With colorful buildings and stunning beaches, Dutch Caribbean island, Curaçao is dreamy. Whenever you do feel comfortable traveling, Caribbean expert, @KatherineParkerMagyar has curated her “1, 2, 3 Destination Guide” to the island’s capital, Willemstad:
To Stay:
Baoase Luxury Resort (@baoase): If you’re interested in luxury villas, personal plunge pools, private beaches, and secluded islands — and who isn’t? — then look no further than Baoase Resort. The Bali-inspired oasis is located on the south side of the island, near the picturesque (and whimsically colorful) Willemstad Harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (picture #4)
To Eat:
Equus Curaçao (@equuscuracao): Equus is an equine-themed, open-air fantasia with dangling skewers hanging above every table and flickering string lights draped across the trees within the outdoor courtyard. The first pinchos restaurant on the island, Equus is a hidden gem (and local favorite) in Willemstad.
Cana Bar & Kitchen (@canabarkitchen): This Latin Caribbean gastropub boasts a delectable ceviche menu and a lively ambiance that only grows more festive as the hours get later. Toast your trip with a round of the Cana’s signature Highballs before venturing out to explore downtown Willemstad.
To Visit:
LionsDive Beach Resort (@lionsdive): Thanks to its crystal-clear waters and fascinating shipwrecks, Curaçao is famous for diving. And there’s no better place to learn than LionsDive Resort, where you can attain your open-water certificate in less than a week — and in the most magnificent surroundings. If you ever need a break from your studies, just head over to Hemingway’s Beach Bar for a daiquiri (or three). (picture #1)
ChiChi Curacao (@chichicuracao): Paint the town red — or yellow, or fluorescent orange — at ChiChi Curaçao. ChiChi means ‘big sister’ in Papiamentu, and the iconic sculpture is the perfect Curaçao souvenir. Painting classes are held on the charming cobblestone streets of Willemstad (and paired with wine, of course). (picture #5)
Westpunt Beaches: Venture to the rugged limestone cliffs and white-sand beaches of the island’s west coast. Start your day with an elegant seaside brunch at @KarakterCuracao before communing with sea turtles at Playa Piskado and sunbathing with wild pigs at Porto Mari. Who needs the Exumas (and throngs of influencers) when you can find perfectly wild, and perfectly content, swimming pigs in Curaçao instead?
