GO TO THE CARIBBEAN FOR CHRISTMAS!

GO TO THE CARIBBEAN FOR CHRISTMAS!

By:  Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger

Photographer:  George Whylie

Videographer:  Maxine Nolan

 

There’s nothing like dreaming big because this time of year, wishes do come true.

We all would love to be able to close our eyes and be swept away to a far off destination of sunny skies and warm surf.

One of the best kept secrets of the Caribbean is the island of Curacao.  There are so many outstanding qualities that make this the perfect vacation spot to hang your hat for a few days, a week or even longer.

The island is rich in cultural heritage, colorful art deco-like architecture, sublime weather and plenty of events and fun excursions to take advantage of.

The people of Curacao are warm, friendly and extremely hospitable with a combination of European and African nationalities blended into one to create the perfect historical blend.  The Spanish discovered this old world hideaway in 1499, specifically one of Christopher Columbus’ lieutenants.  Curacao come from “Corazon” which means ‘heart’, a characteristic that can easily be seen in each and every native.  Today the locals call the island “Korsow”.  In the 17th century, Curacao became a slave depot in the Caribbean and to this day, the Kura Hulanda Museum brings us back to this more difficult period.  In 1815, the Dutch took control of the island.

There are an abundance of museums and art galleries to satisfy your curiosity and fine tastes.  Pick from the 16 different choices and come out wiser and more culturally refined.

Get some exercise on the golf course or by jumping on a horse with the breeze blowing past your face.

Just in time for the New Year is the world famous Curacao Carnival, one of the largest spectacles of the Caribbean.  It begins in early January and the party just keeps going until late February/March.  Dance, be merry, lose yourself in the gaiety of a parade with imaginary costumes and fabulous floats.

Curacao has some of the most beautiful geography in the Southern Hemisphere.  You will be amazed at limestone cliff formations set on top of eons-old volcanic rock and weather-beaten terrain.  There are hills and inviting sandy beaches that lure you in.

This tiny island has a large expanse of colorful diving sites, some of the best diving in the Caribbean.  With names such as Beacon Point, Klein Curacao, Cornelius Bay, Newport, Smokey’s Blue Bay Gardens,  Snake Bay, Barracuda Point, Lost Anchor and Diver’s Leap, one of a kind fish will appear before your very eyes.  See the spotted ray, Chromies, huge jacks, brain corals, soft gorganians, Elkhort Coral and such graceful and timid creatures as the turtle.

The Superior Producer is ranked #1by Sport Diver Magazine as one of the Caribbean’s best wreck dives.  It is approximately 100 feet deep and just covered in corals and orange cup sponges.  Barracudas protect fellow inhabitants.  Mushroom Forest is another dive site filled with towering magnificent star and boulder coral rising up to form a mushroom shaped dome.  Beneath each dome there is much exploring to be done to play peek and boo with bar jacks and yellow tails.

Everyone will love swimming and diving with the dolphins for an encounter below the sea that will make memories for a lifetime.   Get your underwater camera ready to shoot pictures of dolphins interacting with fellow divers and/or snorkelers.  These fun-loving creatures know how to add a thrill to your day. The dive operation to make your wishes come true is Ocean Encounters, your one-stop shop.

 

Whether you are headed to Curacao  for a romantic retreat or a family vacation, all kinds of accommodations are available to fit your needs.  Large hotels, small hotels, bungalows, apartments, luxury villas and guesthouses give you plenty of variety in a relaxing and welcoming fashion.

Even though it is winter, don’t be totally out in the cold.  Dream big, dream warm and exciting places.  Visit Curacao!

PHOTO CREDITS:  Curacao webite and Google Images