Curaçao Things to Do

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As mentioned before, I made my way in the daylight hours along towards the Avila Hotel. The walk from the heart of Punda along the Pietermaai and the Penstraat reveals a nice slice of costal life, both residential and commercial. Notice the Saint Tropez Oceanclub (Pietermaai 152) where one may wine, dine, swim (in their pool) and sunbathe. Makes a nice break from your hotel.
Also, note the gorgeous Tokara boutique guesthouse (Penstraat 55). Has excellent reviews on Tripadvisor.

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I visited a very good, professional physical therapist, Milou Lindeman. Her wellness studio- Fysio Lindeman- is located just across from the Avila Hotel so following a refrshing massage, one may walk in the steps of Dutch royalty and other notables on the way to the beachfront bar.

Milou, who goes by the name "Kanila" on airbnb, also rents out a very nice apartment on her property, too.

Surprisingly, the Avila offers day passes (not on weekends) and you must bring your own towel. The crowd seemed to be very well-heeled, sedated Dutch gentry.

Finding one source for local events and special offers is a little tricky since there is not one source. The main publications to depend upon are, in order of usefulness, as follows:
'Nights Curacao'
'Events Curacao'
'Go Weekly'
'K-Pasa' (cultural events)
'Happy Hours' (watering holes)

These are complimentary publciations available in most hotels. There is an especially good selection in the Kura Hulanda Hotel lobby in downtown Willemstad, 8 Frederikstraat.

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I thoroughly enjoyed my $15 day pass at the Hilton Curacao. The property is a bit worn but still serviceable. There is an attractive pool and two private beaches. Make sure to visit the Parasas Beach: like a lot of things on Curacao, it's not even obvious that it is there until you happen upon it. I almost left the Hilton without knowing it was there! There are showers and they'll give you a locker if you ask nicely. An extra $20 refundable deposit gets you a towel, too. There is a store nearby selling swimsuits if you forget yours. Round out your day of sun, fun and water with a cocktail around the bar. You mighty be lucky enough to hang with an entire gorgeous staff of KLM stewardesses!.

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The main tourist stand at the Emma Bridge (Punda side) connected me with Peter Trips. He is a sturdy Dutchman, nearly 30 years on Curacao, and offers several day and half day excursions. I took the "Island Trip" which gave me a very good overview of key areas of the island, in, around and out of Willemstad. There were many Dutch people on this tour so Peter spoke in Dutch and, thanksfully, fluent English. The only negative is that his van is of a certain age and the suspension a bit shaky.

I especially enjoyed the visit to the Lodge Kura Hulunda which is a gorgeous resort hotel on the far Northwestern coast. **Please note that if you stay at the Kura Hulunda in downtown Willemsted that there is a convenient hotel shuttle between it and its sister property** Although a lovely setting, be prepared for a longish wait for service at its restaurant as it took 3 requests for ice tea!

Another highlite was the Grote Knip, one of the most beautiful public beaches anywhere. The only downside is you may have to change out of your swim suit under a towel since convenience facilities are minimal at best.

Overall, well worth the $50 plus lunch cost for an excellent introduction to the island.

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Welzijn Spa is a recreational, health spa with Dr Fish. Dr. Fish is an adventurous experience with with health benefits. The spa is more oriented for group treatments. Something to do after a days in the sun, on your last day of your dive vacation, Energy balancing, Holistic treatments and much more. Children as of 4 years can participate.
Moms can arrange their pampering and that of their family.
Try it:
Www.welzijnspa.com

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Shete Boka National Park was definately one of the highlights of our trip. It is a series of 4 main inlets on the rocky north side of the island where powerful waves crash against the shore. There are hiking trails connecting each of the Bokas, but they are also accessible by car. Boka Tabla is located near the park entrance and has a sea cave where you can see waves rolling in. Be careful the steps are slippery. Our favorite sight was Boka Pistol. Its name comes from the sound the waves make when the crash into the rocks spraying water everywhere. This park is a must see. Admission is $2 per person.

Loco Tour Bus sits outside Rif Fort , find the dude named rasta to take you on the tour...really chill bus ride all over the easter part of Curacao. You get to see the where they make Curacao which is the spirit of the Island, view of the Spanish Water , Table Hill , and a few other cool places. Bring snacks , they have water, soda, beer all you can drink for 25$ US. Its a four hour trip with a stop on Mambo Beach for two hours which is nice.