NIGHTBEAT
Where’s the party? by Susan Campbell
Jan Thiel Beach
Curaçao’s exciting party scene is scattered all over the island, but we have the inside scoop on where all the action is- day and night. Just follow our lead to find all the fun! Pietermaai: something for every party style This is the trendiest district on the island with so much to offer in such a small grid. And you need not wait for the sun to set to get in the party spirit. Day time, bring your bathing suit to enjoy French Riviera style lounging at Saint Tropez Ocean Club’s infinity pool on the sea. Or take a dip at Los Caballeros, a unique city beach bar with live music Saturday nights. You can also enjoy a seafront pool and bar at the gorgeous new beach club Nultwintig. After dark, find outdoor live music at Mr. Porter Street Café or head to Blue Bird Cafe where they fuse local art and music together. Explore the surreal décor of Mundo Bizarro which has hot salsa dancing to live music. Mosa/Caña gastro bar has a lively Latin/Caribbean vibe, or if you’d rather party throwback style head to BKLYN for 90’s hip-hop. Tuesday nights the young Dutch 86 | Nights Curaçao
party people gather at Bar P to raise the roof with the island’s hottest DJs. For quieter vibes seek out Fish & Joy Bistro & Wine Bar or find the new Ochenta Cocktail Bar for creatively hand-crafted drinks. Thursday nights don’t miss landmark Blues Bar at the Avila Beach Hotel. Their legendary pier venue is known for the best live jazz bands perched right over their bar! And the new Obaar Brazilian Lounge also has live bands and DJs on a stage directly above their bar. Such fun!
NIGHTBEAT
Mambo Beach Blvd: surfside party central Mambo Beach Blvd is a multilevel complex of bars, restaurants, and shops, right on the sea. It’s party central day and night. Barefoot barhop to discover so many places side-by-side. Friday is the most popular happy hour day, but it’s Wednesday nights when the big party blow-outs take place with the chic Madero Ocean Club and lively Cabana Beach competing for attention with big events. Think rocking pool parties, live music, or hot DJs for dancing in the sand. Also check out Wet & Wild, Chill Beach Bar & Grill, Bonita Beach Club and Hemingway to discover their unique party styles. And the new Rileks Beach Bar is a swinging spot. Literally! You’ll find oversized hammocks and even a big wooden swing set there. Looking for more laid back? Head to lovely little Mood Beach tucked away at the end of the bay. But don’t forget your bathing suit! The sea swimming is great, and Madero has their own pool. And look for Don Caribe in the boulevard for a fabulous selection of top-quality Cuban cigars to really celebrate in style. Willemstad: a wonderland of light and color Historic Fort Nassau’s terrace bar is a romantic perch to view the sunset and the city lights at night. But Thursday nights it’s all about Punda Vibes that really lights up the town with music, cultural exhibitions, dancing, pop-up bars and even fireworks for a great street party. Begin your evening at Café de Tijd / Eetbar Op=Op a popular outdoor bar for the best ribs on the island to fuel up your party spirit. And Cafelito in Saliña has Friday Sangria Happy Hour. Also, in Saliña is Landhuis Chobolobo- the distillery where you can see where the famous Curaçao liqueur is made and sample their signature cocktails in their historic courtyard. Head to Zuikertuin Mall to find Omundo’s- a classy lounge with daily happy hours of exotic cocktails and gourmet fare. You’ll also find Grand Café Mahaai in that district for great burgers, beer, and watching football!
Jan Thiel Beach Lees blog in Nederlands
Jan Thiel Beach: party central Saturdays
This cool collection of clubs, bars, and dining spots dotted around a beautiful manmade beach attracts sun worshippers by day and party hearty people by night. It’s also an ideal spot to catch a superb sunset at places like Zest Beach Café’ with a fun ‘Spritz Happy Hour” and DJ on Fridays. But it’s their big Saturday beach parties that are famous island wide. The action is anchored at Zanzibar (Zanzis) but there’s all kinds of different musical flavors for barefoot dancing from spot to spot for different vibes. Hungry? Hit Tinto Bar Y Cocina for delicious delights and gourmet bites. Off the beaten path places: Kokomo at Vaersenbaai beach is famous for epic live music and DJ events. On Monday nights, chart a course to Landhuis Brakkeput Mei Mei for live music in a lovely outdoor courtyard. And Sundays at Fuik Baai is one of Curaçao’s most unique gatherings accessible only by boat. Find some water transportation to get there to join a fun floating party right on the water. It’s a superb local experience not to be missed.
Happy Partying!! Nights Curaçao | 87