Travel Guide
Move Over Punta Cana! Americans Keep Flocking To This Lesser-Known Island In The Caribbean
Sep
Last Updated
With year-round warm weather, pristine beaches, and luxury services, you know how it goes:
The Caribbean is the leading destination for Americans heading to the tropics regardless of season, and seeing most will only be getting about 10 days of paid vacation every year, can you really blame anyone for sun, sand and fun?
That being said, you’d expect tried-and-true Punta Cana to be a regional leader when it comes to growth, but surprisingly, it’s a much-smaller, not-as-famous island that’s stolen the hearts of the nation lately, registering a 24 percent increase in U.S. arrivals.
The jewel in the Dutch Caribbean crown, Curaçao is experiencing an unprecedented tourism surge in 2024, and it’s time we investigated why:
Affordable Luxury Resorts
Love it or hate it, the Caribbean is a global leader in luxury travel, and with its beachfront resorts and world-class spa centers, Curaçao is no exception:
It’s somewhere you go primarily for relaxing and pampering yourself: think lounging by the poolside as you sip on Spicy Palomas, getting massaged under the shade of tall palm trees, or gorging on chef-curated dinners by the waterfront.
Despite its relatively small size, at only 171 square miles, the Dutch Caribbean gem is packed with upscale offerings, and those are not as expensive as you’d expect:
The 4-star Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort has rooms starting from only $1,889 a week this fall, and a 7-night, all-inclusive stay at the famous Mangrove Beach Corendon will only set you back by $1,779 per adult.
Dreams Curaçao Is Expanding
The recent expansion of Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino is yet another big draw for vacationers: other than the well-known family-friendly amenities, which include kid-friendly pools and play areas, an adults-only section has debuted last June.
The beachfront addition features 52 rooms, a new bar and restaurant, and an infinity pool, and it’s only a few steps away from Piscadera Bay, a strip of fine, white sand hugged by teal waters, and the resort’s own main grounds.
The ground-level Preferred Club suites are particularly luxurious, coming with king-sized beds, two-vanity bathrooms, and oversized oceanfront terraces you can walk straight to the beach from.
Believe it or not, weekly rates for those start from a very-reasonable $1,675 each, if you’re booking as a couple, or $2,650 for solo guests.
Why Is Curaçao Special?
We all know what Caribbean islands are famous for, and we won’t waste your time describing the endless miles of unspoiled sandy beaches and the turquoise tonality of the water.
What makes Curaçao stand out?
Well, first of all, it’s also incredible for culture: unlike other nondescript Caribbean islands you’d have a hard time trying to distinguish from one another, you could recognize Willemstad, the colorful capital of Curaçao, by a mile.
The city is characterized by its colonial Mannerist facades that resemble Amsterdam’s, except Willemstad’s are not somber in color, and the alluring odor of Dutch stroopwafels is replaced by that of fresh seafood from local markets.
A great way to explore Willemstad and its mixed heritage is booking this 3-hour walking tour: costing only $37, it visits all of the main foodie hotspots, noteworthy architectural feats, the Emma floating bridge, a national symbol of Curaçao, and the hippy, art-filled Otrabanda district.
Tons Of Budget-Friendly Activities
Curaçao is an incredibly compact island, and you can definitely tick off all of the main sights in a week.
In order to help you with that, there are numerous guided excursions available from reputable providers, whether you’re here for the big thrills or laid-back activities:
For instance, this $59 South-East tour by electric scooter is perfect for sightseeing, as it requires minimal physical effort, and passes by a number of iconic sites, with Caracasbaai Beach, Forth Beekenburg, and the historically-charged Quarantine House to name a few.
Don’t worry, it bears no relation to the recent global crisis: it was in fact used back in the 18th-century to house people with contagious diseases.
Best-selling Breath of Curaçao is not to be missed if you’re chasing those jaw-dropping landscapes and natural wonders, most notably Boka Pistol, a sheltered cave hammered by towering waves, and the remote, flamingo-dotted lagoons.
A little bit of splurging never hurt anybody, and seeing you’ve come all the way to Curaçao already, you might as well book a spot on this all-inclusive Sunset Tour with Luxury Catamaran Yacht: we’re talking open bar, delectable eats, and gold-tinged skies for $110.
Curaçao Is Safe For Visiting
Contrary to popular belief, Curaçao is not a sovereign country: it is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Despite being thousands of miles away from Europe, its citizens hold full Dutch passports and enjoy a higher quality of life compared to their Caribbean counterparts.
What we’re trying to say is, it may be no Switzerland, but it’s not Jamaica-level of dangerous, either:
Petty theft and street crime continue to be a concern, but violent crimes are usually related to the world of illegal drug trafficking.
All of the main tourist areas are perfectly safe to visit, including the historic center of Willemstad.
According to the U.S. State Department, the island is a Level 1 destination, meaning it’s as safe as can be, and Americans are free to exercise ‘normal’ precautions.
These involve avoiding isolated areas after dark, particularly deserted beaches outside resort compounds, and keeping their valuables secure and out of sight.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
