Travel

Why you want to choose Curaçao as your next destination

WHY YOU WANT CURAÇAO AS YOUR NEXT DESTINATION

Welcome, dushiiiii's. Just a bit of real talk: this summer in the Netherlands is, I think, not quite what we hoped and expected. Given that the government was mega surprised that no one adhered to the measures (which is also a big shock, of course, no one saw that coming after you declared that we could do everything again), all festivals were canceled, and we mostly got rain instead of sunshine, summer 2021 will once again not go down in history as the best summer ever.

But hey, something about hanging up the decorations ourselves then? And I prefer to do that on a warm, tropical island. Also, in terms of vacations, we haven't been able to do much in the last year and a half, so as soon as those borders opened again, I took the first flight to Curaçao. And I can tell you: best plan since corona. So nice there. So if you're still hesitating: I'm going to tell you why you absolutely want to book that ticket.

First of all, we of course have the sun. Beautiful weather guarantee at its best. I had one shower in the morning, and that was at eight o'clock in the morning, so I was still in bed. Other than that, just enormous heat, a lovely sun, and a cold Amstel Bright.

That brings me to the second point: the hospitality industry. Beach parties in abundance, but also in terms of good restaurants, you're really well off here. I had honestly never drunk Amstel Bright before I came to Curaçao, but since then I've become addicted and I advocate that the Amsterdam hospitality industry exchanges all corona's — that name is now tainted — for Amstel Bright. In terms of hotspots, you really have everything here: from fine dining to delicious comfort food, the most beautiful views, or cozy restaurants that are popular among the locals, and those beach parties... Well, I think they don't need an introduction anymore. Just go there.

And, by the way, check out the complete list of all tips regarding hotspots in Curaçao. 

Then there's nature, because you also have that in Curaçao. Looking beyond Willemstad and Jan Thiel is really a recommendation. Especially Westpunt is really very beautiful. Renting a car is a must, but it's not such a big island, so you can be anywhere in about an hour. So also include Caracasbaai, swimming with turtles at Playa Grandi/Playa Piskado, and lying on the beach with the pigs at Porto Marie.

By the way: they also have sunsets here, and those of real quality. Find a nice spot near Jan Thiel and just enjoy, for example at Beach Bar & Grill.

Then, very last but not least: the stay. I find it most important in a hotel that they have comfortable beds. I'm a bad sleeper and otherwise really miss my own bed. Additionally, I always find it nice if they have a nice and extensive breakfast. A little something for everyone: from fresh fruit to pancakes or omelets. Or fresh rolls.

Now I really wanted to test all possible hotels in Curaçao, but I ended up sticking with the first one because it was such a hit. And to be honest: I didn't see that coming. I stayed at the Corendon Mangrove Beach Resort. Why I didn't see coming that I didn't want to leave here? Because I often avoid all-inclusive hotels. They don't have such a good reputation if you ask me. But I have to take that back now.

Because what was this relaxed. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all so delicious. And there was so much choice. There was always fresh fruit available, in the afternoon also unhealthy snacks and even kebab sandwiches (we had a hangover, so you can imagine that this was very welcome). Besides a buffet at dinner, they also have a sushi restaurant where you can make reservations. It's all included.

Just a bit of extra info: I have a weakness for pool bars. I don't know why, but I really enjoy sitting on a stool in the water and hanging out at the bar. Sun shining, sunglasses on, cocktail in hand... And that was all possible there too.

Because I'm not one to shy away from admitting my mistakes: all-inclusive is really exactly what you want on such a vacation. Those beds were truly heavenly, but in terms of pool, luxury, and especially the food and drinks, they really exceeded all my expectations. So believe me: you want to stay here during your trip to Curaçao.