Islands in the Caribbean are a dime a dozen, each with their own unique charm and allure. While travellers continue to flock to some of the more popular islands hidden gems like Curaçao are starting to creep onto bucket lists the world over.
If the name sounds familiar, it’s because the name has been shared across South Africa as the island that will serve as the picture-perfect island backdrop for the 9th season of the hit show Tropika Island of Treasure.
Soon, celebs Simphiwe Ngema, Kay Sibiya, Nadia Japhta, Siphesihle Vazi, Ntando Duma and Bouwer Bosch will be living their best lives in this tropical paradise for #TIOT9.
Get To Know The Island
If you’re feeling inspired you’ll be happy to know that no visa is required for those travelling to Curaçao on a South African passport.
Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean island, feels like a little piece of Europe on the edge of the Caribbean with glorious hidden beaches, amazing onshore snorkelling and diving, and a wild undeveloped windward coast.
Located 64 kilometres off the coast of Venezuela and 12 degrees north of the Equator, the 64km-long, 12km-wide island of Curaçao represents a lively amalgam of different cultures.
Part of the Lesser Antilles, also known as the ABC Islands — Aruba is to the west, Bonaire to the east — Curaçao was once a booming trade hub for merchants in the Dutch West India Company.
Must-See Spots
Today, travellers stroll along Willemstad’s Handelskade Street, lined with sherbet-coloured homes that resemble Amsterdam rowhouses, and stay in former Dutch colonial buildings now reimagined as luxurious beach resorts.
With over 35 palm-lined beaches, 65 dive sites to explore and friendly locals who represent over 55 cultures, Curaçao is quickly garnering appeal as one of the most progressive and pristine islands in the Caribbean.
Playa Knip, the island’s most famous beach, offers up crystal-clear waters and good amenities, while Playa Lagun is a more intimate and quirkier spot, with weathered rowboats strewn across its golden sand.
If you’re looking for a little more space to move around, head over to Porto Mari, a wide expanse of beach with breathtaking waters – sit on the pier for a jealousy-inducing photo opportunity or grab a cold Amstel Bright at the conveniently located beach bar.
Porto Mari is also a great stop for divers looks to explore the undersea treasures of Curaçao’s coast.
Want a beach experience with a dose of luxury? Head down to the man-made coast at Jan Thiel Bay and Papagayo Beach.
