Curaçao releases the latest happenings on island

April 26, 2016
by Juergen T Steinmetz
6 min read
curacaocao_0
curacaocao_0
Avatar of Juergen T Steinmetz
Written by Juergen T Steinmetz

The Southern Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao may only measure about 180 square miles, but the small bustling island has no shortage of newsworthy events, openings and happenings.

<

The Southern Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao may only measure about 180 square miles, but the small bustling island has no shortage of newsworthy events, openings and happenings. Here’s what is going on this quarter:

ISLAND NEWS

New E-Gates Ease Immigration Process in Curaçao

The Curaçao International Airport recently introduced six e-gates that allow travelers to pass through immigration in less than one minute. To take advantage of the e-gates, travelers must be 18 years or older and have an American, Canadian, or European passport with a chip. Six traditionally manned gates will continue to be available. To use the e-gates, travelers must fill out an Online Embarkations/Disembarkation (ED) Card 24 hours before arrival in Curaçao.

New Curaçao Island Pass Available in May

This May, local tour operator, AC Travel & Leisure, will debut a Curaçao Island Pass. With the exclusive pass, travelers will have easy access to the island’s top attractions and scenic locations right from the palm of their hand, as well as exclusive deals for excursions, stores, restaurants, museums and more. Travelers can purchase the pass online prior to landing in Curaçao and pick it up directly from their hotel or vacation residence.

DIVING NEWS

Ocean Encounters Building New Dive Center

Ocean Encounters, one of the island’s largest dive operators, is renovating their dive center at the Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino. The new dive center, slated for completion at the end of April, will also offer Scuba Schools International (SSI) dive certifications in addition to its current PADI offerings.


DINING NEWS

New Restaurant Opening in Pietermaai

Mosa Restaurant in the trendy Pietermaai district is expected to open its doors this month. The restaurant will serve internationally inspired tapas in what its chefs are calling an ‘introduction to bistronomy.’ The sharing-style dining experience is great for families, and the restaurant will offer outdoor seating. For more information, visit facebook.com/mosashareddining.

Cliffside Restaurant Opens in Westpunt

Situated on the cliffs of the island’s westside beach, Playa Forti, the Blue View Terrace & Bar recently opened, offering diners fresh island-inspired dishes and spectacular views of Curaçao’s turquoise blue waters. Open from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Blue View Sunset Terrace & Bar also serves up light salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, pasta and their signature Curaçao Sprizz. For more information, visit facebook.com/blueviewcuracao.

HOTEL NEWS

Hilton Curaçao Unveils Renovated Meeting Rooms and Recreation Areas

The Hilton Curaçao’s meeting rooms were recently renovated to feature a new interior design and upgraded audiovisual equipment. The resort offers more than 4,000 square feet of meeting space that can hold up to 450 guests, including an executive boardroom and six meeting rooms. Additionally, the resort updated its fitness equipment and reopened its recreation center for guests to enjoy ping-pong, pool and foosball.

Baoase Wins 2016 TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award

Baoase Luxury Resort Curaçao, the island’s only five-star Caribbean hotel, took home a 2016 Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Award. Ranked No. 6 among the top 25 ‘Luxury Hotels in the Caribbean,’ Baoase is an ultra-exclusive tropical retreat tucked away near downtown Willemstad. A popular celebrity vacation spot for stars like Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, Baoase features villa-style suites with private infinity pools, impeccable attention to detail, and unparalleled service.

City Suites Curaçao Now Offers Airport Transfers for Guests

City Suites Curaçao, a boutique hotel in Willemstad’s Punda neighborhood, now provides guests with exclusive, round-trip airport transfers. Travelers can visit the hotel’s website to arrange shared or private rides through Curaçao-Actief, a registered tour and transportation company. Rides range from $35 to $195 USD depending on the number of passengers.

ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas Partners with Ocean Encounters

Ocean Encounters and ACOYA Hotel Suites & Villas recently launched a new partnership for their hotel guests. Now travelers staying at the family-friendly property can enjoy day-long dive trips to the east side, Klein Curaçao, or Mushroom Forest, along with diving with dolphins and snorkeling offerings.

EVENTS

International Drag Fest, April 29 – 30, 2016

Celebrating its 45th year anniversary, the International Drag Fest will take place April 29 – 30, 2016 at the Curaçao International Raceway in Willemstad. During the festival, drivers from the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao will compete during ten different automobile classes and five motorcycle categories.

International BlueSeas Festival, May 6 – 7, 2016

Following the success of last’s year’s inaugural event, Curaçao is gearing up to host the second annual International BlueSeas Festival May 6-7, 2016. Seamlessly blending blues, soul, punk and rock music, this year’s lineup is sure to impress with acts by Daddy Long Legs, Lucky Peterson, Laurence Jones, Samantha Fish, Mr. Sipp “The Mississippi Blues Child,” and headliner Leon Russell, who’s performed alongside legendary B.B. King, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones. With six distinct concert venues in Curaçao’s trendy and up-and-coming Pietermaai District, the festival is a celebration of traditional and gentrified jazz music, and all concerts are free to the public.

XcapeFest, May 20 – 22, 2016

This annual island celebration showcasing the realms of music, comedy, fashion and social media, returns to Curaçao on May 20 – 22, 2016. The three-part event includes a Silent Disco Party, Comedy Show and Beach Bash. The party weekend kicks off with a silent disco pub crawl in Willemstad’s Punda neighborhood, followed by a pulsing after party on the iconic Queen Emma Floating Bridge. Highlights this year also include appearances by TV host, Nick Cannon and popular comedians, Anthony Anderson and Russell Peters. Guests can enjoy musical performances by popular EDM artist Walshy Fire from Major Lazer, Kardinal Offishal, and DJ Power.

Viva La Música Latina, June 3 – 4, 2016

The second edition of Viva La Música Latina will take place June 3 – 4, 2016 at the Sambil Mall. Last year’s performances included Jorge Celedón, Alberto Barros, Ola Tañón, Gilberto Santa Rosa, the Guaco Group Venezuela and more. This year, organizers have confirmed the performances of Elvis Crespo and Gente De Zona, a popular group that fuses Cuban and Reggaeton flavors.

Curaçao Yoga Week, June 3 – 4, 2016

Curaçao will launch its first-ever Curaçao Yoga Week, June 18-25, 2016. Ideal for yoga-enthusiasts wanting to salute the sun in one of the region’s most beautiful islands, the eight-day, seven-night power yoga itinerary includes everything from morning meditations, yoga classes for all experience levels, a “soul food” brunch, and a sailing adventure Klein Curaçao. Accommodations at Lions Dive and Beach Resort and transportation are included as part of the package. Rates begin at $1,190 USD, excluding airfare.

WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:

  • With the exclusive pass, travelers will have easy access to the island's top attractions and scenic locations right from the palm of their hand, as well as exclusive deals for excursions, stores, restaurants, museums and more.
  • To take advantage of the e-gates, travelers must be 18 years or older and have an American, Canadian, or European passport with a chip.
  • Travelers can purchase the pass online prior to landing in Curaçao and pick it up directly from their hotel or vacation residence.
PrintLinkedInTelegramWhatsAppVKMessengerSMSRedditFlipboardPinterestTumblrXingBufferHacker NewsLineMixPocketYummlyCopy

Curaçao releases the latest happenings on island

January 27, 2016
by Linda Hohnholz
6 min read

WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao – With temperatures cooling down across the North East and Canada, the Southern Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao is only just heating up this year with a myriad of events, isl

<

WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao – With temperatures cooling down across the North East and Canada, the Southern Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao is only just heating up this year with a myriad of events, island news, and offerings this quarter:

ISLAND NEWS

• New Airport Terminal Expansion Project

Curaçao Airport Partners has announced an extensive airport terminal expansion project to be completed in 2018. The planned airport expansion will offer added space in the waiting areas, as well as more shops, and food and beverage facilities. The project is slated to begin in the second quarter of this year.

• Canadian Arrivals Up 43%

According to the latest data, the Curaçao Tourist Board saw a significant influx in visitor arrivals from Canada last year, with a reported 43% increase for 2015, and an increase of 130% arrivals from Quebec. The new airlift from Toronto and Montreal with Air Canada and Air Transat (from Toronto) has contributed significantly to the increase in visitors from this region.

• Second Cruise Pier in Progress

The island recently announced plans to build a $43 million second cruise pier, the Tula Pier, to keep up with the cruise traffic demand to the area. Construction began in November on the new Tula Pier, which will be located in the Otrobanda area, west of St. Anna Bay.

• Chobolobo Factory to Celebrate 120th Anniversary

Combining the best of both the old and new, the famous Chobolobo Factory will celebrate its 120-year anniversary on March 28, 2016 with the release of a brand new liqueur flavor. In addition to the new liqueur flavor, the Chobolobo Factory has also debuted five new cocktail workshops including, Tiki Cocktails, Famous Classics, Party Favorites, Martini Heaven, and Chobolobo Specials to celebrate the anniversary.

• Curaçao Wins “Most Imaginative” Booth

Earlier this month, the Curaçao Tourist Board fascinated thousands of New Yorkers with a 360-degree virtual reality experience at the New York Times Travel Show, taking home the prize of “Most Imaginative” booth. The show is the largest trade and consumer travel event in North America and hosts 500 exhibitors from over 150 countries. The Curaçao booth featured a replica of the island’s iconic Queen Emma Bridge, as well as a virtual reality station where participants were able to get a 360-degree view of downtown Willemstad and enjoy a simulated experience of what it would feel like to actually walk over the Queen Emma Bridge.

HOTEL NEWS

• Scuba Lodge Debuts New Suites

One of the island’s boutique hotels, Scuba Lodge, recently unveiled three new one-bedroom suites, expanding to 22 rooms and nine apartments. The hotel now offers accommodations for every party, from single and double hotel rooms, to one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom luxury suites. In addition, the property features a Caribbean-inspired restaurant, a PADI diver center, and is conveniently located in one of Curaçao’s most lively and up-and-coming areas, Pietermaai Smal.

• Curaçao Marriott Renovates its Restaurant

The Curaçao Marriott has completed renovations to the property’s outdoor restaurant, the Palm Café. The restaurant now includes a new breakfast spread, complete with marble counter tops, LED ceiling lighting in color, and new tables and chairs. The Palm Café is open every morning for breakfast, on Mondays for a BBQ buffet, and for special occasions.

• Avila Under New Ownership

The oldest operating hotel on Curacao, the Avila Hotel, was recently sold to the Vogels family, who owns the well-known property Lions Dive & Beach Resort. With the new ownership, the property has undergone a complete rebranding with the new name “Avila Beach Hotel,” as well as an extensive beach upgrade and room renovation.

• Hilton Curaçao Unveils Renovated Dining and Recreation Areas

The Hilton Curaçao has recently completed renovations to its dining, recreation, and common areas. In an effort to continuously offer guests an upscale and unforgettable experience, the beachfront resort recently upgraded its beach bar, newly renamed as Celeste Beach Bar. Celeste Beach Bar has been redesigned to include an elegant wooden structure, styled with white furniture, and bright colored fabrics to reflect a Caribbean vibe. In addition to Celeste Beach Bar, the resort also recently completed renovations to its Bligh’s Bar, lobby space, entrance signage, and pool area.

• Kunuku Aqua Resort Debuts 90 New Rooms

Located on the island’s West side, Kunuku Aqua Resort recently added 90 rooms its property, expanding to 114 apartments and rooms. Just a short drive from the Hato Caves, this relaxing resort offers fun for the whole family with a built-in water park, which includes several swimming pools and three water slides.

EVENTS

• Curaçao’s Carnival, February 2016

Often considered one of the best events of the year, the main events of Curaçao’s Carnival will take place in mid-February. Consisting of a variety of parades and street festivals through the Banda Abou and Willemstad neighborhoods, Carnival celebrates the island’s heritage before the start of Lent. The festival features parades with beautifully decorated floats sponsored by a variety of carnival groups, neighborhood districts, and social clubs on the island, accompanied by costumed marchers and live music.

• Seú Harvest Festival Parade, April 2016

In April, more than 2,000 locals of all ages come together to celebrate the island’s harvest festival. Originally a festive march through the field, the seú is made up of graceful dance steps, called “wapa,” which mimic the movements used in planting and harvesting back in the 17th century. Today, the march is part of a large festival where locals dress up in traditional costumes and parade through the streets of Otrobanda and Banda Abou.

• International BlueSeas Festival, May 6 – 7, 2016

Following the success of last year’s event, the island will host its second annual International BlueSeas Festival on May 6 – 7, 2016. The festival will be a celebration of traditional and gentrified jazz music, and will feature a variety of international musicians, including Daddy Long Legs, Jimmie Vaughan, Laurence Jones, Leon Russell, and more. Last year’s performances included the legendary Original Blues Brothers, Buddy Guy, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and Moreland & Arbuckle.

WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:

  • The Curaçao booth featured a replica of the island's iconic Queen Emma Bridge, as well as a virtual reality station where participants were able to get a 360-degree view of downtown Willemstad and enjoy a simulated experience of what it would feel like to actually walk over the Queen Emma Bridge.
  • With the new ownership, the property has undergone a complete rebranding with the new name “Avila Beach Hotel,” as well as an extensive beach upgrade and room renovation.
  • According to the latest data, the Curaçao Tourist Board saw a significant influx in visitor arrivals from Canada last year, with a reported 43% increase for 2015, and an increase of 130% arrivals from Quebec.
PrintLinkedInTelegramWhatsAppVKMessengerSMSRedditFlipboardPinterestTumblrXingBufferHacker NewsLineMixPocketYummlyCopy

You may also like

About the author

Avatar of Juergen T Steinmetz

Juergen T Steinmetz

Juergen Thomas Steinmetz has continuously worked in the travel and tourism industry since he was a teenager in Germany (1977).
He founded eTurboNews in 1999 as the first online newsletter for the global travel tourism industry.

View all posts
Share to...
BufferCopyFlipboardHacker NewsLineLinkedInMessengerMixPinterestPocketPrintRedditSMSTelegramTumblrVKWhatsAppXing