Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Holiday Hotspot – Curacao- Caribbean
Curacao is currently considered one of the hottest escapes for seasoned Caribbean holidaymakers in 2016 and now, with nonstop flights via JetBlue Airways from JFK New York, the island is poised to become a popular option for the first-time visitor. www.jetblue.com Located just off Venezuela coast in the southern Caribbean Sea, Curaçao might be the largest of the Netherland Antilles (Dutch Caribbean) islands, but it still enjoys a
reputation of being rather off-the-radar. This island paradise sets itself apart from the neighboring tourist hub of Aruba with a unique blend of Creole, Dutch, and Spanish cultures; stunning, secluded beaches; and a bustling arty capital city that also happens to be an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historic Willemstad’s most well-known buildings are along the harbour area called “Punda”, drawing a mix of tourists and locals in one of the busi-
Floating Bridge in Willemstad Curacao.
est attractions of the city. Red-roofed gabled houses painted in pink, blue and orange pastel colours all line the narrow lanes looking onto the canals of St. Anna Bay. My favourite attraction the Queen Emma floating pontoon bridge connects the waterfronts of Willemstad’s historic neighbourhoods. Nicknamed the “Swinging Old Lady,” the bridge is encased with two diesel-driven propellers so that it can swing parallel to the shore to allow boat traffic in and out of St. Anna Bay. Built in 1888, the pedestrian-only bridge is a unique and popular attraction on Curacao, with upwards of 15,000 people walking across it every day. On both the Punda and Otrobanda sides of the bridge, you can find cafés and restaurants lining the waterfront, and the bridge area is a popular and picturesque gathering spot at night. While the opening and closing of the bridge only takes a few minutes to allow boats to pass through, ferries are on hand that provide free passage across the bay while the bridge is open. Nearby expect to find duty
(074) 9131018 free shopping spread throughout with small boutique shops including a weekly floating market! Curacao is also one of those special places where isolated beaches are among its major attractions, particularly in the north and west. It’s possible to go to one of the secluded coves and not have to share your beach experience with anyone else. Curacao’s beaches Colourful Dutc h architectur vary in size and loe Willemstad .j cation; some can be walked to from hotels while others can only be reached by boat. It’s up to you to determine how private you want to be. Cu- rugged coastline, climbing racao is also a diver’s para- Mt. Christofel, or exploring dise, with untouched reefs the Hato Caves. A tour of the and extraordinary wildlife all Curacao Liqueur Distillery is around the island. If you love free. The Marriott Curaçao the ocean, plan to stay on or Beach Resort & Casino capnear Sea Aquarium Beach, tures the best of old-Dutch where you’ll have easy ac- charm. This exclusive hotel cess to dive excursions and is located on Piscadera Bay the aquarium’s animal en- in Willemstad, just 15 mincounter programmes and ma- utes from Hato International rine exhibits. The northwest Airport. With six oceanfront end of the island is less de- acres, this splendid resort veloped, offering outdoor ac- offers restful views and lush tivities like ATV tours on the tropical gardens. www.mar-
www.keeshotel.ie
riott.com if you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation without throngs of tourists, go soon before the word gets out. www.curacao.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio Network and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. He is also a regular contributor to the Irish News travel section www. robertwalshe.com