By Debi Lander
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Every summer, Floridians prepare for the possibility of hurricanes. This is not the case for those on the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) in the Caribbean. They’re just off the coast of Venezuela, beyond the hurricane belt, so if you want to visit the Caribbean in summer or late fall, head their way.
I recently returned from Curacao and was impressed with the waterfront in the capital, Willemstad. The historic rainbow-colored houses in the Dutch architectural style create an unforgettable scene and are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike the white buildings that dominate many Greek and Mediterranean islands, the people of Curacao prefer bright colors.
To cross the waterway to the city center, you take the Queen Emma floating footbridge. The bridge swings to one side if a ship needs to pass. It’s fun to watch, but you may get stuck before it closes. As the locals call it, the “Swinging Old Lady” lights up at night.
Of course, all the Caribbean islands boast of their white sand beaches, turquoise water and vibrant marine life. Thirty-five smaller, more intimate beaches and coves dot the Curaçao coastline. You won’t find a chain of resort hotels on a boulevard or a long beach. Small coves allow snorkeling off the beach and many divers find they can dive without the need for a boat.
Curacao receives little rain, so the landscape remains dry, which again helps to ward off these hurricanes. Cacti and scrub bushes grow everywhere, as does aloe vera. You can visit an aloe farm and learn about its multiple uses.
Two national parks offer very different experiences. If you want to climb to the highest point on the island, arrive early at Christoffelpark. A round-trip hike to the top will take around three hours and will be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views. Shete Boka Park, however, offers a much more dramatic picture. This park rests on the northernmost point, and massive waves are constantly bombarding and sending spray skyward. The boardwalk and viewing platforms provide great photo ops, but be careful and hold on to the little ones.
If you’re bringing kids, consider staying at an all-inclusive property like the Corendon Mangrove Beach Resort with its incredible water park. They offer thrilling rides with twists for all ages and a kid-friendly area for the youngest. The King Cobra drops and throws daredevils. The water park is rarely crowded, so kids will have plenty of rides. The resort also offers a fantastic main pool, a swim-up bar, a lap pool which tends to stay quieter, and its own beach.
One of my favorite moments was seeing wild flamingos. If you’re lucky, you can find them near the road. The quirky creatures twist and coil their necks like garden hoses. Their coral color reflects off the tranquil water of a lake, creating a beautiful scene.
Curacao offers a variety of accommodation options from AirBnB rentals, villa rentals, boutique hotels, resorts, and all-inclusive properties. I suggest you plan to rent a car. It only takes two hours to drive from one end to the other.
Take a nonstop flight to Curacao from Miami. Don’t forget your sunscreen and your appetite; the local cuisine mixes Creole, African, Spanish, Dutch and Caribbean flavors. Enjoy!
Visit www.bylandersea.com to read more stories and travel tips from local travel writer Debi Lander.
Photo courtesy Debi Lander
Jeremi Beach.
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