Caribbean Cool

A trip to Curaçao transcends a day at the beach.

- By Elyse Glickman

WHEREVER THERE’S A TROPICAL ISLAND, images like blue skies, sandy white beaches, palm trees, exotic flowers, sunsets and a silhouetted couple will appear in its promotional materials … and why not? The formula works well, promising world-weary travelers an escape from the everyday, whether it happens to be in Hawai’i, Tahiti, Indonesia, the Maldives or the Caribbean. Curaçao — which completes the ABC island chain with Aruba and Bonaire in the southern Caribbean — proves no exception. And yes, of course it has all of the requisite ingredients, along with golf, spas and waterfront resorts of every description.

While we’re discussing water, Curaçao offers a beach for every type of visitor. Playa Lagun and Jan Thiel are noted diving destinations. Easy-going, no-frills Playa Piscado and Playa Grandi in Westpunt (as far west as one can drive) are known for turtles, snorkeling, working fishermen and local patronage. Amenities abound at family-friendly, palapa-lined Blue Bay Beach, Playa Porto Marie (near the town of Sint Willibrordus) and Cas Abao Beach. Kleine Knip, Grote Knip and Playa Kenepa Grandi prove essential for heavenly sunsets, romantic moments and reflection. Adventurous, outdoorsy types and animal lovers, meanwhile, will want to explore trailheads near many of the aforementioned beaches as well as dedicate at least one full day to exploring national nature preserve Christoffelpark via guided safaris or its eight hiking trails.