Curacao is lazy days in the surf… Curacao is tranquil coves… Curacao is dramatic coastlines… Curacao is colourful townhouses lined up on the shore…
Located in the Caribbean, the constituent country Curacao – probably the most beautiful of all on the Kingdom of Netherlands – has failed to get its due accolade and recognition. It would only be fair to call this island ‘the best kept secret of the Netherlands’.
Take for instance, how conversant non-natives are of Aruba, Bonaire or St. Martin, yet need to pick that map up when locating this little paradise on Earth.
But before you continue perusing, we deem you belong to the ‘bikini clan that would rather soak in some sun’ than ‘ascend those snow-clad mountains’.
The colourful ‘Handelskade’ backdrop (Dutch colonial architecture) will probably have you mistake ‘Willemstad (the capital city) for the ‘Old Country’. But a shining sun and captivating beaches that frame the waters will nudge you out of your delusion.
The turquoise waters on each of these pristine beaches offer a distinct experience. Just why the country is a hot favourite with scuba-divers, snorkelers, wind-surfers & boaters of all kinds.
And while tourism isn’t the island’s ‘prime motive’ afterall, Curacao is just apt if you’ve been on the lookout for a place that is busy setting its own pace. Set foot on the island at 10 in the night (without any knowledge of where you’ve arrived), & you’ll probably gather that you’ve stepped on an abandoned piece of land. Yet again, spruced up with galleries and shops, the place that is slowly coming alive with restaurants, bars and clubs is anything but mundane.
Grab a seat at a local café neighbouring the ‘Queen Emma Bridge’ (that connects 2 quarters of the capital city), and watch it swing open to let ships into the harbour.
As for the nights, drive on to the Queen Juliana bridge (a four-lane road arch bridge that reaches a height of 56.4 m above waterline) for a quintessential photo opportunity with the ‘Handleskade’ serving as the backdrop!
And while the placid Curacao beaches with their lazy palms and sun-heated sands are a dream, the raw, wild ocean scene of the ‘Shete Boka National Park’ is equally worthwhile. Papiamentu for Seven Bay, the Shete Boka is your best bet when wanting to get off the beaten track & into the rugged countryside.
A trail within the national park takes the hiker on an adventurous 2.5 km loop across rugged terrain to view a natural bridge, powerful waves crashing into coastal cliffs, and two beautiful bays, or bokas – the Boka Wandomi & the Boka Tabla.
Choose to hike in a clockwise direction following a red dirt road towards the natural bridge first (Boka Wandomi), or in a counter clockwise direction to take in views of the natural sea cave (Boka Tabla) first – either way you will be treated to views of all of these natural highlights if you complete the loop.
Boka Tabla – where huge waves thunder into an underground cave tossing mighty white-water up against the shouldering cliffs. Steps cut into the rocks lead you directly into the mouth of the cave; where you can sit and watch the breakers pummel the rock thereby creating transient waterfalls. Simultaneously, you can also choose to walk along the limestone bluffs above for a spectacular view of Curacao’s rugged north coast.
As for Boka Wandomi – a well-placed viewing platform above the bay allows a spectacular view of the stunningly aggressive action of the pounding north coast waves. White-capped waves surge into the inlet, some colliding with limestone cliffs with energy so powerful that it sends the ocean water spraying several feet into the air.
And if safety is a concern for you, then worry not. The locals are friendly, welcoming, and willing to give assistance. After all, a major part of their island’s income comes from tourists. There is crime but this is not something the average tourist needs to worry about. Safety isn’t an issue on the island.
Serena’s workshop is located somewhere on the way from the Ostrich farm to the Aloe Vera plantation. In the beautiful garden full of palm trees, cactuses and exotic flowers, local women and men are helping Serena to produce ‘Chichi’ in all sizes. Workshops are organized on a weekly bases, so you can come and paint your own Chichi by yourself (of course Serena will show you how). If you aren’t as artistic, you could instead choose to buy a ‘Chichi’ sculpted by Serena or her helpers.
Now if you’ve ticked all of the above off your checklist, opt for a visit to Serena Israel’s workshop. Designer and art restorer, Serena created ‘Chichi’ (a typical Caribbean woman caricature) that has become the icon of Curaçao.
So find your own reason to visit this brightly hued island – the cotton-candy pink and deep ocean-blue townhouses or the cruise ships that dock the Cruise Terminal, the ivory beaches that safeguard the island or the duty-free stores. This ‘nation in motion’ in the perfect destination for those traveling with family… or not!
