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Photo by: Al Argueta

Nic Møller loves music. The proprietor of Curaçao's oldest continually operating hotel, the Avila, regularly imports classical musicians for in-house concerts and serves up live jazz at Blues, a casual 80-seat bar and restaurant perched on the tip of a natural breakwater that protects the former Dutch colonial mansion and its two private beaches. Locals make the quick trip from downtown Willemstad for sundowners and eclectic global cuisine from a menu that's shaped like an LP record album and includes everything from sushi and tapas to Louisiana-style jambalaya and barbecued ribs. The place really swings on Thursdays and Sundays, when local bands or touring musicians perform on a tiny balcony over the bar. The nonstop mashup of Latin jazz, merengue, salsa and Carnival-inspired tumba can make for raucous, steamy nights, fueled by a citrusy concoction called the Blues Swing. Fortified with rum and the island's own blue Curacao liqueur, the drink has inspired more than a few hotel guests to clamber onto the lofted stage and show off their musical chops. "We had 25 people jamming up there one St. Patrick's Day," recalls bar manager Elvis Helena, eyeing the balcony. "If they don't jump too much, I think it can hold 30 people - but I don't want to test."

Blues Bar Avila Hotel
130 Penstraat
Willemstad, Curaçao
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. until the last customer leaves. The kitchen is open from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.599-9461-4377;
avilahotel.com