Curaçao is My Paradise ☼ Travel Tips & More!
Hello my DOOST ♡ I’m so happy to be able to share this with you. For the past four days I’ve been in Curaçao: an island in the southern Caribbean Sea, north of the Venezuela coast and right next to Aruba. The tourism board of Curacao invited us to experience the culture, endless turquoise beaches, incredible local cuisine, meet with local artist Melissa Bharwani, and an illuminating tour by one of their top community leaders, Wifred Hendriksen. As a New Yorker, I found the parallels between Curacao and New York City to run deep. From the historical influence of the Dutch settlers arriving in both locations in the early 1600s to the underlying theme of authenticity of experiences.
We had an incredible experience that I will be sharing with you guys throughout the upcoming weeks because trying to fit it all in one post will hurt your eyes and mine ツ
We rented a car, which was highly recommended to us by the tourism board and from blogs I read online. The island is small, about 3-8 miles wide and 40 miles long. The roads are tricky because the streets aren’t labeled as clearly as in America, BUT if you have the time, getting lost is a treasure and finding your way is not very hard at all. TIP: Rent a car because taxis are scarce, pricey, and it sucks needing to rely on someone else to get you to the beach.
We stayed at the Floris Suite Hotel, one of Curacao’s luxury hotels, and had a Pool Side Suite with the most peaceful view. I would start every morning by walking over to our balcony to opening the doors, step outside to take in the warm weather and find my peace. It’s almost as if I had to remind myself ‘Yes, you are in paradise!’
That same night we met with Wifred Hendriksen at one of his restaurants in Pietermaai named Ginger. This place was so fun! Great vibes, good people, and I loved the song selection of the live band. Wifred showed us around Pietermaai and gave us the most fascinating tour of the neighborhood. He introduced us to locals, to owners, to staff, and chefs. He told us about the history of this neighborhood and told us the inspiring story of how it rose from a haven for drug dealers to what many describe as their favorite neighborhood with amazing restaurants and nightlife. Even the General Manager Jesse Zahn from the most luxurious hotel on the island, Baoase, said Wilfred’s restaurant Mundo Bizzaro and Pietermaai are among her favorite restaurants and areas on the island (of course outside of the luxury hotel she runs).
TIP: Start your day early and with a large breakfast. It will keep you full of energy to enjoy your adventures, especially if you plan on swimming in the turquoise water all afternoon like me!
Our first beach stop was Playa Cas Abao ☼ SERIOUS TIP: Take sunscreen even if you are dark, because you’re no match for the sun! Tanning is inevitable, your skin will absorb those rays and you will get that tan — believe me! Just apply sunscreen before you lay out AND especially if you’re swimming. Lather up your back because in the ocean your back will get the most exposure if you swim around freestyle.
Like I said, turquoise water surrounds the island. The water is so clear you could see the fish and sand beneath you.
After interviewing Chef Rene Klop, we enjoyed a private meal on the beach at Baoase and stayed for the sunset. The experience is something I wish upon everyone and I can’t wait to share the full experience with you guys — Stay tuned!! But for now, enjoy these previews.
TIP: If you’re looking for a truly exceptional experience, stay at the Baoase Luxury Hotel! You won’t regret it! It’s the diamond of the island.
TIP: Always stop and enjoy the sunset, it’s a different experience every time and no matter where you are on the island the view will always astonish you!
TIP: Drive towards Westpunt and go beach hopping! That means take some time and go into the water, IT’S TURQUOISE almost everywhere!!
Jeff and I went to these stunning playas (beaches) — Playa Kalki, Westpunt Beach, Knip Beach – Playa Kenepa Grandi, Little Knip – Playa Kenepa Chiki, Playa Jeremi, Cas Abao, and Playa PortoMari.
TIP: Take mosquito spray and cortisone! You’ll thank me!! I took the cortisone by accident thinking it was moisturizer BUT the universe was watching out for me because it ended up soothing my skin every night.
Pirate Bay was as awesome as it sounds! We caught the sunset and Jeff even made friends with a crab crawling out from the sea. We ended up staying at Harbor Club where we met more locals and enjoyed our conversation with Jennifer Sutherland and Duane Perryman, such a wonderful couple with a great combination of drinks and fresh lobster.
TIP: Take the ferry across . The ferry leaves about every 10 minutes and even the view is specatcular.
TIP: On the other side go to the floating markets and have some fun with tourism staples like sticking your face into a painted cut out board.
TIP: Take lots of cards for your camera and make room on your smart phone for pictures & videos.
TIP: Drink Amstel Bright Beer. It is only available on Curaçao and Bonaire, but brewed in Holland!
I absolutely LOVE your pictures! They make me feel like I am back in Curacao and enjoying the beach. Not to mention… they make me question what happened to my photos? Why don’t they look like that?! LOL