In Curaçao, culture is embedded in everything they do.
– Stephanie De La Hera (Diamond PR)
This #TravelTuesday, we’re delving into the rich culture and endless beauty of Curaçao!
Curaçao’s crystal blue waters, secret coves, untouched coral reefs, and serene shorelines adorned with colorful colonial architecture beckons couples from around the world to come and relax, unwind, explore, and discover.
In 2023, U.S. arrivals to this unique destination increased exponentially with the Curaçao Tourism Board reporting a record 60 percent growth in visitors during the month of March. This can be attributed to the increase in direct flights offered to the country and the development of luxury hotels such as Sandals and Baoase, along with other boutique lodgings offered on the island.
With everything Curaçao has to offer, we’re not surprised. The island’s unique charm equally captured our attention and will be hosting our first Muna Couples Retreat (August 28th-31st) at Sandals Royal Curaçao all-inclusive luxury resort!
To learn more about what this breathtaking destination has to offer, we spoke with Travel Publicist, Stephanie De La Hera, of Diamond PR.
From her favorite food spots to annual festivals and the best landmarks to check out, her travel insight will have you booking your flight to Curaçao in no time!
Keep scrolling below for more!
- Destination: Curaçao (Dutch Caribbean)
- Population: 192,150 (Source: Worldometer)
*Portions of this article were first featured in our latest print magazine, Issue 29! Check out the original article here.
A storied history…
For centuries, the historic integrity of this beautiful Island Country of the Dutch Caribbean has been pristinely maintained. In fact, in 1997, Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad, was awarded the prestigious title of a UNESCO City, signifying its worldwide acknowledgment as a well-preserved harbor and historical site.
Curaçao’s charming island metropolis is bursting with cultural diversity.
Tracing back to its historic trade relationships with the neighboring Caribbean islands to the Dutch colonies, the Netherlands, and Spanish and Portuguese colonial towns, each region has added to the rich cultural fusion experienced on the island today.
Notable Curaçao landmarks include the floating Queen Emma Bridge, which connects one of the island’s oldest districts, Punda, to the district of Otrobanda, and the 19th-century Rif Fort (now a converted shopping center) with restaurants offering an exquisite melting pot of Dutch and Afro-Caribbean inspired cuisines.
Best time to travel…
Because Curaçao is outside of the hurricane belt, travel is favorable all year round. Most travelers plan their trips to Curaçao around what’s happening on the island.
February and March are the Curaçao Carnival period, so plan to visit then if you’d like to experience the carnival season. For film junkies, The Curaçao International Film Festival happens in April. Towards the end of summer, you’ll get to enjoy the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival.
If you’re looking for a great way to usher in the new year, travel to Curaçao late-December to early January for a multitude of parties, fireworks, and events like Fuik Day, an annual party organized by Curaçaoans every first Sunday of the new year where everyone heads to Fuik Beach.
Mark your calendars for these future festivals & events:
- KAYA KAYA STREET FESTIVAL (SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 | 4pm)
- “Kaya Kaya is a community building tool that focuses on the clean up & beautification of Ser’i Otrobanda. In the months leading up to the festival, we engage and work together with the neighborhood to transform the area with, art, murals, culture, and more. The day of the festival we celebrate together with everyone!”
- WINTERTUIN CURAÇAO FESTIVAL (SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 | 6-11pm)
- “The fifth edition of Wintertuin Curaçao Festival is a celebration of stories, music, good vibes, and great food! Join us for a special evening at Landhuis Vredenberg with performances by local and international artists.”
- CURAÇAO PRIDE 2023 (October 1st – October 15th | 8am-5pm)
- “Our Pride Grows Bigger Every Year. Join Us In Celebrating Our 11th Annual Pride In Downtown Willemstad.”
Learn more ways to celebrate Arts & Culture on the world’s most colorful island here! And check out more upcoming events and festivals here!
Experience Curaçao’s colorful art scene on a walking tour through the Art District of Punda!
According to Stephanie, Curaçao Green Wheels is another excellent way to explore.
Handelskade is another popular tourist attraction located in Punda.
The waterfront strip is known for its 18th-century-style houses painted in vibrant hues with cute outdoor cafes.
From familiar favorites to unique cuisine, Curaçao’s diverse on-island population offers a wide range of dining experiences.
Travelers can enjoy delicious Asian appetizers and sip custom cocktails at Soi 95. They can experience the essence of Italy at Serafina and taste the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with a 360 ocean view at Blues Bar and Restaurant.
Stephanie recommends Folks with adventurous taste buds try unique delicacies like goat and iguana soup.
While visiting, make sure to order an orange-flavored liquor. Made with island-grown, bitter Laraha Orange peels, you can only experience this special cocktail in Curaçao!
Check out more food and drink options here.
Ready to book your flight?
Curaçao is one of the three ABC Islands (Its sister islands are Aruba and Bonaire). Located 90 miles from Venezuela and outside of the hurricane belt, flights to Curaçao are becoming more readily available.
Currently, US flights are available from Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Charlotte (CLT), and Newark (EWR) with Atlanta (ATL) as the newest US flight pattern that’ll be available December 2023.
An eclectic adventure awaits!
Ultimately, whether you’re saying “I do,” celebrating a milestone anniversary with your partner, vacationing with family, or friends, or simply seeking a solo adventure, Curaçao’s rich culture will have you yearning for more.
Looking to plan your big day? Click here for on-island wedding vendors.
Looking for more beautiful Caribbean destinations like Curaçao to explore?
Check out our other #TravelTuesday blogs here!
Sources:
- Sources: Trip Advisor.com | Curacao Monuments.org | UNESCO.org
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