An off-the-radar Caribbean island, setting its own pace, Curaçao offers a one-of-a-kind blend of Spanish, Dutch and Creole cultures, a charming mixture of cosmopolitan and authentic eateries, stunning hidden coves and stretches of silky-sandy beaches. In the capital multi-colored colonial buildings line the pretty waterfront and floating markets captivate visitors and locals alike. If you're looking for a Caribbean escape, away from the hordes of tourists, Curaçao may just be for you.

Eat

Baoase Culinary Beach Restaurant

Fine-dining by the ocean, this bohemian-chic restaurant is Caribbean meets Indonesia, with its farm-to-fork asian-style offerings in a romantic beachside setting.

Sol Food

A mid-range, popular restaurant offering American fare and home-style meals served by its welcoming owner 'Sunshine' all at pretty reasonable prices.

Omundo Restaurant & Wine Lounge ( Willemstad)

A stylish fine-dining restaurant with live entertainment and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. For dinner, order the curry fish tempura to start followed by a juicy tenderloin or flat iron steak or catch of the day with mashed potato and fennel-orange salad. Finish off with a portion of what Omundo chefs call 'the best' homemade double chocolate brownies.

Karakter Curacao

The ultimate beachfront dining experience in Curaçao. Sit back on comfy lounge chairs under shady palms and tuck into a tasty light lunch, the Lobster Bisque is a good choice. String lights and candles come out at sunset for the romantics looking to get cozied up and dine on the sand.

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Old Market in Punda

Grab authentic Dutch Caribbean lunches at the floating market in Punda. Quaint, brightly-coloured European-style buildings, hidden narrow streets and warm and hospitable locals selling souvenirs will have you mesmerized with Curacao's charm.

Stay

Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort- Luxury

Set in a stunning location by the beach, this impressive resort has spectacular ocean views, a first-rate spa, elegant decor and of course an impeccable Pete Dye designed golf course. With white-washed walls on a backdrop of mahogany furnishings and comfy king-sized beds, the rooms- as well as the rest of this resort - are large, contemporary and enticing.

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Kontiki Beach Resort Curacao- mid-range

A luxury beachfront resort with 82 guest rooms nestled between gorgeous saltwater pools and lush gardens. Spacious, beautifully decorated rooms feature at this 3.5 star dive resort as well as a spa, thatch-roofed beach bar and restaurant.

Blue Bay Hotel - mid-range

Perched above the flowing fairways of an 18-hole golf course, this former indigo and carmine plantation comes with contemporary rooms with kitchens and impressive outdoor porches. Choose to spend your time near the ocean or high above the hills, this 4-star resort boasts a popular Mediterranean restaurant, access to one of the most gorgeous beaches on the island and large tennis courts.

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Do

Kenepa Beach

The perfect swim spot in Curacao. Alluring white sand, pretty palapas offering shade and an ice-cream snack bar nearby. This free public beach is a great spot to watch the sunrise, snorkel, swim or set up a picnic.

Playa Cas Abou

With stunningly blue waters, Play Cas Abou is a treat for swimmers, snorkelers and sun-chasers. A popular local spot on a Sunday, the beach is open from 8am -6pm and costs $5-$6 per car for the entry fee.

Playa Porto Marie

A calm and pretty beach beneath a historic plantation site. Open everyday with a beach bar serving cheap beach bites and colorful cocktails, Playa Porto Marie is becoming more and more poplar with visitors and tourists. Divers and snorkelers can explore the famous 'double reef' while landlubbers can choose from three nearby nature trails.

Queen Emma Bridge and Handelskade in Williamstead

A historic floating bridge connecting Punda and Otrobanda in Williamstead. A beautiful sight, in the day and when lit up at night, you can walk across the bridge when it's not open for vessels to pass through, or watch from a bayside cafe or restaurant.

Straight from a postcard, Handelskade is a stretch of multi-colored colonial Dutch buildings lining St. Ann's Bay. Watch the boats sail through the swing bridge from a waterfront eatery, swing by the floating market or spend all day snapping photos of this iconic sight in the capital.

Playa Lagun

A small and quiet beach in the peaceful village of Lagun is one of Curacao's best kept secrets. Hidden between the cliffs in the northwest, this cove's reef's, full of lionfish and other colorful and intriguing marine life make it an ideal snorkeling spot.

Klein Curaçao ( Little Curaçao)

A deserted island 8 miles off the coast of Curacao, Klein Curacao- meaning 'little' - is full of flourishing reefs, clear waters, the longest strip of sand in Curacao and a weathered 19th-century lighthouse. Great for diving, snorkeling, exploring and sun-bathing.