Curacao

By Jane E. Danielson

Whether it is diving, snorkelling or bargain hunting, or just lapping up the sun, Curacao has it all. Famous for its fine liqueur made from the sweetened peel of bitter oranges, and for its sunny climate and wonderful beaches, Curacao has a rich and diverse history; it is a mixture of Old and New World charm. The people of Curacao claim descent from over 50 different ethnic backgrounds.

Curacao may not be the most ideal spot for travellers with physical disabilities. The roads are narrow and bumpy, many beaches are impossible to get to, and the country is somewhat rugged. But it is a most delightful island, where people have "time to talk and time to listen." Curacao certainly isn’t all obstacles.

The largest and most populous of the Netherlands Antilles, located between Aruba and Bonaire, Curacao lies 35 miles off the northern coast of Venezuela and 800 miles north of the equator.

With a population of only 144,000, this island has a small-town atmosphere. People are very proud of the island’s international flavour. The native language is Papiamentu, but Curacaoans are multilingual, having learned to speak English, Dutch and Spanish at school.

A hilly island of volcanic origin, Curacao supports a large variety of tropical flora and fauna. The rainfall is less than 22 inches a year; the weather is guaranteed to be sunny. There are 38 different beaches to choose from: some are protected by towering cliffs, others have deep caves created by the beating surf, and still others have wide expanses. The beaches all share the same clear, turquoise water distinctive to this part of the world.

Westpunt Beach is best known for its huge cliffs and the divers who entertain beach-goers by jumping from the cliffs into the ocean below. Just south of Westpunt is Knip Bay Beach, one of the island’s photographed sites because of its picturesque setting. And one of the largest and most spectacular beaches on the island is Blauw Bay Beach. Curacao also offers man-made beaches that give Mother Nature a good run for her money! For example, the Curacao Sea Aquarium is a family-oriented complex that features enclosures containing every known form of native sea life, as well as a glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible submarine rides.

Curacao is a diver’s paradise, with over 100 different dive sites to choose from: attractions like the Curacao Wall, and the unspoiled beauty of the uninhabited island of Klein. A 12.5-mile stretch of coral reef known as the Underwater Park has been protected as a wildlife preserve. Sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, moray eels and many other species of sea creatures thrive in these waters. Dive operators are found at major hotels.

There are ample opportunities to experience the natural wonders up close. The marlin, sailfish, tuna and wahoo in the offshore waters provide for excellent deep-sea fishing, and the wildlife in the preserve at Christoffel Park should be of interest to anyone who prefers to encounter nature on dry land.

Curacao is also a great spot for bargain hunters. The duty-free shopping makes for terrific deals on imported electronic equipment, china, crystal, jewellery, linens and perfume. Willemstad, the capital city, supports an active social life, with music festivals all year long, dancing at the popular discotheques and gambling in the hotel casinos.

Curacao’s historic architecture is an adaptation of Dutch design on the Caribbean landscape. The Dutch gabled, candy-coloured store facades fronted by the canal like those at Santa Anna Bay are undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary sights in the Caribbean, as is the century-old floating pontoon bridge, which stretches the harbour.

Curacao’s greatest asset is its people, whose rainbow colouring, multinational cuisine and rich language are reflective of the Curacaoans’ legendary racial and religious tolerance. The people of Curacao host tourists from all over the world with cosmopolitan panache.

There are two resorts I recommend. One is the Princess Beach Crowne, on the outskirts of Willemstad. It offers all the facilities: pool, beach, casino, restaurants, bars and an on-site dive operator. I found it most convenient to get around in my wheelchair.

The second resort is the five-star, 248-room Sonesta Beach Resort, with great open areas, easy access and a dramatic beach front. Though the beach is rocky, the access for getting around the resort is excellent. The food and staff were superb! The Sonesta Beach Resort boasts a casino, four restaurants, water sports, tennis, golf and a "Just for Kids" children’s program. It also offers some fine merchandise in hotel shops.

When you are considering your next trip to the Caribbean, discover the secret Curacao!

(Jane Danielson is a freelance writer and poet living in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.)

CONTACTS:

The Princess Beach Resort
1-800-2-Crowne

Sonesta International Hotels
(617) 421-5400

Curacao Tourism
(599-9) 616-000
E-mail: ctdbcur@ibm.net