Those were the words of welcome by the customs officers when we arrived in Curacao. This beautiful island is part of the ABC islands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. Curacao’s 160,000 population is a diverse group of various religions and cultural backgrounds, making it the largest of the three islands.
The Natural Beauty Of Curacao
With its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and colorful architecture, Curacao is a dream destination for couples looking for a perfect wedding location or honeymoon spot. The island’s rich history, natural beauty, and cultural diversity make it an ideal place to celebrate love.
Curacao is a small island nation in the southern Caribbean Sea, about 40 miles north of Venezuela. The island is a melting pot of cultures, influenced by Dutch, Spanish, African, and South American traditions. Curacao’s colorful and vibrant capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to some of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of colonial architecture in the Caribbean.
The History
The island’s history dates back to the 15th century when Spanish explorers first arrived on its shores. Later, the Dutch established a trading post on the island in the 17th century, which developed into a center for commerce and a hub for the slave trade. The island gained independence from the Netherlands in 1954 and became a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The Gastronomy
We ate heartily and well for a weekend getaway and were satisfied. The island’s history is evident in its culture, cuisine, and architecture. The brightly colored buildings in Willemstad’s historic district reflect the island’s Dutch heritage, while the Creole language and Afro-Caribbean music reflect its African roots. The island’s cuisine blends Dutch, Spanish, and African influences, with dishes like stoba (a hearty stew) and funchi (a cornmeal side dish) being popular local favorites.
Get There If You Can
Getting to Curacao is easy, with direct flights from New York, California, and Miami. From New York, travelers can take a non-stop flight from JFK Airport to Curacao International Airport, which takes around five hours. From California, travelers can connect from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Miami and then fly non-stop to Curacao.
Curacao’s natural beauty and cultural diversity make it an ideal destination for couples looking for a romantic and unique wedding location or honeymoon spot. The island’s turquoise waters, secluded coves, and pristine beaches provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic ceremony or a relaxing honeymoon. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Curacao has something for everyone, making it the ideal destination for an unforgettable getaway.
Where To Stay-Jan Thiel Beach
We had countless ways to enjoy the island when it came to hotel options. The rates were beyond reasonable and suitable for all budgets. We chose a beautiful hotel that was less than a seven-minute walk and with many restaurants to dine from.
While our property Livingstone Jan Thiel Resort, was our temporary residence during our stay, the absolutely stunning Papayago Beach Resort was a stone’s throw away from us and other boutique restaurants in the surrounding areas. We dined like kings and queens during our visit: Zanzibar Beach Curacao, and Zest Restaurant Beach Cafe with fabulous drinks and excellent customer service. We can’t wait to elaborate on the beauty and rich culture of the island in our upcoming summer issue. This was just a teaser; you have to experience it for yourself as you are in search of your perfect destination location for your wedding or upcoming soiree.
Over the past several years, Myrdith Leon-McCormack has evolved from one of the nation’s most successful Celebrity Manicurist, represented by Factory Downtown, to one of the most sought after branding experts with her firm MLM Represents as well as a Huffington Post blogger.
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As the Editorial Director of World Bride Magazine (WBM), she drives the magazine into the 21st century, where visions of people of color are seen in a more positive and progressive direction.
