Escape to Curacao

Willemstad Curacao, Curacao JetBlue, JetBlueSoFly

If you follow me on Instagram, you might know that I was vacationing in Curaçao last week. It has always been a dream of mine to be basking in sunshine and warmth while it was cold and dreary in New York City. While it hasn't exactly been crazy cold, it was still really nice to get a taste of summer-like weather at this time of year. The above photo was taken from my favorite shady spot on the beach. 

Willemstad Curacao, Curacao JetBlue, JetBlueSoFly

Curaçao is an island country in the Dutch Caribbean outside the Hurricane Belt. It is the "C" of the ABC Islands along with Aruba and Bonaire and was once part of the Netherlands Antilles. Curaçao is the home to over 35 beaches and a rich and diverse heritage of over 55 cultures. The official language is Papiamentu, a unique mix of African languages and Portuguese, Spanish, with some influences from Amerindian languages, English, and Dutch. The official currency is the Dutch Antilles Guilder (also known as Florin) but the U.S. Dollar is readily accepted. The current exchange rate is favorable to the dollar and we found that prices converted to just over a half with that. 

Willemstad Curacao, Curacao JetBlue, JetBlueSoFly

Since we had such a good experience with our Turks & Caico trip booked through JetBlue Getaways, I made use of them again. We decided to stay at the Avila Hotel, a contemporary style resort set in an 18th-century Dutch Colonial mansion with two private beaches featuring swimming coves protected by rock breakwaters. The hotel was conveniently located and had amazing views and the staff was friendly and amenable to all our needs. While our room was nice and clean and had a balcony overlooking the Octagon Plaza, it was nowhere as luxurious as the suite we stayed in at the Gansevoort last year but then it didn't cost as much either. The hotel did exceed our expectations in terms of food with a number of dining facilities with a range of tasty options. We ended up eating fish quite abit because it was fresh and plentiful. We also tried some of the local options like keshi yena which is cheese stuffed with meat. Yes the cheese is on the outside and it is commonly stuffed with a spiced chicken, onion, olives, capers and tomatoes. This dish was originally eaten by slaves that lived on the island during the Dutch colonization. Indonesian food is also common there because of Dutch ties to Indonesia and a popular dish is chicken satay with peanut sauce.

Willemstad Curacao, Curacao JetBlue, JetBlueSoFly

While we had some relaxing days just hanging out at the beach, we also visited Curaçao's capital of Willemstad which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located downtown, this area is known for the iconic Handelskade, a row of colorful Colonial Dutch buildings along the harbor with boutiques and sidewalk cafés. We took a walk across Queen Emma Bridge which is also known as "The Swinging Old Lady" since it is a floating pontoon bridge that links the "Punda" (Point Side) and the "Otrobanda" (Other Side) of the Willemstad across the Sint Annabaai Channel. We got to see the bridge open and close to avert marine traffic into St. Anna Bay which was pretty cool. I actually got a little queasy because of the constant motion when we crossed it. There is also a floating market along the waterfront that is named for the boats of the Venezuelan vendors who cross the sea between South America and Curaçao to sell fresh fish, fruits and vegetables. There were Christmas decorations up in Riffort Village and it was a curious sight to see them juxtaposed along palm trees.


Willemstad Curacao, Curacao JetBlue, JetBlueSoFly

We also enjoyed exploring the neighborhoods around our hotel where there were residences in building styles typically found in the Netherlands painted in lovely pastel hues. And there seemed to be no shortage of pretty flowers growing all around the island everywhere we went.

Willemstad Curacao, Curacao JetBlue, JetBlueSoFly

It was a fun getaway and not too far at about four and half hours away from NYC. Curaçao is a scenic island with warm and friendly locals and warm, sunny weather. It was raining the afternoon of our arrival but our driver told us that it actually rarely rains there and we were fortunate to have sunny weather for the rest of our stay. There seemed to be a continuous breeze blowing through the entire time which kept the heat from being unbearable The sunsets there were quite spectacular and we tried to catch them at every opportunity.

Willemstad Curacao, Curacao JetBlue, JetBlueSoFly

Have you ever been to Curaçao? Do you have a favorite warm weather getaway? Check out out our Turks & Caicos vacation!

53 comments

sonia // daring coco said...

I have never been and honestly I can't say that I've even heard about this island but boy does it look and sound dreamy. That cheese stuffed with chicken etc sounds really appetising too.

Sxx
www.daringcoco.com

Marry said...

Amazing photography!!!
XX
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Paola Lauretano said...

Wow, this place is a Paradise!!!
Enjoy your vacation Rowena!!!
Kisses, Paola.

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Doctor Anne said...

It must be strange to see the Dutch architecture in a Caribbean climate, at least for the ones being used to a Dutch climate. I´d love to go there some day.

Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

A Very Sweet Blog said...

What a fabulous escape Rowena! It looks like bliss :D I love the soft colors and beaches. The food looked absolutely delicious and it's not far! Love the picture of you two. So glad you had a great time.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Stanislava E. said...

I was waiting for this post so eagerly, Rowena! Now that's what I've been waiting for! Beautiful photos, I wish I could spend a week at Curacao too. Especially in winter, but anytime of the year I am sure it's very beautiful there. It was very interesting to read about the food there. While in Greece, I try to eat fish as much as I can, since it's fresh and tasty. Hope you had a nice time and you managed to recharge your batteries for the upcoming cold! Thanks for sharing!

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Jackie Harrison said...

I been to turks and caicos also Aruba and never heard of this part of the island it looks so beautiful and a place I will love to visit great pictures doll.

Ivana Split said...

I'm so happy you enjoyed your stay there. As I said, I was never there myself but I had about 30 coworkers from this island working with me at one time, so I did learn something about their culture and history and it was very interesting. Plus, they really are super friendly, aren't they?

These photographs are magnificent! You have the eye for capturing the perfect moment and you do it in such a subtle way ...I love it. This is paradise!

Adorable photo of you and hubby...and I see some really yummy dishes.

Lilli said...

Ah Rowena! You killed me in this dull Monday morning lol! Wish I was there right now! Didnt know it but would love so so much visit it, must have been an amazing and dreamy escape, your big and happy smile with ur hubby just says all! Love the sunset pics, so enchanting and priceless! Have a lovely week ahead, many kisses! xo

j said...

Your pictures are so bright and cheerful for a gloomy Monday! I've never actually been to the Caribbean, but it looks amazing. :)

Elle Sees said...

this looks as lovely as i would have hoped. gorgeous.

Beauty Editer said...

Fantastic post dear! Curacao is so lovely. Hope you have a lovely day.

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Blackswan said...

Stunning photography, dear! Wish I were there too.......... xoxo

Emmylou said...

Gosh! Just judging from the pics, Curacao looks amazing. I must admit it's an island I don't hear much of. Thanks for sharing these pics, and the info, Rowena:) I would really like to try that keshi yena:D

Anonymous said...

Bliss! Looks amazing there!

Lenya said...

It looks like heaven on earth, Rowena. I just added it to my bucket list. Beautiful photos, somehow so calm and peaceful. Happy new week, dear.
xox
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle

Shireen L. Platt said...

Oh wow, that looks like paradise, Rowena, bet it was hard to leave and head back to NYC. I wish we could getaway too, it's been raining non stop for more than a week now. Not joking, it's raining everyday and I've never knew the clouds could hold so much water. LOL!

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Jane said...

oh it seems like a wonderful getaway! beautiful pictures!

FelyM said...

amazing place..a dream to be here

Hena Tayeb said...

wow.. looks amazing. we too are heading off to a beach getaway soon..

Unknown said...

Oh my this place looks so stunning!

ARedLip&Love

Pooja Mittal said...

such a beautiful place it is
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FASHION TALES said...
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FASHION TALES said...

This post certainly warmed me up on this cold bone-chilling day. We love the Caribbean, and have not been here, but did go to a friend's wedding in Aruba. It looks like you enjoyed your stay in this picturesque place. Perfect sunsets.
Stylish Foodie 2.0

K / House of KTS said...

Just look at how beautiful this place is. I've heard of this place but never really wanted to check it out before... until now. I just love all of your photos Rowena.

Kia / KTS
www.houseofkts.com

Beauty Unearthly said...

Great post and amazing pictures :)...thx for sharing!

Unknown said...

Wow amazing, want to travel there

Ciao

Mywishstyle

Unknown said...

The pictures are amazing! Thanks for sharing:)

irenethayer.com

ALLIE NYC said...

Oh WOW this looks AMAZING and your photos are brilliant, I would love to travel here in January or February, but right now it is barely cold here.

Allie of ALLIENYC
allienyc.com

Corinne said...

Ohhh that sunset is amazing! It looks like you had such a lovely time :) All those cute colourful buildings too.

Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com

Valerie said...

Oh wow, this looks like it was an amazing trip! Beautiful photos!

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trishie said...

What an amazing, vibrant spot to visit!!! Looks like a fabulous time x

Diana Vilic said...

That looks so relaxing! Is much rather be there instead of taking exams.
Diana | http://www.dianavilic.com/

Anonymous said...

It looks like dream holidays! I have never been to Curaçao but hopefully one day I will. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos <3

LUXESSED

Unknown said...

Curaco is such a lovely place! Hope you enjoy your holidays.

xoxo - Style.. A Pastiche

JOURNAL OF STYLE said...

Beautiful and colorful island! Looks like you've had a fantastic holiday, Rowena! You two look so relaxed and happy. Incredible, romantic sunsets! Actually I would love to visit Bali someday but Curacao is definitely on my radar as well now. :)

xoxo Ira
JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN

BEAUTYEDITER.COM – Beauty Blog said...

what a beautiful escape! this island is divine.

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Diana Mieczan said...

Wow, what a beautiful place and it looks so relaxing as well:) Glad you had an amazing escape from the cold weather. Happy Tuesday, darling.

nancy @ adore to adorn said...

such a wonderful place to vacation! love the photos
xo,
nancy

http://www.adoretoadorn.com

Natalia | Look-A-Porter said...

What a stunning place and wonderful holiday! Perfect escape! x

Marcela Gmd said...

Lovely place!!!!
Have a good week!!! and my g+ for you!!!:)))

Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

Margaret Dallospedale said...

Wowww so amazing place
Beautiful pictures
kisses
Maggie D.
Fashion Blog Maggie Dallospedale fashion diary

Midnight Cowgirl said...

Looks like a gorgeous getaway!

Sybil said...

omg!! i really need this type of vacation/getaway now!!! :D

Have a great week!
Animated Confessions

Effortlesslady said...

Omg! What a beautiful place! Amazing getaway and yummy food too.
www.effortlesslady.com

oomph. said...

wow, that is beautiful! you're making me jealous, haha. i need a vacay stat!

oomph. said...

wow, that is beautiful! you're making me jealous, haha. i need a vacay stat!

Stella said...

Curacao looks so beautiful!
I hope I get to visit Caribbean one day.
I loved the colourful flowers and the ocean photos.
x
Stella from a Looks & Travels

Sangeeta said...

Love the photos. They look so beautiful.

Unknown said...

This looks so beautiful! I'll be going to Tobago, Caribbean next week and this post somehow made me even more excited for it!! Just the warmth, the sun and the light blue ocean! So beautiful, I would love to visit Curacao some day too!

Filippa ⎮ Always a Dot

JeannLiew | Luminnej said...

oh my, Rowena. Beautiful beaches, great food, scenic places to visit, who could have asked for more, right, this sounds like the perfect escape and looks like you both had tonnes of fun!

I love a great satay myself, I love anything peanuts, basically, haha *_^ I have not heard of this place before and it's good that now I get a virtual tour of the place already! and the fact that it's only about 4 hours away from where you stay, that's just a dream.

Hope you are gearing up to the Christmas celebration already and looking forward to the holidays next week!

Big hugs,
Jeann | LUMINNEJ
http://luminne.blogspot.com

Vanessa N said...

YASSSSS I came here just to read this post, LOL. Curacao is on the list of islands I want to visit (along with Turks and Caicos [because of your previous vacation post...you are my enabler, you know that, right?], the Bahamas, and St. Lucia), and I'm so jealous that you got to go. As always, your photos are gorgeous and it was great to read about some of the history and background of the island. Those pastel buildings are so cute :D

Blogger said...

This looks so lovely! I'll be visiting Tobago in the Caribbean next week, and reading this post has somehow only increased my excitement! Simply the warmth, the sun, and the clear ocean! Such a gorgeous place, I'd love to go to Curacao someday too!Amazing and fascinating blog list. Thank you for revealing.

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