What to do, where to go and where to stay
Curaçao is one of the most valuable secrets in the Caribbean, although it’s actually the largest of the ABC islands (these are Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao). Therefore, if you want to look like you know, skip this vacation in the Bahamas and book your next trip here.
Not only is this lesser known island outside the hurricane belt, which means that most of its calendar year is filled with nothing but sunshine and cool trade winds – but it is also a melting pot of more than 50 nationalities (most locals can speak four languages) and haven for thrill-seekers. So if an adventure in the heart is what you need, here’s how to spend four days on the island.
How to get there
Over the past three years, a settlement in North America has increased by 8 percent. To meet demand, airlines offer more flights than ever from the northeast, including the third daily flight from Miami on American Airlines from December 2018.
Speaking of Miami, this Dutch island is just 2.5 hours from the Magic City, and New Yorkers can expect a 4.5-hour trip to the capital, Willemstad. If you agree with the trip to Aruba (which I highly recommend), you are looking at a quick 20-minute flight between the islands. But a short flight time is not the most attractive part of Curaçao.
Where to stay
People booking Caribbean adventure holidays tend to go in one of two directions when it comes to accommodation: they either struggle to have something luxurious to pay back, or choose a more affordable option that saves cash for activities.
If you are in the first group, then you will want to stay at the Avila Beach hotel, located in the Pitermay area, especially if you can fill one of the Ocean Front Blues rooms with a view of the Caribbean Sea about $ 249 per day. This is the oldest hotel on the island, and this is where the queen stays when she is in the city. Another 4-star hotel is the Marriott Hotel & Casino Ren s Renaissance Curacao in the region of Otrabanda, which has ocean view rooms of about $ 245 per day and is ideally located five minutes walk from the famous Queen Emma Bridge.
Those who want to keep some dough can catch a room at the Scuba Lodge Boutique Hotel & Ocean Suites in Pitermay, the standard rooms are $ 167 per night. They are ideal for those who don’t need a ton of frills, but still need easy access to restaurants and nightlife. There is also the Floris Suite Spa at Piscadera Bay. The Loft Suite Millennial Special averages $ 139 per night and highlights a very attractive, Ibiza style.
Wednesday: good food and lively tunes
Evening: Depending on how long you travel, you may want to spend the first night, but this does not mean that you should miss the exit. Take a happy drink hour in Zanzibar on the beach of Jan Thiel, where you can dig your toes in the sand and nod when local musicians turn off and play popular songs with acoustic Caribbean talent. Stay until the show is over, or go to an outdoor meal in Tinto, where you will still be close enough to listen to live music in the background when you are celebrating authentic Argentinian cuisine cooked in coal fire. One of the restaurant’s specialties: asado di Tinto, or ribs of eyes, chicken chorizo and lamb, served with Argentinean sauces and chipotle salad.
Thursday: National Parks and Street Art
Morning: Set an alarm clock, rent a jeep and go to Christoffelpark, the largest national park in Curaçao, located on the northeast side of the island. It is home to Mount Christoffel, the country's highest point, which, at an altitude of 1220 feet, raises blood to start the day. Do not try to postpone it until late in the day and do not forget to bring water – the path is open only until 10 am due to the increase in temperature and humidity.
Afternoon: Now that you are awake, go to Shete Boca National Park for more hiking. The Boka Wandomi Trail is one of the best, and it takes you through uneven lava to see the natural bridge Boka Wandomi, the natural sea cave Boka Tabla, two sides (this is Papiamentu, the local language, for “bays”), and amazing views of waves crashing into in limestone cliffs. Stop for an iguana-soup snack is a local delicacy – at any of the outbuildings near the park, before returning to Willemstad.
Evening: Get to know the city through its colorful street art. You can book a light round of tuk tuk through One Curaçao and fasten the zipper to both the western side of Ottbanbanda and the eastern part of Punda in Willemstad, which, if you don’t know, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The two sides of the city are connected by this famous Queen Emma's pontoon bridge, which opens to the passage of boats and allows only pedestrian roads. (Your tuk-tuk-guide has a special part of the bridge to go through.) Take a beer to recover at Mijn Broodje Pietermaai. The menu features many traditional Dutch dishes. (We recommend capsalon, which contains shawarma meat, melted Gouda cheese, dressed greens of lettuce and french fries.) For a more upscale dinner, visit Blessing, a former cathedral monastery, for artisanal cuisine – and don't forget to order a wolfish one.
Friday: snorkeling, snorkeling, stingrays and sharks
Morning: Stop at a cocktail of fresh fruit or betido on one of the many stands around the island (although perhaps the best one is right outside the Renaissance) before visiting Ocean Encounters Curacao. The animal encounter package allows you to choose between snorkeling or diving with sea turtles, stingrays, nurses and lemon sharks in a natural lagoon. You can also feed sea creatures, and your ticket provides additional access to the Marine Aquarium Park.
If you want more deep sea adventure, diving at Superior Producer can be higher. This 240-foot cargo ship was overloaded with Christmas supplies when it fell in 1977. This place is considered one of the best dives in the Caribbean in the Caribbean (and celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2019). Today, he sits up straight and is home to barracudas and some of the most colorful fish of Curaçao. Just note that you cannot explore when cruise ships are in port, as this may mean the most unpleasant death from a propeller.
Afternoon: Proceed to SeaBob Curacao then where will you use personalized underwater propellers to swim near sea turtles and schools of fish Playa piskado, There are also Curacao Substation shark deep diving excursion that takes you 1,000 feet below sea level-a.a.a. lower than divers, can enter the kurasub or mini-submarine. Keep an eye out for the variety of types of sharks you don’t usually see, including Cuban sharks, Seven Jill sharks and Green Murray sharks.
Evening: Curaçao has more than 35 white sand beaches, many of which can overflow during the high season, but Playa Porto Mari is a hidden rock on the west coast. (Although it was just shown as a background in 2017 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit question.) State a chair and relax – preferably with Brion, a local beer, in your hand or go into the water for more snorkeling. Just don't leave without saying hello (and maybe food) Willy and Woody, two piglets who recently made the beach their home.
When the sun sets, go to the beach of Kokomo. (No, you will not be able to resist the singing of the famous Beach Boys song.) There you will find quite unforgettable views, star cocktails and plenty of seafood. There, even a swing sits in the middle of the water, so do not be surprised when your partner asks you to take a romantic place and enjoy the view.
Saturday: City or beach
Morning: So far you have had two days of action, so give your body some kind of restorative attention and mozy to Hofi Cas Cora, the first restaurant in the restaurant on the farm, which is literally on the farm. On Saturday at 8:30 am under the big tree "Tamarind" yoga classes in the style of hatha are held. (Registration is required, but mats are provided.) Refuel with the ever-changing brunch of the restaurant, then explore the property to see exactly where and how seasonal ingredients are grown. Or just go and say hello to one of the goats, donkeys or pigs hanging around – they are always looking for new friends.
Afternoon: Today, you have two options: stay in the city for a cultural infusion or dial more beaches. First, city residents should visit the Floating Market. It involves sellers from a neighboring country who sell caught fish, tropical fruits and vegetables. (Note. Although the market is usually located on the side of Punda in Willemstad, it is currently on the side of Charles, just above the waterway, and the government updates the market structure.) When you're done, go to Wandu Cafe before visiting the synagogue Mikve Israel-Emanuel, the oldest surviving synagogue in North and South America.
If the beach jump sounds more exciting, try a race on the racetrack and snorkeling at Irie Tours; Your guides will provide beer and interesting facts about the area along the way. Want to risk it in your time? Playa Forti and Playa Kenapa (also called Playa Knip) have the most electric turquoise-blue water, and both spots are known for jumping. Food stands fill both areas, although you can also make a trip to Toko Wilwood for a goat hamburger, which you won't soon forget.
Evening: Your last night can be a cold one with dinner at Ginger, merging Caribbean-Asian dishes that preserve your taste while the local musicians have fun. Turn it on with drinks and more live music at the Miles Jazz Cafe; sip Tokyo Millionaire at Luke's Cocktail Bar; or see what happens at 27, the blues and rock and roll bar that honors famous celebrities such as Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain, who passed away at the age of 27.