Turning 30 triggered a domino effect of major shakeups, like ending a six-year marriage. Freshly divorced and deeply feeling the turbulent effects of my Saturn Return, this season challenged me to reflect on life’s blips, blunders, and breakthroughs while rethinking the path forward in my next new chapter.
Little did I know that a post-trip divorce to Willemstad, Curaçao would give me some much-needed clarity to trek forward with a renewed sense of self. Ahead, read about my unforgettable winter getaway to this culture-rich ABC Island, featuring ideas on where to eat, stay, and play in Willemstad.
Staying Oceanfront At The Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort
My Caribbean escape to Willemstad, Curaçao’s capital and most colorful city, started with a peaceful plane ride to Hato International Airport. The party started as soon as I arrived at the passenger pick-up area, greeted with lively music and an energetic crowd. I was also elated that I didn’t have to travel too far to get to my accommodations.
Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is an oceanfront paradise where living your best island life doesn’t require much time away from the property.
At the resort’s Reef Club, a private area that’s exclusively accessible to Marriott Platinum and above members, I ended the first evening with an intimate dinner on its balcony.
The chefs at Ç Spice prepared a savory full-course meal made with care. I enjoyed a mocktail version of one of the resort’s signature beverages, the rosemary chicken with asparagus and mashed potatoes, and coconut cake for dessert.
Breakfast at Ç Spice proved to be the perfect morning fuel the next morning, featuring an expansive buffet of my go-to breakfast staples: tropical fruit and fiber-rich oatmeal.
With a guest room balcony overlooking Curaçao’s royal blue waters, access to on-site beach yoga, instructor-led snorkeling, and peaceful garden walks at my near disposal, the resort offered the slice of heaven I needed.
UTV Driving Through Bandabou’s Hilly Terrains
My first adventure of the trip was a UTV tour in Bandabou, the western side of Curaçao.
Taking the scenic route from beginning to end, Bandabou’s nature-esque surroundings did not disappoint. I found myself covered in mud roughly 20 minutes in, but it was worth every moment. It felt freeing to let my hair flow with the wind.
The tour had more than a few stops along the way, from cactus-covered mountain hikes and bat cave walkthroughs to close-up views of the Watamula Hole. Our final stop was Daaibooi Beach, a must-visit if you enjoy turquoise waters and like swimming with sea turtles.
After returning to the resort, lunch awaited me from the on-site Zala Gastro Lounge + Izakaya Sushi Bar. I indulged in the Asian-inspired dish while enjoying the oceanfront views from my balcony. Later that evening, I had dinner at the same place. While enjoying by live music, I dined on the rainbow roll, edamame, and mango cheesecake. Let’s just say I left with a happy belly.
Riding Curaçao’s Bluest Waves With Dolphins & Sea Turtles
My next-day excursion was beach hopping through Curaçao’s West Island, beginning our expedition at Cas Abao Beach—a white-sand beach with crystal clear waters and swinging palm trees. The picturesque scenery made it all too tempting to grab my camera and eagerly snap some personal shots for memory’s sake.
We ended with jet skiing at Santa Cruz Beach, with dolphin and sea turtle sightings being the main highlight. Then, the worst that could happen during this trip happened: the tour operators dropped my iPhone at the beach. Sadly, I was forced to depart from years of unbacked data.
The photos that I had taken before that moment? Gone, but I wasn’t going to let it ruin my trip.
Lunch at Hòfi Mango’s Kultura Kòrsou restaurant was next on the itinerary, a farm-to-table culinary experience neighboring a historic mango tree forest. The mango-infused menu with Creole-inspired flavors exceeded my expectations, being that it’s one of my favorite fruits.
I was delighted to discover that the mangos were locally sourced next door. The meal itself was 10/10. I ordered a refreshing ginger punch, the goat leg, and mango fried rice.
The Tuk-Tuk City Tour: A Colorful Joyride
The grand finale was a tuk-tuk ride around Otrobanda and Punda, the city center and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The guided tour, hosted by Curaçao locals, enlightened me about Curaçao’s rich history.
Seeing beautiful representations of our people on vibrant street murals and voluptuous sculptures of Caribbean women (called Chichi’s), I felt even more appreciative of what Curaçao has to offer. If you’re an arts and culture buff like me, I highly recommend doing the Tuk-Tuk tour before leaving this splashy ABC island.
There’s More To Curaçao Than Meets The Eye
Curaçao’s tropical surroundings, colorful architecture, and electrifying culture—with heavy Caribbean, Latin American, and Dutch influences—are what make this island the gem that it is.
A cruise stop for many, you’ll need more than a day to experience Willemstad in its entirety. This sunshine-filled destination has Caribbean beaches, restaurants, and activities galore, explaining why it’s a top vacation spot for solo travelers and families.
While I wish I could turn back time on my life’s journey to rewrite certain story arcs with different plot twists, endings, and supporting characters, this trip helped me make peace with letting the ink dry on the beginning of my first act.
It shifted my focus from dwelling in the past to dancing through this next phase of my journey with no regrets, now devoted to playing life by my own rules.
Despite losing my phone, I still had a time and it’s on my radar for a second getaway. If you’re planning to visit Curaçao soon, rest up because you’re going to need it. The party never stops!
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
