Curator’s statement
Curaçao is an incredibly diverse island offering a blend of beautiful coves with crystal clear waters, a fascinating history and art scene, and delicious culinary options with a mix of Caribbean and Dutch offerings. It’s the perfect girls long weekend or couples getaway! Stay at your hotel to enjoy the beach activities or rent a car and explore the west end. Dushi!
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Things to do
Photo by Cole Marshall on Unsplash
Rent a sun lounger (under thatched roofs) at Bidi Beach, part of Baoase Luxury Resort. This quiet and peaceful spot has gorgeous views, stair access to a lovely bay for swimming, a top-notch restaurant, and five-star staff.
Take a two-hour walking tour with Jacqueline, a mesmerizing tour guide who will teach you about the rich history of Willemstad, it’s colorful buildings, famous Emma Bridge, and beautiful murals. After lunch, visit the Kura Hulanda Museum and the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, dating back to 1651.
Take a sailing catamaran to Klein Curacao on a full-day excursion to this white-sand cay just six miles off Curaçao. Klein Curaçao is a must for lovers of sun, sand and snorkeling. Most trips take seven to eight hours, so leave a full day for this must-see spot.
Head to Grote Knip, one of the most popular and beautiful beaches on the west side of the island. Swim with the sea turtles in low water. If you aren’t on a tour, bring your own snorkeling gear and a picnic lunch.
Places to eat & drink
Kome (which means eat in Papiamentu) was our favorite meal of the trip. The starters were delicious and shareable. The mains ranged from seafood to brisket to pasta, and every dish was memorable!
MosaCana Bar & Kitchen is a vibrant, colorful spot, offering a cross between Caribbean and Mexican foods. Don’t miss the margaritas, roasted eggplant, and tacos! This is a great spot for a large group and has a side room for private parties.
Bij Blanw is a casual, oceanfront dining with fantastic sunset views. Coming from the Netherlands, the owners have designed a menu blending Dutch and Caribbean specialties. Surprisingly, our favorite item was the Roasted Cauliflower with tahini and beurre blanc.
Watch the sunset while enjoying a cocktail at The Arts Hotel Curacao in the Pietermaai District. This indoor/outdoor bar has a view over it’s stunning pool and the feel of many South Beach, Florida, establishments. Then walk over to the Lemon Tree…
The Lemon Tree is a fine-dining restaurant with a formal five- or seven-course tasting menu. Want to splurge? This upscale, quiet restaurant in the new Arts Hotel is perfect for a special occasion meal.
Need to know
Curaçao is full of beach clubs! Jan Thiel Beach has four: Papagayo Beach Club, Zest Beach Club, Zanzibar Beach Club, and Koko’s Beach Club. You need to reserve chairs and arrive by 11 am or they will give the chairs away. Playa Beach Club is further north and is another great option for beach-club goers! Brass Boer Beach, located in the Blue Bay Curaçao Golf & Beach Resort, offers palapas with water hammocks or oceanfront beach beds. They have a beach menu and a more formal dinner on the water. Reservations are a must!
Taking a drive? From Grote Knip, you’ll drive back down to Willemstad, passing by many fantastic beaches. Klein Knip, Playa Lagun, Cas Abou, Daaibooi, Playa Porto Mari, Kokomo, and more are all on the way.
The airport is up-to-date and features a few dining options, a duty-free shop, Dutch souvenirs, and a club lounge. Please note the club lounge had extremely long lines and access was closed with many planes leaving in the afternoon. Good news, we didn’t feel we needed it.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Curaçao page.
Travel Advisor
Elissa Mellinger
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