The Vision That Changed
Accessible Travel
in Curaçao
A Conversation with Kiki Kuhnert
Behind every meaningful destination is a story. For Dolphin Suites & Wellness, that story begins with a vision to create a place where everyone feels welcome, regardless of physical ability. One of the people who helped bring that vision to life is Kiki Kuhnert, whose personal journey, together with her son Tim, inspired a hotel that continues to make a difference today.
We sat down with Kiki to reflect on the early days, the inspiration behind Dolphin Suites, and her hopes for the future.
Looking Back: Where It All Began
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your connection to Curaçao?
"I was contacted by one of the greatest visionaries of all time, Adrian Schrier, better known as Dutch. He invited me to Curaçao to help establish a dolphin therapy facility.
That invitation would eventually lead to something much bigger than anyone could have imagined."
Do you remember the very first conversations about creating the hotel?
"I absolutely do. Accommodation was a known challenge for
Curacao Dolphin Therapy and Research Center's patients, especially barrier-free accessible housing. Mike Schoon, the General Manager of CDTC at the time, introduced the idea of building a hotel. I was immediately very enthusiastic."
From the very beginning, accessibility wasn't an afterthought—it was the reason the hotel was created."
What inspired you to become involved with Dolphin Suites?
"I gladly shared my experience as the mother of a wheelchair-bound child and helped facilitate the creation of the therapy department within the hotel."
Tim's Story: The Inspiration Behind It All
Would you like to tell us a little about Tim?
"The Dolphin Suites are dedicated to my son, and as the sign says: 'He was the inspiration for all of us making a difference. Tim's legacy continues to inspire guests, families, and everyone working at Dolphin Suites today."
How did Tim's journey shape your vision for accessibility?
"I had daily exposure to the challenges and worked closely with people who faced those same challenges."
These personal experiences became the foundation for creating a place where accessibility is not an extra feature, but a standard."
Building a Hotel with a Purpose
Did you ever imagine Dolphin Suites would become what it is today?
"Absolutely! It was developed with such care and dedication that it could only become a wonderful sanctuary where everybody feels welcome."
What do you remember from the opening day?
"My daughter Kira cut the ribbon during the official opening. I remember thinking how wonderful it was to see what emerges when visions become reality."
More than a Hotel
Dolphin Suites is much more than a hotel. What does it represent to you?
"It represents memories of how it all began."
Why was the partnership with the Curaçao Dolphin Therapy & Research Center so important?
"The operation of the Curaçao Dolphin Therapy & Research Center clearly demonstrated the need for barrier-free accommodation. In other words, CDTC is the driving force behind Dolphin Suites."
The close partnership between Dolphin Suites and CDTC remains one of the hotel's defining characteristics today."
Looking Ahead
What are your hopes for the future of Dolphin Suites?
"Let me answer with a quote from Alette Borger, General Manager of Dolphin Suites and the hotel's inaugural director:
'We never forget where we came from.'
That puts everything into a nutshell. It underlines the promise behind Dolphin Suites: growth with purpose and a future built on inspiration."
Give our readers one Final Message:
"Just come and enjoy. All of you!"
Designed for all:
✔ Spacious suites for families of all sizes
✔ Kitchenette in every room or suite
✔ Fully wheelchair accessible hotel
✔ Walkable location near Mambo Beach
✔ Swimming pool with pool lift
✔ Complimentary luggage storage on departure day
✔ Beach wheelchair available (subject to availability)
✔ Rental of mobility aids and medical equipment on request
✔Personalized assistance before and during your stay
✔ Baby cots, highchairs and family-friendly facilities available
✔ Partnerships with accessible tour operators
✔ Late check-out (subject to availability)
Ready for a Stress-Free Vacation in Curaçao?
Stay close to the vibrant heart of Mambo Beach while enjoying the space, safety, & peace you deserve.
