European architecture meets turquoise seas.
Whether or not this is the “ post " pandemic geological era or just more … era , like most of us , you ’re probably itching to fly the coop the native land in lookup of some much - needed wave and cheerfulness . But despite the sea calling your name , you do n’t have to go to Moana - similar lengths for a tropic vacation . The Caribbeansits like a cluster of spark gem that are oh - so - close to the US and approachable through convenient , direct flights from major aerodrome .
On the island of Curaçao in particular , life history is nothing less than “ dushi . ” The Papiamento word officially means “ fresh , ” but a closer English translation just might be “ light . ” After all , the Dutch province is bed for its beach coves , rainbow - splashed colonial computer architecture , plethora of seafood , and laidback topical anesthetic .
If you ’re quick for a trip to the C of the ABC island , go past the neighboring Aruba and Bonaire till you get to the cure - a - frown island of Curaçao . There you’re able to feel like a dolphin on an underwater seabob drive , eat iguana soup and an invasive species , and find hidden beach cove . Here are all the stain not to miss .
The Caribbean is colorful in more ways than one.|Tim Drivas Photography/Moment/Getty Images
Go from quiet coves to under the sea
Rather than the stereotypically - Caribbean swaths of lackadaisical white George Sand , Curaçao ’s beach are mostly hidden coves . Driving the foresighted main road through Westpunt ( the less - live western division of the island ) , signs direct visitors towards these reasonably - conceal paradises . A quick trip to remoteShete Boka National Parkwill have you seeing jumbo waves crash against drop-off in dramatic symphony , while the popularKenepa Grandibeach still its visitors with the aristocratical hum of a more ask in tide and just a small strip of guts separating the sea ’s cyan waters from the land ’s emerald hillside .
Just off Santa Cruz Beach seat theBlue Room Cave , a small outer space unremarkably only reachable via a light underwater swimming . While the shifting air travel pressure can make your ears a little uneasy , the recherche sight inside — the water supply beam an otherworldly iridescent blue inside the bedchamber — is worth the momentaneous soreness . Arguably , the better way to experience all these beaches is via a jet ski tour;Touriffic Curaçaoruns a fantastic one that may or may not also include champagne and Amstel Brights .
But an even more unequalled dangerous undertaking takes the cat valium ski concept further — or should we say deep . To get a better coup d’oeil of what lie beneath without having to scuba plunge or even snorkel , record book a Seabob tour throughBearded Butlersat Playa Kalki . The twist you ride — i.e. your piss chariot , esteem at $ 13,000(!)—is like a mini jetski that can dive underwater . The seabob will propel you multiple animal foot below the surface to get up tightlipped and personal with side - eyeball eel , camouflaged octopuses , and ocean capsize the size of a standard oven . Guide Andy , who is much the Curaçaoan King Triton , is also a sight to behold ( and not just because of his six - camp ) . He knows exactly where to find the most fish activeness and dives to even great depths to point them out and break down picture for future memories .
The ocean is bluer than the sky at Kenepa Grandi beach.|Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock
Once you ’ve shake the water out of your ears , crest your day with a sunset cruise throughIrie Tours . There are no guarantees that the sun will turn its conjuration ( you never live when Mother Nature will be moody and summon dark cloud ) . But you’re able to bank on partying with travelers from around the world ( and the boathands ! ) while nosh on meatballs and chicken skewers with a gratifying , orange tree - flavored Blue Curaçao cocktail in hand .
The Best Caribbean Destinations for an Easy Beach Getaway
Beach. Rum. Repeat.
Try iguana soup—or spicy meats and fish
A peculiar distinctiveness on Curaçao is the deceivingly beautiful lionfish — an invading species with no aboriginal marauder that wreaks mayhem on the expanse ’s tender reefs . adept thing to do for the planet ? disembarrass this particular part of the affected interloper , and get lunch while you ’re at it . chef at restaurants like trendyBario Urban Street Foodhave found clever ways to not only set up the coral murderer for expenditure ( through fresh ceviche , crispy tacos , or folded into wasabi mayonnaise - dolloped Asiatic pizza ) , but also for jewellery and home interior decoration , utilize every part of the fish down to its bones .
For a welcomed departure from the sea , newcomerBKYLNoffers New York - inspire bites like sauerkraut - doused spicy dogs and a costa - eye smothered in chimichurri butter and crushed hazel . The gastropub gives off a serious borough vibration and serves what is , perhaps , the better cocktail I ’ve sip on this twelvemonth : hang grapevine — an herbaceous blend of lemongrass oil gin rummy , lime , passionfruit , peppiness beer , and angostura bark that went down with all too gravid of ease .
Meanwhile , Ochentaputs twist around on tropical drinks in a narrow space just step from the water . The carte is display on a blackboard behind the bar , so no need to squint in the measure ’s low light . If you ’re into whiskey and Sir Francis Bacon , try the Serio , made with beeswax and Francis Bacon fat - inculcate bourbon and dear bitters . The nutrient is limited , but the flavored popcorns and charcuterie get the caper done .
The island ’s quintessential restaurant isJaanchies , a fellowship - run seafood shanty in Westpunt . The windy , topical dining elbow room is filled with the auditory sensation of lolly - addled birds bombinate to the feeders out of doors . This is the spot to try iguana soup , a rumour aphrodisiac that ’s an only - in - Curaçao experience .
Other culinary highlights admit a coleslaw fried volaille sandwich atDe Broeders , sampler disk atTabooshh!(which features local dishes like hearty beef stew , coconut mango rum chicken , and pillowy polenta Fry ) , and sesame - crust duck spring ringlet atBambu by Just . You ’d also be remiss to not stop atRestaurant Gouverneur de Rouvillefor the most authentic keshi yena ( Malva sylvestris ingurgitate with spiced kernel , raisins or plum tree , and tooth root veg ) on the island .
Seeking breakfast ? My favourite meal of the stumble come fromThe Eatery at Hofi Cas Cora , which sources the mass of its fixings from their farm holding . unfold only from Friday to Sunday , the hick abode provide a selection of baked goods , lattes , and much - hyped pumpkin flapjack dust in cinnamon - kale .
Hopefully all your plates will be the newspaper variety.|Bario Urban Street Food
For the real - substantial island stuff , peruse the kiosk at the Plasa Bieu indoor market . Aromas of spice and frying seafood fill up the air as locals line the white woodwind instrument benches mollycoddle in whole fried snapper , kick curry , and stewed chicken . Nearly every kiosk serves similar stuff , though Yvonne ’s is a favorite . It ’s also the ideal place to cool down off with some batidos , an icy drink made with tropical fruit , milk , and refined sugar .
Hike past crashing waves to the top of a mountain
Because of its comparatively arid mood , Curaçao takes on an almost Mediterranean summertime visual aspect , with juiceless wood that intersect with palm tree and chocolate-brown hills that turn green whenever the rainfall falls .
InShete Boka National Park , you could get to know the shoreline more intimately along the Boka Pistol trail . The coastal manner of walking mother its name because the waves that crash against the limestone cliffs sound like gunshot explosion , and blast skyward with interchangeable violence . you could also roll through lava hills and across a natural bridge on the Boka Wandomi track , an hour ’s manner of walking atop limestone bluffs . The park is about 50 minutes from Willemstad by car . If you do n’t have wheels , plentifulness of Willemstad tour operators can take you out there , thoughPrivate Curacao Tourscan customize it for you .
instead , head a small south of Shete Boka to Mt. Christoffel . The high spot on the island is only about an hour ’s hike from the foot , and the journeying will take you through the boulders , canyons , and hillside view that make Curaçao ’s natural landscape stand out .
It’s like a fried charcuterie.|Tabooshh
Drink the colors of Curaçao
In Curaçao , having drink on the beach does n’t mean living on Spring Break . Mood Beachhas an idyllic seaboard setting with a classy - but - relaxed vibration , the kind of place where you’re able to enjoy a glass of blush wine or a gin and tonic with soft house music on the speakers . you may even reserve a private daybed cabana on the sand , or link the mingle masses under the spliff roof and canvas collapsible shelter of the main eatery .
The cocktail scene is buzzing in the bustling courtyard ofCana . ( Its attach restaurant , Mosa , has ceviches and tacos to soak up the hard liquor . ) You ’ll wait for a minute to be serve , but once you do try the Calle : a tequila , mezcal , mango , chile mixture , where the spiciness make you set up more than you ’d planned .
Another noteworthy libation is the spicy hibiscus and ginger daiquiri fromMosa / Caña Bar & Kitchen , which is a thoroughgoing prerequisite toWet & Wild Beach Club , legion of * the * most popping oceanside party on Sunday even , with the backbone as your dancefloor .
Hear the boom of the ocean at Shete Boka National Park.|Greens and Blues/Shutterstock
Take in art with some flora and fun-a
If the unrelenting sun has you saying an early ciao to tan time , you ’ll regain refuge with a variety of indoor ( or canopied ) activity .
Take a painting stratum with prestigious artist and self - laud “ God ’s flowers agent”Francis Sling , whose oversized murals of nature grace many local buildings . Or up your baking game with a bread - make grade atKas di Pal’i Maishi , which doubles as a museum and outside workshop area . And lastly , immerse yourself among the indigenous botanicals found at Den Paradera Herb Garden andCuraloe ’s Aloe Vera Plantation . The latter boasts thousand of the spiky plants that are harvested on - site to create mellow - close beauty Cartesian product .
But perhaps the easiest room to escape the oestrus and saunter under the retractable awnings of shops and cafes is with a mere stroll through Curaçao ’s capital , Willemstad . Head over the Queen Emma Bridge to Otrobanda , the graphics - heavy territorial dominion where murals and pastels lead you up winding mound and through narrow street . Here is where you ’ll find the wrangle of famous rainbow buildings , as well as a barrage of bright and vivacious graphics line the cobblestone street and sold by the artists themselves .
Which tropical fruit flavor to go with this time?|MosaCaña Bar & Kitchen
Just right of the bridgework you ’ll find out one of the most photographed spots on the island , thecolorful steps at Van Lennepstraat . Stop for a pic op , then continue up . There , you ’ll find residential enclaves where closely every dwelling house is address in mural study , creating a aggregation of homes that looks more like one gargantuan pic montage than a neighborhood .
Where to stay in Curaçao
Those look for for an oceanside oasis will find solacement at theMarriott Beach Resort . After undergo a recent multi - million dollar renovation , the place now boasts a private ocean , two pool , eight on - land site restaurants , and overhaul suite with advanced Ellen Price Wood build - ins and oversized can .
If you ’d rather steep yourself in the island ’s polish downtown , opt for the historicPietermaai Boutique Hotel . The kinky , Sir Henry Wood - beamed lined way with kitchenettes and full living country stand out as a unique and irreplaceable source of heritage and inspiration . As a resolution , the space has been recognized by the United Nations as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
If you ’re look to persist downtown in the nerve of the historical district , thedowntown Renaissance . It ’s built around the historic Rif Fort , so you ’ll get a heavy dose of account . But the hotel also boasts a casino and a beachside infinity pool , give it equal parts tropical vacation .
Learn how to paint from the artist who did this.|Francis Sling
For a more - complete resort , shoot theCorendon Mangrove Beach , right next to the cruise port . You ’ll still be about 10 minutes from the action at law , but what you lack in propinquity you ’ll make up for in a full - scurf waterpark , a private beach , and a swimming - up legal profession .
Might as well make up a bed under the palm trees.|Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort
