The Best Hotels, Restaurants & Things to Do in Curaçao

1. Get a day pass to the Avila Beach hotel to enjoy their two private beaches. Excellent for snorkeling, swimming or just floating around. Tip: order the bitterballen from the beach bar this Creole take on a Dutch fried meatball will blow your mind.

2. If world beats, lasers and dancing the night away is your style, check out Madero Beach Club's Wednesday night party.

3. Take a ride up to Grote Knip & Klein Knip, two gorgeous beaches with breathtaking overlooks and crystal clear waters. You will often see people cliff-jumping at Grote Knip.

4. Test your luck at one of the island's many casinos. My favorite is the Renaissance wind creek in Rif Fort village. Tip: The casino is a hot spot for cruise guests spending the night in port so there may be a wait for the roulette or blackjack tables.

5. Take in live music every night of the week in the center of Rif Fort Village. Tip: Come before dinner to peruse shops built into the arches of the fort creating a very unique shopping experience.

6. Listen to live salsa at Mundo Bizzaro (Thursdays) or Lions Dive Resort (Sundays) and dance the night away.

7. Explore Willemstad’s night life on Nieuwestraat. This main drag is lined with bars, restaurants and the hottest new nightclub on the island (Midtown now open).

8. Hike Mount Christoffel.

Get breakfast at Da Hereen at sea, next to the scuba lodge. Great healthy options and a breakfast tower that will satisfy anyone's needs.

Get a taste of home no matter where you’re from at The Pancake Sensation in Rif Fort village. Tip: If you're feeling adventurous get the shawarma pancake and eat it like a wrap… it’s out of this world.

Grab a coffee or a fresh Awa Limonchi (limeade) at Van Gogh Coffee.

Try the seafood prepared traditionally at Seaside Terrace. Tip: There is a little public beach behind this restaurant so you get to see a bit more of the local culture.

Eat world-class global cuisine at Mosa Caña. Tip: this posh eatery books up fast and only offers two seatings at 6:00 & 8:00pm so make sure you make your reservation well in advance of your trip.

Enjoy a romantic chef-inspired dinner in a converted 17th-century fort overlooking the entire island when you dine at Fort Nassau.

For those who enjoy a pub, stop by The Captain in Ortrobanda and order the captain's steak with chimichurri & herb butter.

Book a table at Kome if you want a gourmet fine dining experience that doesn’t skimp on the portions and is on par with any white tablecloth establishment in New York or LA.

For late-night eats don’t forget about Dutch Treat. Order a King size funchie fries and feel like you’ve been transported to Amsterdam in the Caribbean. Tip: King size is large, queen size is medium. There is no small. Funchie fries will have mayo, brown curry and fresh chopped white onions. It’s delicious.