days, it is very simple and contained. You can just have a coffee and a juice and not repeat it. On the first day we were treated very poorly, even harshly, which made us not want to go back the next day.
    Andre AmmerlaanAndre Ammerlaan
    18:31 03 Sep 23
    It was wonderful, super beautiful location.The beds sleep wonderfully, we have completely relaxed.It is a piece of oasis in the middle of the city.So many beautiful things to see and do within walking distance.The staff was super friendly😀
    Marcelo FalkMarcelo Falk
    23:25 18 Aug 23
    Peter StephensonPeter Stephenson
    21:44 14 Aug 23
    Loving the hotel. Great location.
    Bart de JongBart de Jong
    22:03 21 Jul 23
    Great place to stay. Renovated only recently and rooms are excellent. Staff is very helpful and polite. Pool is a bit small but perfect to relax at the end of day. Or whenever you start your day later.Breakfast is in collaboration with a place 1min away and is taken good care off. Choices and taste are overall just good.They did tell Kura B is planning to build their own kitchen in the near future. But the 1min (literally) walk shouldn't trouble you.
    Travis AnthonyTravis Anthony
    17:43 02 Jul 23
    We are locals and wanted a relaxing escape from our usual routine. This place was extremely relaxing, with a beautiful pool surrounded by large trees to provide a great mix of shade and sun. The hotel is very well located with many great restaurants within a few minutes walk. The rooms are very well designed for an authentic Curacao experience. We would highly recommend a stay to both couples as to individuals visiting Curacao.
    naiomi sapphirenaiomi sapphire
    08:17 16 Jun 23
    I think this is best hotel in Curaçao!It is sweet and charming, the rooms are very clean and well kept. It is comprised of several buildings within the property. Vivid colours both inside and outside of the rooms. Lots of lush foliage and very serene, literally perfect for retreating from busyness and embracing relaxation.It’s tucked in Kura Hulanda village so there’s plenty to do and eat without walking more than 10 minutes but I recommend exploring nearby neighbourhoods like Otrabanda (where the hotel is), Punda and Pietermaai which are all walking distanceWhat’s most memorable is the keen hospitality of the KB team. I felt welcomed throughout the duration of my stay, not just upon arrival. They happily answered every question I had and was consistently kind and helpful.Janette, Teresa, Disney, Darrel, Rosalita, and the young lady w the cute headscarf that complimented my crocs - you guys are amazing!My only regret is leaving such a good review bc now I risk KB not being available when I return!
    Yannick Van Der MeirenYannick Van Der Meiren
    16:36 06 Jan 23
    What a great holiday we had here!Very new boutique hotel where nothing is too much to ask.A super service with people who do everything they can to make your holiday the best!Rooms are very nice, modern and spacious!Location is perfect to stay away from the hustle and bustle, but still be close to the center.The district is in full bloom and is very pleasant to be in. A drink, a snack in a quiet setting where most tourists have not yet found their way. A gem!Breakfast at Maira's kitchen was great!Thank you to all staff! You make the experience and trip even more beautiful.GreetingsKaren and Yannick
    Komplayt KinderopvangKomplayt Kinderopvang
    16:24 31 Dec 22
    We had a wonderful stay at Kura Botanica! It just opened, everything is new, thought about and the service is nothing short of amazing!It is beautifully situated in the middle of Willemstad, close to the Pontjesbrug, in a neighborhood that exudes and exudes innovation. The people are fantastic, the breakfast at Maira delicious. We would like to come back soon!Amelia and Martin
    ma noma no
    21:48 02 Dec 22
    The staff was verry nice and gave good advice. and the hotel was verry nice and clean. Francien HenriettaRocio Disney Derrel and Jeanette, thanks for the all the service. See your all next year....... B13.....
    Lars de BrabanderLars de Brabander
    20:20 26 Oct 22
    This fully renewed boutique hotel is truly a beauty. Completely renovated, it lies in historic Willemstad on one minute walking distance of the Anna Bay and very close to some of the nicest beaches in Curacao
    Thays VidalThays Vidal
    23:08 11 Sep 22
    After the renovation, this luxury hotel is gonna be a huge success 🙌Friendly staff and nice location.
    Bas SmitBas Smit
    17:10 26 Sep 23
    It is a beautiful hotel with a perfect manager..
    Jonathan MarquesJonathan Marques
    23:23 17 Sep 23
    Hotel with a beautiful garden, in the middle of a historic village. The service from the staff has always been friendly and multilingual. The room we stayed in was new and the bed was excellent!However, some problems were observed. They didn't replace the amenities for our last night, nor did they even collect a towel that was on the floor.The shower is also not separated from the rest of the bathroom, there is no curtain or shower stall which makes the bathroom wet. There was also a lack of support for soap and shampoo, which are on the floor.The parking lot is far away and you need to either walk with your bags or take your car close to the entrance and then return to the parking lot.But the worst thing for me was the breakfast. it is served in another hotel and there is no variety, it doesn't change between days, it is very simple and contained. You can just have a coffee and a juice and not repeat it. On the first day we were treated very poorly, even harshly, which made us not want to go back the next day.
    Andre AmmerlaanAndre Ammerlaan
    18:31 03 Sep 23
    It was wonderful, super beautiful location.The beds sleep wonderfully, we have completely relaxed.It is a piece of oasis in the middle of the city.So many beautiful things to see and do within walking distance.The staff was super friendly😀
    Marcelo FalkMarcelo Falk
    23:25 18 Aug 23
    Peter StephensonPeter Stephenson
    21:44 14 Aug 23
    Loving the hotel. Great location.
    Bart de JongBart de Jong
    22:03 21 Jul 23
    Great place to stay. Renovated only recently and rooms are excellent. Staff is very helpful and polite. Pool is a bit small but perfect to relax at the end of day. Or whenever you start your day later.Breakfast is in collaboration with a place 1min away and is taken good care off. Choices and taste are overall just good.They did tell Kura B is planning to build their own kitchen in the near future. But the 1min (literally) walk shouldn't trouble you.
    Travis AnthonyTravis Anthony
    17:43 02 Jul 23
    We are locals and wanted a relaxing escape from our usual routine. This place was extremely relaxing, with a beautiful pool surrounded by large trees to provide a great mix of shade and sun. The hotel is very well located with many great restaurants within a few minutes walk. The rooms are very well designed for an authentic Curacao experience. We would highly recommend a stay to both couples as to individuals visiting Curacao.
    naiomi sapphirenaiomi sapphire
    08:17 16 Jun 23
    I think this is best hotel in Curaçao!It is sweet and charming, the rooms are very clean and well kept. It is comprised of several buildings within the property. Vivid colours both inside and outside of the rooms. Lots of lush foliage and very serene, literally perfect for retreating from busyness and embracing relaxation.It’s tucked in Kura Hulanda village so there’s plenty to do and eat without walking more than 10 minutes but I recommend exploring nearby neighbourhoods like Otrabanda (where the hotel is), Punda and Pietermaai which are all walking distanceWhat’s most memorable is the keen hospitality of the KB team. I felt welcomed throughout the duration of my stay, not just upon arrival. They happily answered every question I had and was consistently kind and helpful.Janette, Teresa, Disney, Darrel, Rosalita, and the young lady w the cute headscarf that complimented my crocs - you guys are amazing!My only regret is leaving such a good review bc now I risk KB not being available when I return!
    Yannick Van Der MeirenYannick Van Der Meiren
    16:36 06 Jan 23
    What a great holiday we had here!Very new boutique hotel where nothing is too much to ask.A super service with people who do everything they can to make your holiday the best!Rooms are very nice, modern and spacious!Location is perfect to stay away from the hustle and bustle, but still be close to the center.The district is in full bloom and is very pleasant to be in. A drink, a snack in a quiet setting where most tourists have not yet found their way. A gem!Breakfast at Maira's kitchen was great!Thank you to all staff! You make the experience and trip even more beautiful.GreetingsKaren and Yannick
    Komplayt KinderopvangKomplayt Kinderopvang
    16:24 31 Dec 22
    We had a wonderful stay at Kura Botanica! It just opened, everything is new, thought about and the service is nothing short of amazing!It is beautifully situated in the middle of Willemstad, close to the Pontjesbrug, in a neighborhood that exudes and exudes innovation. The people are fantastic, the breakfast at Maira delicious. We would like to come back soon!Amelia and Martin
    ma noma no
    21:48 02 Dec 22
    The staff was verry nice and gave good advice. and the hotel was verry nice and clean. Francien HenriettaRocio Disney Derrel and Jeanette, thanks for the all the service. See your all next year....... B13.....
    Lars de BrabanderLars de Brabander
    20:20 26 Oct 22
    This fully renewed boutique hotel is truly a beauty. Completely renovated, it lies in historic Willemstad on one minute walking distance of the Anna Bay and very close to some of the nicest beaches in Curacao
    Thays VidalThays Vidal
    23:08 11 Sep 22
    After the renovation, this luxury hotel is gonna be a huge success 🙌Friendly staff and nice location.
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    Curaçao Medical Center

    Sint-Elisabeth Hospital has been partially dismantled to make way for a new hospital: Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), set to open in 2019. This hospital is a new building and currently the largest hospital on the island in terms of size. It is the Curaçao Medical Center the only place in Curaçao with an intensive care department and a full-service emergency department. Hospital Nobo Otrobanda is the entity responsible for the management, training of professionals at St. Francis Hospital. Elisabeth Hospital, recruitment, planning, transition and delivery of the new hospital. The SEHOS building, which covers 18,500 square meters, is now being repurposed.

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