By:
Jason Pollock
sandy beaches of Curacao
In Curacao the atmosphere is warm and refreshingly hospitable, with a genuine welcome for gay travellers.
"An ideal vacation spot throughout the year"
It’s the aquamarine colour of the warm sea lapping its golden beaches that gives Curacao’s famous cocktail liqueur its name. This picturesque and comparatively little known island is without doubt the gay tourist’s jewel in the Caribbean crown.
Of all the impressive hotels and spas the island has to offer probably the most unique is the resort of Kura Hulanda. A short drive from Curacaos new international airport this luxury complex has been lovingly created by its gay owner from genuine, beautifully restored, 18th and 19th century Dutch Caribbean buildings. It’s actually a small village entire of itself with cobbled streets, shops and gardens all leading off from the village square with its boutique café shaded by a massive Paradise tree. Kura Hulanda also boasts two swimming pools, one with an impressive waterfall, and three restaurants. The spa offers a full range of relaxing treatments. Try starting your holiday with one of Jessica’s deep tissue massages guaranteed to melt those stressed out muscles! The resorts most surprising attraction is a museum tracing the history of the slave trade, Curacaos culture and diversity and one of the most comprehensive displays of black sculpture and art outside Africa.
If you prefer your hotels with a ‘minimal’ design look, an infinity pool and sandy beach then check out the Avilla Hotel at the other end of Willemstad, the islands main town. This resort is so trendy it regularly plays host to members of the Dutch royal family.
The town itself is certainly worth a visit. Willemstad, a UNESCA World Heritage City, is built around a spectacular harbour with its constantly opening and closing Queen Emma pontoon bridge linking its two distinct areas of Otrobanda and Punda. In the main streets an eccentric mix of ethnic cafes and bars fight for attention with clothing and craft shops all housed in magnificent colonial buildings. Dotted throughout the town are a number of outdoor craft stalls and beside the harbour is Venezuelan floating market selling locally caught fish. Willemstad’s most fascinating feature, however, is the stunning mixture of pastel colours decorating the buildings. A trip through town is a bit like travelling through a giant Dulux colour chart gone wild! Everything is within walking distance but if you must do the tourism bit take the English language trolley tour for the full history of Curacao and its diverse culture.
If you’re the adventurous sort Curacao has plenty to offer. Its scuba and snorkel diving is second to none and the island abounds with equipment rental shops for the experienced diver and for schools for beginners. For a really unique aquatic experience try the ‘swimming with dolphins’ experience. To see the island in the raw take a Yellow Tourism off road jeep safari along the cactus lined dirt tracks beside the volcanic shore stopping off at the not to be missed bat cave! On a less frenetic tour The Blue Curacao distillery welcomes visitors to see how the liqueur is made from locally grown oranges (with samples of course) and for those who like their birds big try a visit to the massive ostrich farm!
Located in the tropics, just 12° north of the Equator, Curacao has a warm, sunny climate year round. The average temperature is about 27° C (in the mid 80s F). Cooling trade winds blow constantly from the east, picking up in the spring months. The rainy season, which is between October and February, is usually marked by short, occasional showers, mostly at night, with continued sunny weather during the day. This temperate climate mixed with a warm ‘bon bini’ gay welcome makes this island an ideal vacation spot throughout the year. If you have always fancied visiting this part of the world but have been discouraged by tales of Caribbean homophobia give Curacao a try. You’ll be glad you did!
