Bon Bini Na Korsou
So I was browsing on instagram one day and came across a photo of what appeared to be underwater scooters. I instantly got excited and added Curaçao to my bucket list. After researching the price of flights, I moved it farther down my list. The flights were an average of $600, and that is not within my price range. I have purchased flights and reserved hotels for less than $600, and all of the hotels where I make reservations are swanky! Anyways, I settled for the Dominican Republic because that flight was only around $250. Still not 100% satisfied with the cards I had been dealt, I proceeded to purchase my flight to the DR. I decided to check The Flight Deal one last time before I pulled the trigger, and to my surprise, there was a flight deal to Curaçao from Miami for only $95!!!!!!! My prayers had been answered!! I rounded up the troops and we all purchased our ticket. I guess good things do come to those that wait…sometimes.
We made reservations for four (4) nights at Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort and Emerald Casino, but we only paid for two (2). Those rewards programs really pay off! The hotel was very posh and the views were breathtaking. Since it was situated on the beach and it was my birthday, it was only right for me to have a beachfront ocean view room. The beach would see a lot of us during this trip. Yeah, I have access to beaches in Florida, but they are no comparison to the beaches in Curaçao. And for whatever reason, Marriott upgraded me to a Gold member. Gold member = free breakfast = happy me! And I’m not just talking any ol’ breakfast! It was a buffet that was refreshed frequently with items cooked to order! We were spoiled for five days. Once my vacation was over, I was still expecting special treatment! Lol.
The day after our arrival, we caught a taxi downtown. I immediately fell in love with the colorful buildings. This view was postcard worthy. Downtown Willemstad is divided into two districts – Punda and Otrobanda. The two districts are separated by the Queen Emma Bridge, a floating bridge that swings open to allow the passage of vessels. Note: It is cheaper to catch the taxi to Otrobanda and cross the Queen Emma Bridge into Punda. While downtown, we explored the Rif Fort and floating market. While exploring the market, I tried yellow passion fruit with coconut water. It was actually quite tasty, but I was warned to be careful because the seeds could make me sick. Another noteworthy bridge is the Queen Juliana Bridge. This bridge is an estimated 185ft and crossing it definitely made me nervous. One of our taxi drivers had the audacity to speed across it. The faster he sped, the faster my stomach rose to my chest. That night, our taxi driver took us on a bar crawl. We jumped from spot to spot and danced the night away.
The next morning, we prepared for Aquafari!! I was amped, but when it was time to get on the scooter, I panicked! Lol. I had to get off! This is when I discovered I have a mild claustrophobia. I gave myself a pep talk and tried it again. By this time, my scooter was being pulled farther and farther into the ocean, so it was too late to turn back. Below the surface was another world!! We had close encounters with a variety of fish while posing for the camera. As I glared into the distance, I noticed a large, black hole. As my scooter drifted closer and closer towards the abyss, I prayed that a ginormous animal did not emerge and swallow me whole. We were down there for what seemed like forever. Though the views were beautiful, I was ready to get from under there while I still had a chance. I failed to disclose this bit of information, but I have a small phobia of large bodies of water. I just feel like there is marine life that has yet to be discovered, and it will be discovered at my expense. Crazy I know.
Over the next few days, we toured the Hato Caves, took a dip in Jan Thiel Bai, and received pedicures courtesy of Dr. Fish. I am the least bit ticklish, but these little fish had me screaming and squirming! For those of you that may not be familiar with the process, your feet are submerged in a tub of water and little fishies feast on your feet, removing the dead skin. The end result is soft feet without a pumice stone.
To say I love Curaçao is an understatement!! Some people say I’m bias because Curaçao was the first country to decorate my passport, but I beg to differ. Did I mention that Curaçao is outside of the hurricane belt?? This means I can visit at any time and won’t have to be concerned with a hurricane. I plan to return soon, and when I do, I will visit the ostrich farm, eat at Plasa Bieu, visit the museums, and make a chichi. These are all activities I added to my to-do list but did not have the opportunity to complete. What activities would you suggest to someone visiting Curaçao?
update: It is with regret that I inform you that the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort and Emerald Casino is now closed. After conducting some research, I found conflicting stories. I’m just glad I was able to experience it all before it was sold/closed for renovations :(.
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23 Comments
MsNub
Lol….love your stories!! So animated…..but interesting and informative at the same time! 🙂
Ashley
This looks awesome! I tried an underwater sea walk once, and I was so panicked for most of the time that my helmet fogged up and all my pictures were horrible lol. It was a great experience though!
Victoria
That’s an interesting story and experience : ))
Rebecca
I hadn’t realized Curacao was outside of the hurricane belt. And lucky you with the flights and the free breakfast! I had never heard of Aquafari! Pretty cool!
Miss A&P
Curacao does lie outside of the hurricane belt, but they experienced a small hurricane this year! Hopefully, I didn’t talk this hurricane up! From what I heard, they experienced strong winds and rain but nothing major.
Clare
Looks beautiful there, love the idea of the Aquafari, I am scared of scuba diving so might be an alternative 🙂
Miss A&P
My pics don’t do it justice. And I can’t swim so this was my only option. Lol.
Amy
For the record, we Canadians are always amazed that people from Florida go on beach vacations! Curacao is on our list, and I feel your airfare pain! But it looks amazing, thanks for sharing!
Miss A&P
I agree! Floridians do get first dibs on beach vacations. The cheapest flights to the Caribbean are out of Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, and that’s a 4.5 hour drive for me. I can get there in no time. When I move, this will be one of few things that I miss.
danik the explorer
Great post, interesting read and loving the photos. SO want to go there now 🙂
Miss A&P
Thank you! You won’t regret a trip to Curacao!
jarrod
I had fun reading this! Great post! Keep posting!
Miss A&P
Thank you 🙂
Jem
I’ve never heard of underwater scooters. Sounds like real fun. Love your story-telling skill. I feel like checking flights to Curasao now. 😛
Miss A&P
Thank you :). I can be overly dramatic at times. I was not exaggerating about how beautiful curacao is, and I def encourage you to visit.
Paul
Wow, it sounds like you had an amazing time on your birthday, that hotel looks really special and that was nice of them for upgrading you! Now those underwater scooters are something else aren’t they! We would love to have a go of these and they are now definitely on our bucket list!
Miss A&P
We did have an amazing time!! I was so excited for the opportunity to ride the underwater scooters until it was time to actually ride them. I almost chickened out!! Lol.
elisa
I had to go to Curacao but in the end I cancelled my flight in everything. This cool post and pictures helped to remind me that I have a “pending story” with Curacao!
Miss A&P
Oh no! I hope that you are able to visit this hidden jewel of the Caribbean sooner than later 🙂
Lara Dunning
I’ve been reading a lot about Curacao lately. Sounds like a great place to visit. The Mariott looks like a great place to stay. The pool area looks very inviting.
Miss A&P
Curacao was beautiful! I encourage everyone to visit if it’s feasible.
Amy Gimblet
Man, reading this post took me all the way back to Curacao! This was an amazing trip and so glad that I was included in the rounding of the troops. I definitely want to go back because it has been my best vacation so far!
Miss A&P
I concur. This was one of the best trips we’ve taken. I was ready to plan another trip until I searched for our resort and found that it was closed :,(