Caribbean: Tropical treasure trove

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.”