You’ve heard of “Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I want to take ya – Bermuda, Bahama – come on pretty mama?” But what the Beach Boys didn’t tell you about was the sweet, dushi Dutch colony off the coast of Venezuela:
Curacao: Caribbean Beach Paradise
Dushi means “sweet” in Papiamento– one of four languages that everyone on the island speaks including English, Spanish… and Dutch.
While people have been flying direct from the Netherlands and Germany to mingle with Afro- Caribbean cultures of Curacao, Americans have been missing out on live music, deserted beaches, and the type of club on the beach that has dance floors mid-ocean (reachable only by a swim).
You’ve gotta see this.
Living proof of 50 Shades of Traveler (my take on romantic racial integration), Curacao’s unique architecture directly reflects the socio- economic history of the island. The buildings are as colorful as the native fruits used to make a batido (tropical fruit smoothies). A glance at the designs a la Amsterdam meets Cuba shows towns painted as vibrantly as the island’s sunsets.
If the cultural melange and vivid dwellings weren’t enough to spark your interest, Curacao also boasts some uniquely Caribbean beaches.
Check these out, and correct me if I’m wrong.
1. The Light House Beach – Klein, Curacao
An uninhabited island off of an island, we sailed with Bounty Adventures to trot through shipwrecks, snorkel and beach bathing.
Pictured: Travel Writer, Justin “Rocket” Silverman @JustinRocket
Because what’s the point of having a private island if you can’t jump off the boat :)
Photo collab with travel writer Francesca @CruzTheMuse
2. The Party/ Shopping/ Tourists Mingle with Locals Beach – Seaquarium Beach, Curacao
Also known as Mamo Beach and The Boulevard, the strip’s Wet & Wild Beach Club, Cabana Beach Club, and Hemingway’s attract both Dutch travelers and expats as well as local natives by foot or boat. With happy hours that go into the early morning, it’s no surprise it’s pinned as the hottest beach in the Caribbean.
3. Shete Boca Park, Curacao
With waves and limestone, Mother Nature sculpted the back drop to your next Instagram post. Enough said.
Alternatively, Stay on the Beach
The Renaissance Hotel, Curacao
Photo collaborations with writer Francesca Cruz @CruzTheMuse
Or Eat at the Beach
Best Restaurants in Curacao
Shore Restaurant at the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort (pictured – luxury)
De Gouverneur Restaurant (luxury)
Jaanchies (mom and pop style/ local)
Mundo Bizarro (trendy, also great for drinks)
Fort Nassau (yes, a restaurant on a real fort)
Grille King Restaurant (mom and pop style/ local)
Where to Stay in Curacao:
For a hotel on the beach, the Renaissance Curacao pictured above.
For a colonial experience, Sonesta Kura Hulanda Village
Need a hostel or AirBNB? Stay at the Dutch-owned Poppy Hostel
Best Night Life in Curacao:
Photo collab with travel writer Francesca @CruzTheMuseCuracao Parties and Events:
Useful sites on Curacao:
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I have heard how beautiful it is in Curacao so thanks for sharing this. It really looks like a lovely place to visit. Definitely have to add this to our bucket list.