If your clients are looking for a year-round Caribbean
destination outside the hurricane zone, the Dutch Caribbean island
of Curaçao may just fit the bill.
Part of the former Dutch Antilles chain known as the ABC Islands
(Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) the latter destination sits just
off the coast of Venezuela. Largely overlooked by the British
market, its location makes it a viable choice for agents looking
for hurricane-free alternatives for clients.
Curaçao is also blessed by low annual rainfall – less
than 58cm – making it ideal to sell year round. There are
also plentiful air links including daily flights with KLM via
Amsterdam.
Curaçao has an eclectic ethnic mix, giving it a unique and
spicy character. Part Caribbean, part West African, part Hispanic
with a twist of Dutch colonial influence, it is one of the more
unusual and interesting Caribbean islands.
With a reputation for some of the Caribbean’s best diving, I
joined a group of UK tour operators on a fam trip to see what
Curaçao has to offer.
We started in the picturesque capital Willemstad, where the painted
buildings adorning the waterside give it a ‘tropical
Amsterdam’ feel. The compact city centre is packed with fine
examples of Dutch colonial architecture and one of its hidden gems
is the glorious Mikve Israel Synagogue. Built in 1732, with a sand
floor symbolising the Sinai desert, it is the oldest synagogue in
use in the western hemisphere.
Along the riverside is a colourful floating market, full of exotic
Caribbean and South American produce. Nearby, the Old Market Plaza
is a bustling meeting spot for locals lunching on strange but
delicious fare. One of the local delicacies is stewed iguana
– similar to alligator but less chewy.
After a night in the lively capital we hit the coast for some sun,
sea and salsa. The most concentrated tourist developments and
largest resort hotels are clustered around and within easy reach of
Willemstad. However clients seeking more solitude and the famed
laid-back Caribbean atmosphere should head further north up the
west coast.
One resort that personifies the Curaçao ethos is the
all-inclusive Sunset Waters Beach Resort, overlooking the
spectacular Santa Martha Bay. My room there even had its own spa
bath on the terrace.
Some of the island’s best dive sites – including the
surreal ‘mushroom forest’ – are a short boat ride
away.
And, after a hard day’s diving, where better to wind down
than at the sizzling beach bar. Another great hotel, suitable for
both divers and non-divers alike, is the Habitat resort, perched
high above the sparkling Caribbean waters of Rif Bay. And if guests
can’t sleep they can dive around the clock – as long as
they can find a dive buddy.
Hayes and Jarvis senior reservation consultant Claire Hewitt said:
“Curaçao has some of the best diving in the Caribbean
and the coral spawning season is an amazing natural wonder to
experience.”
Aquatours sales consultant Steve Teasdale added: “As a keen
scuba diver I was itching to see how good the diving is, and I was
not disappointed. The abundance, size and colour of the sponge
corals were better than I have seen anywhere else. Non-divers can
take the plunge and learn to dive from £175.”
For those clients who don’t dive there is no shortage of
activities and excursions on the island, meaning non-divers and
children are well catered for. The Curaçao Sea Aquarium is
worth a visit and there are more than 80 former sugar plantations
on the island, some of which have been converted into museums and
restaurants.
Barefoot Traveller sales and marketing manager Stephanie Tester
said: “All types of clients are well catered for and
Curaçao offers a wide range of accommodation. Singles,
families, couples and groups, divers, non-divers; all will be
seduced by this little-known slice of Caribbean paradise.”
