With over 35 beaches, a world heritage site, and some of the best preserved forts on earth Curacao is no ordinary island. Cooled by trade winds during the day and warmed by the same winds at night Curacao offers history, culture and cuisine all its own. Amazingly Curacao is made up of more than 50 nationalities with the majority being Afro Caribbean and sizable minorities that include the Dutch, Latin American, French and Asian. Striking Dutch architecture can be seen everywhere a reminder that the island was once a Dutch colony and is still part of the Dutch common wealth.
Where is Curacao?
Located just 40 miles of the coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean sea Curacao Island is just 40 miles long and 10 miles wide making it the largest island of the ABC islands group that include Aruba and Bonaire. With a population just over 150,000 it is the most populated island in the ABC chain. Curacao is located outside of the hurricane belt and has dry arid weather.
Where to stay
The Baoase luxury Villas and Suites.Voted #1 in Curacao by Trip adviser the Baoase offers a unique vacation experience that blends the privacy and comfort of your own villa or suite with the service of a 5 star resort. This high end resort is located on the south side of the island between the capital city of Willemstad and Mambo beach. Asian style fences, stone works and Buddha’s flow thru the botanical gardens giving the feel of seclusion and privacy. Again voted #1 restaurant in Curacao by Trip Adviser The Baoase Culinary Beach restaurant and bar offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. On Tuesday night the bar offers entertainment with the Baoase Jazz trio playing its island influenced sound on the beach.
Kontiki Beach Resort
Being one of the few Curacao all inclusive resorts to offer this package The Kontiki receives a 8.8 out of 10 rating from recent guests on Bookit.com. Situated just outside of Willemstad on Seaquarium beach this charming resort offers bungalows with private porches. the resort is known for its lush landscaping convenient location and reasonable price compared to luxury resorts in Willemstad. The hotel can book Scuba and water sports for guests. Warning there have been complaints of noise from the public beach at night.
Holiday Beach Resort and Casino
If you are on a budget but still want to be on the beach with your own restaurant, and casino Holiday beach resort may be the place. Located just 1.1 miles from city center and 5.2 miles to Willemstad the hotel offers 108 tidy rooms, free local shuttle , 2 pools and lighted tennis courts. For your drinking and dinning pleasure there are 2 restaurants and 2 bars.
Things to See and Do
Willemstad
The historic capital of Curacao has two distinct districts divided by the picturesque St. Anna Bay. Punda founded in 1634 when the Dutch took control of the island has charming narrow streets and is home to museums and shops. Otrobanda founded 1707 also known as” the other side” has twisting residential streets. Town center famed for its classic Dutch architecture was made a UNESCO heritage site in 2009.
Tip: When in Punda make sure you visit the floating market where salesman sell their good directly from their boats.
Fort Amsterdam
Built by the Dutch in 1635 to protect the city and harbor Fort Amsterdam is considered one of the best preserved forts of the colonial period. Today the governor’s palace is situated on the grounds as well fort church built in 1771 and has now been converted into a museum. A great way to see the fort and the rest of the historic city is on the Curacao Trolley Train tour.
The Curacao Sea Aquarium
Built directly on a healthy reef using a open water system that pumps sea water directly into the aquarium the complex offers a theatre, museum and restaurant. Feeding shows run daily where you can touch and learn about the animals. For some real excitement you can snorkel or scuba and feed stingrays, Sharks, Turtles and many other tropical fish.
My View
Curacao is a very special island. Where else can you experience well preserved colonial architecture, Caribbean charm, and the culture of 50 different nationality. If your felling lazy and relaxing is more your style there are the beaches, diving spots and casinos. Travels on a budget and luxury connoisseur can all find accommodations suited to their pocket book. All and all the island offers much and ask only the you come and visit Curacao.
Stephen Kent.
Caribbeansbest.org
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