Luxe PLACES
OH WOW, CURACAO The ultimate island escape awaits in the Dutch Caribbean
BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ
Where can you stand on an ostrich egg and snorkel with stingrays while indulging in five-star waterfront resort accommodations and amenities? That would be in Curacao (pronounced “cure-ah-souw”). Located in the southern Caribbean Sea just north of Venezuela, with nearby Aruba and Bonaire, Curacao is the “C” in what many call the ABC islands. It is also part of an island chain often referred to as the Dutch Caribbean. Though just 182 square miles, there are 35 distinct beaches across the island, many tucked into intimate coves or with world-class dive sites or jet-black sand, so the land feels dynamic and expansive. The east end of the island, which is home to the capital city of Willemstad, is by far the most industrialized and busiest region, and where most trips begin given Curacao International Airport is less than 10 miles from the city center.
Exploring Willemstad Willemstad is unique in that it is literally cut in half, joined solely by Queen Emma Bridge. Access to both areas is easy thanks to traditional motor transportation as well as motor taxis on both sides. Willemstad’s architecture is vibrant, notably with pink, teal and yellow Dutch colonial buildings lining the neighborhood along the main canal in the Punda district. Nearby, the city’s Otrobanda district feels more European, with cobblestone and open-air markets. Finally, there is the Pietermaai district, which is the foodie and nightlife hot spot in town, notably home to City Beach 88, an outdoor lounge on the beach; Cristal, a French and Mediterranean bistro with a fantastic wine list; Ginger, a Caribbean-meets-Asian eatery; Kome Restaurant, which has an open kitchen and shines a light on local ingredients; and The Pen, a slightly open-air restaurant with updated takes on regional dishes. Landhuis Chobolobo, the local name for the Curacao Liqueur Distillery (and home to the famed Blue Curacao) is also located in the Willemstad area. There, guests may enjoy daily tours that include a behind-the-scenes look at the distillation process of all the brand’s liqueurs, great history on the island itself and, of course, samples. The blue offering is just one of the distillery’s takes on orange liqueur, which is made with dried orange peels from the island’s native laraha orange as well as herbs and spices. In addition to the distillery and sample bar, there is also a gift shop and cocktail lounge where guests may choose from nearly a dozen Curacao Liqueur-infused specialty drinks.
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So Scottsdale! August ‘21
