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.

Play & Stay

Just a short drive from anywhere in Willemstad, miles of beaches reveal themselves. Kenepa Beach, Playa PortoMari and Mambo Beach are three of the most popular, but this also means that they are frequently crowded. Beyond these more well-known spots, Playa Kalki is cozy and great for water sports; Cas Abao is a popular place for scuba diving and a favorite among tourists and locals alike; Blue Bay offers sparkling white sand as well as restaurants and ample lounge chairs, plus a large childrens play area; and Black Sand Beach, which, as the name implies, is a beach covered in black sand. In addition, it houses a 120-foot shipwreck that can be explored via snorkeling or scuba diving. Outside of traditional beach activities, the region is also home to Shete Boka National Park, which starts at an underground cavern called Boka Tabla. At this park, visitors can take a walk along the caves and relish in the astonishing view of the rocky countryside. Visitors who happen to come at the right time may spot one of the many iguanas living at this park or any of the three species of turtles that regularly nest there. Beyond Shete Boka, animal lovers should also consider a day trip to Curacao Ostrich Farm, which houses more than 600 birds and offers guided tours. The farm offers a bird’s-eye view – literally – of ostriches in every stage of development, including the chance to see newborn babies and the opportunity to stand on an ostrich egg (no, it will not break). For a more relaxing vacation, consider adding 8, The Experience to the itinerary. The holistic health haven offers energy healing, yoga classes, private and group meditation classes, massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services. There are also a host of facillities for before and after services, including a sauna, an aroma-infused steam room, and even a space nicknamed “the igloo room” as it is kept at just 40 degrees and produces ice. Finally, choosing accommodations that honor the island’s culture while offering ample modern amenities is paramount to the perfect stay. Curacao Marriott Beach Resort is just the ticket. Located five minutes from Willemstad, the resort has both Dutch colonial and naval accents while still maintaining a contemporary feel and boasts more than 330 rooms, including several spacious 1,180-square-foot suites with oceanfront balconies. There is an all-ages pool and an adult-only option on property as well as four restaurants, including C Spice, which offers upscale Caribbean dining for breakfast and dinner dotted with Dutch Caribbean, European and Latin American influences. Beyond this, the resort’s experiences include rum tastings, hookah experiences, snorkeling, catamaran trips, water safaris, swimming with dolphins, ATV tours, buggy tours and more. For more information, visit www.curacao.com.