Barts Best of: Curaçao: the restaurants, bars, beaches and things to do
Curaçao, you hate or you love it. Hate? Hate? Well, there are people who claim that they like the holiday island because of the large number of Dutch people. Well. That's what you get when you go to a Dutch island. Let's face it: we are definitely one of the LOVE-group. The island is a great gift.
Beautiful beaches, everyone understands you, delicious food and, most importantly, no one ever makes a fuss about anything. We like to come and not infrequently. Where should you go? We know!
It's about a ten hour flight to Curaçao. Not a short one, but because of the time difference (it's 5 or 6 hours earlier there) you don't lose too much vacation time. You can pay with the Antillean guilder (NAF) and the American dollar (USD). It is often also possible with Euros, but it will be cheaper.
Do you really want all the tips? Then join us for a small amount Curacao ebook (including handy map). Here you find him.
It is thanks to our stay at it sympathetic Kas di Laman that we now prefer an accommodation in Willemstad over a stay on the beach, when life gives us Curaçao. That's saying something. Yet it is true: through an inconspicuous gate on a main road in the Otrobanda district, you enter a small place that reminds us of Melrose Place. Close the gate behind you and you are at home, where socializing (and having drinks) with the neighbors is possible, but never necessary. Inside that gate you will find several apartments: on the ground floor around the (small) swimming pool, several terraces (some communal, some belonging to the apartments) and a number of stairs up. Big advantage, especially with kids: once inside, they can't do exactly anything wrong. Ah, vacation.
The colorful apartments are cozy and exactly what you need on holiday: good beds, a practical bathroom, a cozy one living and a well-equipped kitchen.
Although the location is the biggest advantage: in three minutes you can walk to Kura Hulanda, a European-style square with the best restaurants and numerous shops. Or cross the street to Maira's Kitchen, a good restaurant where you can dine all day long in the sheltered courtyard (yes, even for breakfast, early).
Hoogstraat 26-39, Curaçao
kasdilamancuracao.com
May we just for a moment have your undivided attention for the incredible relaxedness of the apartments Jan Sofat Lux, can be booked via By June? The luxury – hence the word 'Lux' in the name, aha – apartments are located within a secure, closed area Community with different (beautiful!) houses and apartments that are mainly occupied by private individuals. On holiday among the locals it is. The Jan Sofat Lux apartments are located immediately at the front of the Community ; handy indeed. You park in front of the door (but out of sight), and then you are home. At least, we would like that. The apartments are large, clean, fresh and simply beautiful. And, so tasty too (we would like that at home too, thank you very much): everything is as good as new and works like a charm. The beds are wonderful, the air conditioning is silent and just right (there is a lot of difference in air conditioning, we can tell you, and at Jan Sofat they have the good ones) and if you have kids with you, there are high chairs, potties, beds and so on. no longer ready. The details have also been taken into account: for example, there is a card on the refrigerator from the local delivery service. Handy much.
Enough about the inside of Jan Sofat Lux: we want to go outside! The news is perhaps even better there: we have rarely seen a nicer swimming pool. Cool? Yes! The swimming pool is a kind of river that ends in a normal swimming pool, with fountain, waterfall, seating areas and height differences. That's nice for us to look at, and to chill out with a book, and (much) fun for the kids to climb and clamber in - they'll be entertained for hours. And we haven't even talked about location yet, because location is key, everyone knows that. It is sheltered (nice!) and just a 10-minute drive from our favorite coziest beach in Curaçao: Jan Thiel. So, count your winnings. on to Jan Sofat (tip: combine Jan Sofat with Kas di Laman and have the best of both worlds: city and tranquility).
Jan Kok Lodges, you will see, functions as a green (so green!) oasis on the dry here and there (because sun all year long) island. Through the gate, car out, gate closed and you know: this will be a relaxing holiday. The small holiday paradise is located almost in the middle of the island. So nice and central.
You can stay in one of the studios or houses on the site. There are nine in total: six apartments and three studios, all with their own veranda and view. The best part of the whole thing is that all the houses were renovated by the Dutch owners of Jan Kok Lodges, the friendly Frederieke and Jeroen.
Furthermore, the houses have exactly everything you need: a fully equipped kitchen, a small but nice bathroom and a lovely veranda where you can spend most of the day. Kids along? Jeroen and Frederieke also have children's chairs and beds ready. There is no extensive breakfast, good to take into account, but a small one honesty bar. And Frederieke is happy to help you with shopping tips in the area.
Jan Kok 51, St Willibrordus, Curacao
jankok-lodges.com
The best anyway foodies tip you can get in Curaçao: Caleo Crudos y Parrilla. A mouthful, but you can say Caleo. The Dutch (co-)owner used his American girlfriend as host, provided the best chefs in the kitchen and scores 10/10 points with his business in the nicest place on the island: Kura hulanda (we'll come back to that in a moment, but put Kura Hulanda on you to do). Enjoy a delicious meal at a prominent location on the main square, with perfectly soft sourdough bread, superb spicy roasted edamame beans, grilled fish and excellent wines. The majority of the dishes are prepared on the grill made, an Argentinian grill that takes care of instant holiday food feeling. You can read more about Caleo in our website Curacao ebook. Nice to know in advance: from Kas di Laman it is only a 2-minute walk to Kura Hulanda (and therefore Caleo).
Kura Hulanda Village, 56 IJzerstraat, Willemstad, Curaçao | caleocur.com
Brass Boer? That's on Bonaire? That's right. And also on Curacao, and within the barriers of the Blue Bay Resort (the most fun family beach, if you ask us, with incredibly good food, always a few sunbeds to be found, because you have to pay a small entrance fee it is even less crowded in high season) and just very beautiful. Anyway, Brass Boer, where you can have a great lunch and dinner. Do yourself a favor and order the cold tuna pizza, a Brass Boer classic. Keep an eye on it: every two weeks there is a roast. Not one where you burn each other down, but a cozy one. Long tables where everyone sits next to each other and with lots of food and lots of wine. Costs 120 USD for the whole evening and then you are completely under the pans. The kitchen team is led by chef Andreas Péter, who has worked at De Librije. Fun dining they call it themselves, and that's how it is. We prefer to come here for lunch, because then you can immediately score one of the hammocks above (!) the water, but it is also a tip for dinner. brassboer.com/curacao
Always tipped in every list about Curaçao Pop's Place. Or Briso do Mar. Rightly so, as far as we are concerned. It's just a slightly different address the usuals on the island, not far from Jan Thiel, even closer Jan Sofat Lux, and for a change you can eat locally and cheaply. And very tasty. Where? Playa Grandi is the place. Make sure you choose one of the true Creole dishes, such as papaya stoba (a papaya stew, tasty and healthy). There could just be a chicken roaming around between the tables and if it is not too hot, you can also sit at the picnic tables on the beach. The staff is fast and correct and it is, anyway, one of the nicest (authentic) dining experiences.
Caracasbaaiweg, Jan Thiel, Curaçao | brisadomarpopsplace.everyorder.io
Of all the places to hang out and lie down on the island, this is our coziest favorite: even if you spend a week baking on Jan Thiel Beach, not far from Jan Sofat Lux, you may still miss the cozy Koko's. Ha! Walk past the beach bars, follow the wooden deck and look! There's another beach bar there. Less busy (well, somewhat), because you cannot walk into the sea right in front of the door (so keep an eye on children) and that is why it is so nice. Moreover, Koko's is also a great place for a nightcap at the end of the afternoon, when the sun is already nice and low. The best drinks here, because good wines and ditto pizzas, lovely staff and the beach and the beautiful sunset (almost) all to yourself). Please note: at the end of the afternoon, because they are closed in the evening.
And further? You can find more here Z for great pizzas (not on Sundays!), and Zanzibar for no-nonsense beach food.
If you like us ebook If you have already looked through it, you can't help but feel our enthusiasm Kura hulanda felt it seep through the screen several times. We are, enthusiastic. The small village, which consists of a main square and a number of lanes that connect to it, can be found in the Otrabanda district in Willemstad. Previously a bit of a shabby corner of the city, but for a number of years now the place where you can find the most crazy, colorful wall art see wherever you look, and the renewed Kura Hulanda. The entrance to the 'village' is on Klipstraat, almost at the back of the restaurant The Governor, also a well-known and beloved place for many. The small 'village' is in its formal and casual looks a good mix of the colorful colonial style you know from the rest of Willemstad and a hint of Europe: lampposts between the trees, cobblestones on the streets and bistro terraces under the trees.
It is the live music that beckons, from Thursday to Sunday (the other evenings music blares from the speakers hanging in the trees - also fun) and the nice catering industry. For example, Flores Stadsterras, where you can find good thick sandwiches, soups and flammkuche. You can also find BRGR and Caleo here. But go on Thursday, it's the most fun, especially on the first Thursday of the month. Then the Pietermaai district celebrates (and Kura Hulanda happily does more) First Thursday, and the other Thursdays go into the slipstream with it.
4357+6QP, Klipstraat, Willemstad
kurahulandavillage.com
You have to drive a bit (an hour from Willemstad), but then you have something. Our favorite beach on the island to be precise. Also Kalki Beach is a cordoned off beach: you can enjoy excellent snorkeling, diving and you will find a floating platform to sunbathe on (or jump from, again and again and again). From the parking lot you walk down the stairs and you are there: the dream. Between the parking lot and the beach you will find a terrace with bar and kitchen and a diving shop on the left. Cast Away Curacao the name of the case. The food is not great, but good enough.
Fish and Joy. A fish restaurant with a wine bar, it doesn't get much better. The concept, small dishes that you would rather not share, they are so heavenly. In addition to the wine list, there is a cellar that you can dive into to choose a bottle yourself. If you're lucky there will be one fish special from the Netherlands on the chalkboard. They are located in a beautiful monumental building with a patio where you can relax lazily in your chair and enjoy fish, wine and the starry sky of Curaçao, romantically. much.
(NB: Fish and Joy closes its doors soon (2024)
The Fishery is without a doubt our most favorite restaurant on the island. That's quite a statement, we know. And yet it is so. It's all in the holiday relationship vibes' versus quality. The whole thing is incredibly casual and the fish comes straight from the water via the oven or the deep fryer to your plate. That is the idea (the Fishery is reminiscent of the Pirate on Aruba, but a bit fresher and more modern): the business was built on a jetty above the water at the place where (especially in the past) the fishermen came ashore with their catch . You order immediately upon arrival, after which the fish is divided into portions and brought to the kitchen. You take a buzzer with you and not much later your basket of divine fish is in front of you. You order drinks at a different counter so that everything runs smoothly. Don't miss: the shrimps. Best ever.
In one of the cosiest streets of Willemstad (but really! Dive into one of the side streets and there is a chance that you will dive into a spontaneous salsa evening on the street, so cozy), with a roof covered in colored lights, you will find the best restaurants of the city. It is not that difficult to dive into something nice here, but since you can only satisfy your hunger once (per evening), we can strongly recommend that you dive into restaurant and hotel BijBlauw, in our opinion one of the best restaurants on the island. Make sure to make a reservation, otherwise you will definitely miss out. But then you can sit outside in the dark courtyard, illuminated with lanterns whose fire flickers in the wind (which can be quite strong here in the evening). The sea that crashes against the shore forms the background music and before your nose, if you are smart here, comes a delicious steak tartare and a chocolate dessert that is not to be sneezed at. A Curacao vacation without BijBlauw is not really a Curacao vacation if you ask us.
Little Knip – this Kleine Knip beach is small, not really touristy and you can go there for free. There are some palapas, but no other catering establishments (the bar that is there is almost never open, so you can't really assume that). So bring your own food and drinks. The local name for Kleine Knip is Playa Kenepa chiki, and that is usually what it says on the signs. Useful to know if you want to drive there.
Jeremi Beach – You will find Playa Jeremi between Playa Lagun and the Grote Knip; quite remote, which is why many tourists have not discovered this beach. Alleluia. Just pay close attention, look for the sign along the road and then, indeed, onto the sandy path. At the end of the ride you will find a real bounty beach. Not big, but wildly attractive and perfect for a very long day with your nose in the water, a snorkel set on your head.
If you travel to Curacao with children, you should also visit the organic farm Hofi Cas Cora. Must? Yes. Still, it has to be done. The farm tries to be self-sufficient where possible, waters the estate with rainwater that they collect and filter themselves, animals walk everywhere, whether or not saved from a wandering existence. There are donkeys to pet, pigs and ducks foraging and eco and bio food events are organized in the courtyard at all times. You can follow (children's) yoga in the (on request), there is room to climb and clamber and even if there is 'nothing' to do, you can go to the farm café for a delicious lunch and the tastiest lemonade. Hofi Cas Cora also regularly has a market café. Always open on weekends, and sometimes even more often. Just call that nothing.
