Maybe
you can’t pronounce or locate this Caribbean hidden gem but
that’s all the more reason you must visit the island of
Curacao, the "C" and largest of the lovely ABC
islands. Curacao (Kora-sow, rhymes with cow) is one of the
hurricane-free region’s best-kept secrets, and with
beautiful resorts like sister properties Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa & Casino and Lodge Kura
Hulanda & Beach Club, it’s
easy to see why.
You
may have a hard time choosing between these two chic (and
affordable!) hotels so it helps to know they differ
dramatically in location. Hotel Kura Hulanda came first, set
in architecturally-amazing downtown Willemstad, the country’s
capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel stands today
as a proud reminder of its storied past: In 1890, Dutch
millionaire Jacob Dekker restored the neighborhood’s
village row homes into what is now the unique boutique resort
complex, spanning eight blocks. All of the 18th and 19th
century architecture has been painstakingly preserved at this
sprawling 80-room property, but that’s not to say you’re
to go without your fine modern luxuries. Amenities include
tiled flooring, fine custom-woven fabrics, flat-screen TVs,
marbled bath, hand-painted walls and bathrobes. On-site, the
resort features the exquisite Spa Kura Hulanda, with
sauna and steam room, also remarkable for specialty
treatments, yoga, massages and facials.
You
may be in the heart of downtown Willemstad, but you’ll
feel far from the village amongst the tropical gardens and
intimate waterfall oasis. That’s right – the two-level
free-form swimming grotto (dubbed the "Eco Pond")
complete with man-made waterfall is one gorgeous way to
surround yourself in tranquility.
In
addition to the five bars and restaurants, shops, and casino
– don’t miss the one-of-a-kind anthropological Museum
Kura Hulanda next-door, a standing testament to Curacao’s African
ancestry. (Go for the excellent light lunch at the Museum
Restaurant – their chicken Caesar salad is to die for!)
While
not all-inclusive, Hotel Kura Hulanda often offers
complimentary breakfast on certain packages throughout the
year, and you’re just a short five-minute walk across the
bridge to town, where you’ll find plenty of wonderful Dutch
markets and dining options at your disposal.
Best
of all, beachgoers needn’t fear – a free shuttle connects
twice a day to the
sister property Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club just up the
coast!
Shown Above: Lodge Kura Hulanda
If
quiet island seclusion is what you crave, you couldn’t ask
for more at the Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club, on the
island’s sparsely developed westernmost point (hence the
name Westpunt), an hour’s drive from bustling Willemstad.
Dekker’s second property was added in late July 2005, and
Lodge Kura’s personality sets it completely apart from Hotel
Kura. Still very luxurious (think
300-thread-count
Egyptian-cotton sheets), Lodge Kura is a beachfront
retreat that’s every bit as upscale as its sister but
nestled in a private island setting. With its great powder
beach location and natural reef, this is a top spot for
snorkelers and divers. There’s even an on-site dive
shop, PADI certified Ocean Encounters West, which offers scuba
instruction/certification and excursions.
You
can book without pre-paid meals or do the optional
all-inclusive plan, it’s up to you. There are three on-site
restaurants that also offer views of the best sunsets (and
also weekly themed dinners).
Because
it is so remote, I’d strongly recommend renting a car to
explore the rest of the island. Nearby, beautiful
Christoffel
National Park, the largest national park of Curacao, is
a must-see and just four miles away.
City
or country – or split your time between both! --
Curaçao's
picturesque pair of Kura Hulanda properties await your
discovery.
