Curator’s statement
Ever heard of the real Kokomo beach? It's not in Aruba as The Beach Boys suggest, but nestled on the shores of Curaçao, one of the lesser-known gems of the southern Caribbean Sea, alongside its neighbors Aruba and Bonaire. On our first day, we ventured into the heart of Willemstad to place a love lock on Punta Hearts. Little did I realize then that Curaçao was about to become an unforgettable chapter in our love story. It's where my now-fiancé proposed, marking the beginning of our “forever honeymoons“ together.
The Fora Difference
Book with Emylee to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Curaçao
Unlock perks by contacting Emylee to book your trip.
Things to do in Curaçao
Mambo Beach Blvd - Mambo beach exudes trendy vibes, with its pristine white sands and many options of food, entertainment and shopping choices. Shielded by a seemingly man-made rock barrier, its waters were tranquil, perfect for a leisurely dip. We enjoyed mojitos by the water’s edge before wandering into the nearby shops and treating ourselves to sushi with a view overlooking the beach!
Klein Curaçao - Klein Curaçao promises a full-day escapade, accessible only via a catamaran or private transport. We opted for a tour group complete with an open bar to truly embrace the pirate spirit. The island offers many treasures to explore — a historic lighthouse, a shipwreck and pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters. With minimal shade, essentials like hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. The crew prepared a BBQ feast, including local dishes before we set sail back to the main island.
Kokomo Beach - Kokomo Beach was a must-visit even before we landed, thanks to its legendary reputation! This hotspot boasts a vibrant beach bar and a full-service restaurant, treating visitors to live music and even full moon raves! Its rocky coastline offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities, while a pier leads to sandy shores for endless underwater exploration. A floating dock in the turquoise waters adds to the adventure, but watch out for the friendly iguanas roaming the beach— they're not so great at respecting your personal space. Needless to say, its reputation did not let us down!
Grote Knip — Picture-perfect clear blue waters stretched as far as the eye could see, at this playa. It was inviting us to swim endlessly and felt like we could float for miles and still see the seabed below. Our adventurous side kicked in as we leaped off nearby cliffs, giving us a micro-dose of adrenaline. While beachside dining options were limited, we discovered charming local restaurants nearby. We opted for one with a stunning view of a popular cliff diving spot, adding to the allure of our beach day.
Playa Piskado — We ventured off the beaten path, which led us to this hidden gem, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. But oh, was it worth it! This beach had its own special charm, picture-perfect fishing boats dotted the waters. But, a closer underwater inspection would reveal a chill gathering spot for the island's coolest resident: the sea turtles! And trust me, swim goggles are a must in these waters!
Blue Bay Beach — This bay is the epitome of luxury, nestled within a resort enclave boasting a restaurant and chic beach bar. When we arrived, a local reggae band kicked off their set, setting the vibe for a fantastic evening! We enjoyed some great drinks, live music and sunset views that felt straight out of a dream! Of course, we had to return the next day for round two at brunch — it was just too good to resist!
Places to eat & drink in Curaçao
Willemstad - Willemstad is renowned for its enchanting old town center, where pastel-colored colonial buildings provide a picture-perfect backdrop. Take a leisurely stroll across the floating Queen Emma Bridge for stunning views over Sint Anna Bay. Between beach hopping, enjoy exploring the city’s vibrant shopping areas, lively markets and cozy cafes.
Landhuis Chobolobo - Landhuis Chobolobo is the birthplace of the iconic Blue Curaçao, a vibrant liqueur that mirrors the stunning turquoise waters surrounding the island. This historic distillery offers immersive tours where you can learn the fascinating process of crafting this sweet citrus drink. As you explore, you'll get to sip on samples of the delightful liqueur. We opted for the interactive tour, which let us step behind the bar and mix our own craft cocktails using the world-famous Blue Curaçao. It was an unforgettable experience, blending history, hands-on fun and delicious drinks!
Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.
Travel Advisor
Emylee Mueller
Get in touch with Emylee
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Emylee within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Curaçao. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Heather Budd's guide, The Best of Curaçao - Where to Stay, Dine and Play!.