Hop on a plane at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the antidote for a stress-filled life can be found less than five hours away, in the form of a Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. It’s Curacao, and it was just named a “Top 10 Destination for 2010” by the travel editors of one leading Internet search engine.
Spend some time in the colorful colonial capital of Willemstad, where hotel choices are many, including the spectacular and historic Hotel Kura Hulanda, and the polished Renaissance Curacao with ocean-view rooms. Head across the Queen Emma pontoon bridge and wander thecobbled streets to absorb the refreshing atmosphere; a fruit shake known as a “batido” is a must-try. Lunch and people-watch at a waterside café (while you sample the Creole cuisine accompanied by a cold beer) or spend some guilders to boost the local economy — shopping options range from cheerful and cheap souvenirs to upscale jewelry with astronomical price tags.
Make sure to find a way to venture out into Curacao’s wild side. The island’s outstanding natural features include the phenomenal Boca Tabla, the ideal setting to measure the hypnotic pulse of the ocean, as you send your cares out to sea on the crests
of the crashing waves. It feels as if you’ve reached the edge of the world, not just the tiny island of Curacao. For the truly adventurous souls, visit the bat-inhabited Kueba di Brua voodoo caves and if your travel group includes women with green thumbs, make time for a stop at the Aloe Vera Plantation and the funky herb garden run by resident medicine woman Dinah Veeris.
Traditional sun-seekers will find Curacao has an unbeatable collection of simply stunning turquoise beaches. Our favorite place to take a dip: Knip Beach.
If your group includes gamblers, the island has a couple of classy casinos, and if you prefer scuba gear to slot machines, pristine dive sites and snorkeling spots abound.
When in Curacao — Top 3 Girlfriend Getaway Recommendations:
1) Bring home something from artist Nena Sanchez — born on Curacao, she puts optimism in art form. Her boutique gallery is on the eastern end of the island, in St. Joris.
2) Visit the Aqua Spa at Rif Fort — heavenly treatments in a glorious setting; it’s pampering with a view that will make any girlfriend say “ahh…”
3) Splurge alert! An excursion on the Insulinde Sailing Ship is an extraordinary way to see Curacao. Maybe you’re celebrating a special occasion, or maybe you simply deserve an elite treat. Imagine peaceful hours at sea laced with live music, chocolate covered strawberries and lobster tails. Care to toast to your friendship with the island’s signature Blue Curacao liqueur? Sure ladies; the crew of this 120-foot sailing vessel says “everything’s possible!”
It’s the best of the Caribbean and Europe, with lots of extras thrown in. If you go in February, remember that Carnival festivities inject energy and crowds into even the most serene Caribbean destinations. But get there any time of year, and you’ll see why so many savvy travelers are crazy for Curacao.