There’s nowhere quite like Curaçao. With more than 30 beaches; a fascinating Netherlands-influenced heritage; and convenient airlift from the U.S., Canada and Europe, the 171-square-mile island is a must for Caribbean travelers yearning for a side of culture with their sun, sea and sand. Last year, more than 460,000 tourists experienced this Dutch-Caribbean treat, with visitors are expected to increase in 2017. CJ Travel Editor Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon offers 10 reasons to visit Curaçao right now.
Baoase Luxury Resort There are several hotels to choose from here, but Baoase, with its Bali-inspired rooms (some with outdoor tubs and showers); a beach complete with its own tiny island; and a superb restaurant is easily the island’s best, and a different level of hospitality.
The Punda District There’s no more iconic Curacao image than those of the pastel-colored historic buildings that line the waterfront in Punda, Willemstad. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pedestrianized district comprises a photogenic maze of shops and restaurants you definitely won’t mind getting lost in.
Christoffel National Park At 4,450 acres, this is Curacao’s largest national park, and you’ll need at least a day to explore it. Among your options: tramping along eight hiking trails that range from easy-breezy to the huff-and-puff ascent of Mount Christoffel; trying to spot one of only roughly 200 remaining Curacao White-Tailed Deer; and absorbing local culture at the plantation-turned-museum Savonet House.
The Floating Bridge Built back in 1888 and known as the “Swinging Old Lady,” the iconic Queen Emma pedestrian bridge spans St. Anna Bay, connecting the Punda and Otrobanda districts of the capital, Willemstad, and swinging open parallel to the shore to let vessels through. Walking across the only bridge of its kind in the Caribbean is a must while you’re here, and at this time of year, holiday decorations make it a particularly festive photo opp.
The Ostrich Farm Only here can you go on a safari tour of a bonafide ostrich farm and learn about the life cycle of the flightless birds in a rugged Santa Catharina environment that’s reminiscent of the African landscape where they’re found. And if you feel (ahem!) peckish after the tour, enjoy an ostrich burger in the Zambezi restaurant.
ChiChi You’ll see the iconic Rubenesque ceramic figurines called Chichi dolls (whose name means “big sister” in the local dialect, Papiamento) everywhere on island. Pick up one for yourself – and a few as souvenirs – at Serena Art Factory in Punda, where the chichi dolls are exclusively made. Better yet, try your hand at making your own during one of the company’s fun painting workshops.
Kura Hulanda Slave Museum In Willemstad, this museum documents the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and is the only one of its kind in the world. Taking a tour is a moving and emotional experience (particularly when you descend into the life-size replica of the hold of a slave ship) that every visitor should have.
Landhuis Chobolobo Did you know that Curaçao, the blue liqueur in many a Caribbean cocktail, originates here? Made since the 1800s from a locally grown citrus fruit, the spirit also comes in five other colors but each has the same orange flavor. See the production and bottling process for yourself at the Saliñas factory, where self-guided tours are free, and you can stock up on the iconic ingredient.
Curaçao Carnival The island’s Carnival season stretches from January through to March, so a visit during the year’s first quarter is the perfect opportunity to prolong the festive feeling of the holidays. Join in and dance to the tunes of tumba music (Carnival’s official soundtrack) or just stand on the sidelines as revelers parade the streets in colorful costumes during this pre-Lenten party.