Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2019 | Page 108

Curacao
One of My Favourite Places to Visit
Nothing is more soothing
than the sight of teal water,
clear sky, palm trees, and a
white-sand covered beach.
Curacao is a beauty, with
surprises hidden in each of
her corners. It is by far one of
the best Caribbean vacation
destinations.
The famous capital,
Willemstad, is the bustling
city centre. While there,
you can settle down with a
cup of coffee in one of the
town cafes, and enjoy the
attractive scenery of pastel-
coloured buildings - a sight
for sore eyes. So pretty! You
can also indulge yourself
in the local cuisine, which
consists of a combination of
Afro-Caribbean and Dutch
flavours.
In Willemstad, the
Punda and Otrobanda
neighborhoods are
connected via the Queen
Emma Bridge which sits over
the St. Anna Bay. You can
easily cross the bridge, and
browse the main shopping
centre located in the 19th-
century Rif Fort. You’ll enjoy
both a shopping experience
and a historical tour!
If you’re looking to hit the
beach, don’t worry! Curacao
is home to more than 35
beaches, each with a distinct
character. Boka St. Michiel is
home to a traditional fishing
village, where you can rent
small boats and armed with
fishing gear, try your hand
at getting a catch or two. Or,
maybe you’ll just choose to
enjoy the freshest of seafood
dishes, readily available here.
Northwest of Willemstad,
you can find Blue Bay Beach,
where you can just sit back
and soak up the Caribbean
sun.
Up for some water sports?
There are many, and Curacao
is also blessed with natural
underwater wonders,
fascinating in its beauty!
Scuba diving and snorkeling
are extremely popular
activities, and with several
dive sites where you can
explore wrecks, coral reefs
and swim with marine life,
this island is a divers dream.
On to Curacao’s nightlife.
What an experience! After
you’re done exploring the
island in the morning, and
enjoying their local cuisine
in the evening, go back to
your hotel, take a power
nap, and get ready for some
action! Curacao is the island
of terrace bars, casinos,
and beach parties. If you
time your trip right, you
might be lucky enough to
attend the famous Curacao
Carnival taking place over
the span of almost a month.
The streets of Curacao are
packed with parades and
carnival activities, all leading
up to the Grand Parade. The
carnival features costumed
dance groups, parades, DJ
lineups, festivals, and much
more. It usually takes place
early in the 1st quarter of the
year. In 2020, it will be held
in February so now you know
when to plan your next trip.
Curacao definitely is an
island for all; families, divers,
cruisers, couples, friends,
or solo adventurers. I can
guarantee you that your
daily itinerary in Curacao
will be packed to the brim.
So, are you up for a trip to
this Caribbean gem? You’ll
love it here because there is
something for everyone!