5 Reasons to Visit Curacao

By Kristine Hansen

In the fall of 2010, Curaçao became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. But it's the new hotels and attractions that has travelers even more excited about this beloved Dutch vacation spot. Reaching the island is also easier than ever: In December, Continental Airlines launched year-round, twice-weekly non-stop service from Newark.

Located in the southern Caribbean Sea off the northern coast of Venezuela, Curaçao was settled by the Dutch in 1634 and quickly became a popular Caribbean trading port. Today, this colorful island is home to brightly painted buildings -- a mix of restored mansions and petite cottages -- and thirty-some beaches, offering activities that range from kayaking to diving.

Photo Caption: Willemstaad, Curacao. Courtesy Curacao Tourist Board

The one-year-old Hyatt Regency Curaçao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina flaunts a contemporary design. But the 27-acre resort still manages to feel cozy, with classy poolside chaises and design touches like a funky chandelier with a white-coral motif in the lobby.

While vacationing here, you can easily squeeze in many activities, including time spent on the private beach, by the three pools, in the 4,500-square-foot spa, at the three restaurants (all of which employ farm-to-table concepts), or on its 18-hole Pete Dye championship golf course.

Photo Caption: The pool at Hyatt Regency Curacao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina. Courtesy Hyatt Regency Curacao Gold Resort, Spa and Marina

In lieu of lying on the beach, jump into the water and experience why many outdoor-sports lovers head to Curaçao for vacation. There are about 40 dive areas (including 65 individual sites) around the island. If diving is not your thing, many snorkeling sites are easily accessible from shore, like Playa Piscado and Rif Sint Marie.

You can also rent an ocean kayak for the afternoon from Tourism Curacao, which has outlets inside six hotels, including Dolphin Suites (which just celebrated its two-year anniversary).

Photo Caption: Underwater adventures in Curacao. Courtesy Curacao Tourist Board

Foodies with differing budgets can leave Curaçao happy and satisfied. Whether it is an affordable lunch on-the-go from a counter at Old Market, Dutch cheeses and chocolates picked up at a shop, or a dinner at a fine-dining restaurant like Bistro Le Clochard, the choices fit into whatever itinerary you have built.

Keep an eye out for regional specialty dishes like goat stew or iguana soup, which many people report tastes like chicken. Two of the newer restaurants are Fishalicious (tap into the extensive wine list for fabulous pairings with fish dinners) and Seasons (inside an orange-roofed yellow cottage with dinner choices such as "4 ways of gooseliver," and grilled Wagyu topped with mole).

Photo Caption: Outdoor seating at Bistro Le Clochard, Curacao. Courtesy Bistro Le Clochard

Ditch the island's many shopping centers and indulge in local culture instead by sifting through stalls at the market. There are actually three markets -- Floating Market, New Market and MarsheBieuw (also referred to as Old Market) -- where you can purchase crafts, locally grown fruits and vegetables, and hot sandwiches.

MarsheBieuw is a locals' favorite for a cheap lunch, but be prepared to stand or share a table with others. Still, the generous portions and rich flavors make it well worth the trek.

Photo Caption: Shopping for produce at Floating Market, Curacao. Courtesy Curacao Tourist Board

Curaçao is home to many boutique art galleries, including Nena Sanchez Gallery, where artist Nena Sanchez -- who was born on Curaçao -- exhibits her vibrant paintings of the island's tropical landscape and cottages. The gallery's artsy note cards, tiles, or magnets also make great souvenirs.

Another must-see gallery is Carib Fine Art, inside Hotel Kurá Hulanda. In addition to showing works by well-known Brazilian Cubism and Pop-Art artist Romero Britto, this gallery features art from a mix of local and international artists representing a variety of mediums, including glassware and paintings.

Photo Caption: Outside the Caribe Fine Art gallery, housed inside the Hotel Kura Hulanda, Curacao. Photo by cphoffman42/Flickr.com