The Underrated Caribbean Island That’s A Cultural & Wellness Treasure – The Zoe Report

Many sun-seeking travelers are familiar with tourist-friendly Aruba. But those looking for a more relaxed, lifestyle-focused island where they can experience cultural heritage, wellness, and outdoor adventure without being overwhelmed by cruise ships and crowds are sure to love its underrated (and stunning) neighbor, Curaao the C in the so-called ABC Islands just off the coast of Venezuela. (The A stands for Aruba and the B for Bonaire.) While the entire trifecta remains part of the kingdom of the Netherlands, its Curaao that packs the biggest cultural punch. And its apparent everywhere you look.

Our island is colorful and so are our souls, says Dewi Pomario, a Curaao tourist board guide. The people of Curaao are so proud of our culture, our traditions, our food, and our relaxed way of living.

Best suited for travelers who arent content to spend their entire vacation at the pool, Curaao offers an off-the-beaten path alternative that trades casinos, all-inclusive resorts, and restaurant chains for a more intimate, authentic experience.

The capital of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, serves as the center of Curaaos fascinating multi-ethnic culture, a rich mix of European and Caribbean influences with a celebrated artist community. There, travelers venture beyond their hotel to explore incredible natural sites like rocky coves and salt flats, local restaurants serving delicious fusion specialities, and wellness traditions at Den Paradera Herb Garden.

From swimming with green sea turtles and getting painting lessons with a resident street artist to sipping cocktails in the trendy Pietermaai district and visiting healing salt flats, here are some of the best ways to feel Curaao's magic.

Filled with quaint colonial buildings arguably the best surviving examples of European architecture in the Caribbean Willemstad could easily be confused for a Dutch city if it werent for all the cheerful, candy-colored paint. Check out the sites on a Green Wheels scooter, an eco-friendly and convenient option for those looking to see and Instagram as much as possible. Be sure to stop by Wilhelmina Plaza, the Governors Mansion, and the bright yellow Penha Building. No trip to the island is complete without strolling across the gently swaying Queen Emma Bridge. Built in 1888, it ranks as one of the oldest wooden pontoon bridges in the world. But be on alert: A siren announces when the bridge is about to swing open to allow boats to sail through, and you dont want to get stuck.

In addition to its cultural past, Curaao boasts a vibrant street art scene that stretches throughout Willemstads charming neighborhoods, from the famed Colorful Steps in Otrobanda to kaleidoscopic paintings in Scharloo Abou. In fact, the islands electrifying vibe can be felt just about everywhere you go, thanks to its dynamic, warm residents. I believe it's not only the artist community that contributes to the atmosphere of the island, says Francis Sling, a popular street artist. A large part of the people living here are creatives in their own way. It's as if you're walking in a huge play.

While its certainly possible to explore Curaaos art on your own, walking tours like Dushi Walks and Art Tours Now, founded by artist Avantia Damberg, lend context to everything you see. For an even more hands-on experience, attend a painting workshop by request at the studio of Francis Sling, whose larger-than-life murals are beloved throughout the island. Looking to bring home a bit of Curaaos creative spirit? On narrow Windstraat, a de facto art alley in the Punda neighborhood, youll find a treasure trove of galleries and arts and crafts boutiques, including Serenas Art Shop, famous for its Curaao Chichi figures hand-painted by local female artists.

Want to get away from it all? Discover some of the most stunning scenery in the entire Caribbean on the rural west side of the island. Located along the protected Curaao Underwater Marine Park, many of Curaaos beaches, such as Playa Kenepa Grandi and Playa PortoMari, offer bright, clear water and healthy coral reefs near the shore, making them ideal for an afternoon of swimming and snorkeling. One of the best ways to experience as many as possible (Curaao has 38 in total) is by zipping around by jetski with Tourrific Curaao.

Get your adrenaline going by cliff jumping at Playa Forti and swim with green sea turtles at Playa Kenepa Chik. If you feel the need to go deeper (literally) Curaao offers some of the best scuba diving in the world with top-notch outfitters like Ocean Encounters. From a tugboat wreck in only 15 feet of water to a thrilling drift dive with sharks and rays, this is the place to hit the water, whether its your 500th time zipping up a wetsuit or youre first.

On some Caribbean vacations it might be tempting to take full advantage of the resorts all-inclusive meals. But Curaao has a thriving food culture that should be explored. No better place than at Bario Urban Street Food, a bustling food court style restaurant popular with travelers and locals alike. Each window or snek stand a type of to-go cafe serves its own curated menu of tropical cocktails, desserts, vegan food, or street food. Dine on specialties like chicken satay, stoba fries (fries topped with a traditional beef stew), roti, ceviche, and bolo di cashupete, a cashew cake typically reserved for festive occasions, while listening to live music. Afterward, have a nightcap at the newest addition to the trendy Pietermaai district, Ochenta Cocktail Bar, where bartenders mix drinks using the freshest ingredients and local brands, including authentic Blue Curaao made of the peels of the native bitter Laraha orange (something thats near to impossible to get outside of the country).

Curaao offers a wellness culture all its own in addition to the expected poolside massages and lavish facials. Once used by the Dutch for salt mining, the islands precious salias, or salt flats, are now designated nature reserves. But that doesnt stop some locals from sneaking in to bathe in the mineral-rich waters which are said to boost skin health. If what ails you is more than skin deep, stop by Den Paradera Herb Garden where you can learn about herbal healing and wellness from legend Dinah Veeris. Decorated by the Dutch Royal Family for her contributions to the community, Veeris invites people to stroll through her calming oasis and offers holistic health advice and products such as immunity-boosting tea and salves for bug bites. The traditional medicinal plants of the island of Curaao is a culture, a knowledge that we must preserve, says Veeris. Nowadays you see that so many people want to go back to nature and want to live a healthier life. The traditional medicinal plants have so much to offer us.

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The Underrated Caribbean Island That's A Cultural & Wellness Treasure - The Zoe Report