When we began talking about a Caribbean holiday, we didn't have a specific destination in mind. Since it would be a completely new region for our family, I did extensive research. I wanted somewhere safe and child-friendly, with good medical care (no extra vaccinations needed), reliable roads for renting a car, and, most importantly, great weather in October, when we planned to travel. We knew we wanted an island, and with only one week available, a direct flight was essential. Most recommendations pointed towards the ABC islands - Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Quite randomly, we chose Curaçao and booked a direct flight with KLM from Amsterdam.
Geographically, Curaçao (a constituent country within the Kingdom of Netherlands) lies outside the main Caribbean hurricane belt. Coincidentally, during the week of our stay, Hurricane Melisa hit Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti, while the ABC islands, located farther south off the coast of Venezuela, were spared.
Upon arrival, we picked up our rental car, activated our e-SIM, and headed to LionsDive Beach Resort, located on a quiet stretch of beach near lively Mambo Beach and just minutes from the capital, Willemstad. After a daytime flight and adjusting to the 5-hour time difference from Brussels, we spent the rest of the day relaxing by the sea. Coming from rainy Belgium, the warm and calm Caribbean Sea felt like paradise.
Willemstad - Colourful and Full of Life
We visited Willemstad several times during the week - once for breakfast, once in the evening, and once during Halloween festivities (local businesses organise trick-or-treat for families). My first impression was that it looked like Amsterdam - only more colourful, brighter, and set along the sea instead of canals. Spend some time at Queen Emma Bridge and wait for it to open for passing ships. The floating bridge swings aside for larger vessels, which is fascinating for kids to watch. One of our favourite restaurants was Rozendaels, serving authentic local cuisine. Interestingly, many dishes have similarities to Javanese food (I am Javanese myself), primarily due to the Dutch colonial labour migration.
The Beaches - Endless Shades of Blue
Porto Mari Beach
The kids did a little research and they found out about the "Pig Beach", where wild boars sometimes roam around. When we parked the car and looked at the view to the beach, the blue shocked us. Mind you, I grew up in Indonesia, surrounded by both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and we spend summers in Croatia with its crystal clear blue Adriatic Sea. Yet the blues of the Caribbean Sea of Curaçao were unlike anything we had ever seen. We spotted two boars and plenty of iguanas, which thrilled the kids. The beach infrastructure is excellent: lounge chairs and parasols for rent, a great beach bar with good food and cold drinks, and cam, crystal-clear sea perfect for swimming. A floating platform just offshore made it even more fun for jumping and diving.
Cas Abao Beach
If Porto Mari amazed us, Cas Abao left us speechless. The colour of the sea was even more vivid and turquoise. It's an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling (a PADI 5-star dive site), with easy access to fringing reef systems where you can see turtles, stingrays, moray eels, seahorses, and colourful tropical fish. With sunbeds, parasols, and restaurants available, it's another beach where you can easily spend an entire day soaking in unforgettable shades of blue. On our way back to the hotel, we stopped to have dinner in and Indonesian restaurant called Bali, which we enjoyed very much.
Grote Knip Beach
Just when we thought we'd discovered the bluest blue in Curaçao, we drove a little farther and found an even more stunning shade at Grote Knip (Kenepa Grande, in the local language). Compared to Porto Mari and Cas Abao, this beach has more limited facilities, so it's best to bring snacks and drinks if needed. Access is free, with only basic amenities, but the view is spectacular. You can also try cliff diving here, but it's best to arrive early in the morning before the crowds gather. If it feels too busy when you arrive, head to nearby Kleine Knip, a smaller but equally beautiful version of this paradise.
Mambo Beach
This may not be the prettiest beach on the island, but it is certainly the most popular. This is where you'll find trendy restaurants, shops, nightlife, live music and beach parties. Since it's just steps away from our resort, it became our go-to spot for meals when we stayed in. My kids' favourite breakfast spot was Bliss the Berry and Reefs Cafe & Co. A bit farther along the boulevard, we enjoyed casual dinners at the Sea Side Terrace, which offers lovely outdoor seatings, grilled fish and local dishes.
Family Activities Beyond the Beach
Curaçao Sea Aquarium - Snorkeling with Stingrays
At the kids' request, we dedicated a full day to the Sea Aquarium, located just a short walk from our hotel. I pre-booked the Animal Encounters package, which included a guided snorkeling experience in a lagoon where stingrays and various fish species live in their natural environment. The package included general admission, allowing us to watch the daily training sessions at the Dolphin Academy up close. Unlike many aquariums where animals are kept in tanks, the lagoons here are open and connected to the sea, making the experience feel more immersive for the whole family.
Curaçao Ostrich Farm and Aloe Vera Farm
To fill one afternoon, we visited an Ostrich Farm on the eastern side of the island. They offer a guided safari tour in a South African-style, followed by the option to dine at their restaurant, which serves ostrich steaks and burgers. Beside ostriches, the farm is home to emus and pot-bellied pigs roaming freely. I pre-booked the safari online to secure a specific time slot. On the way there, you can also stop for a guided tour at the Aloe Vera Farm. Our hotel provides aloe-based shampoo, conditioner, and body lotions that the kids loved so much, and eventually led us to this farm.
Final Thoughts