Curacao - Travel Review by Kidzmusic.com

Kidz Eye View of Curaçao

“The Way of Curaçao”

by Elise Amour

Western Curacao Landhuis Knip Beach
Western Curaçao Landhuis Knip Beach

Curaçao: another island in a long chain of fabulously beautiful Caribbean islands. What's so special about this one? Once off the plane, the heavy flower-scented air wraps you in a blanket of tranquility — and you realize anything is possible.

Curaçao is an adventure waiting to happen. The Hato Caves are located near the airport. Inside, you'll find magical limestone formations, pools, a waterfall — and long-nose fruit bats.

The Shete Boka National Park is home to four species of sea turtles, and encompasses 10 inlets along the island's northern coast: great for rugged hiking, beach walks and ranger-guided turtle-nest watches.

Yours truly at the Curacao Ostrich and Game Farm
Yours truly (Elise Amour) at the Curaçao Ostrich and Game Farm

Underwater fun starts at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium. Open year-round, the facility uses field trips, lectures and hands-on diving and swimming experience to ensure a program for every skill level! My favorite part was a 3-D multimedia presentation, during which the audience wore the 3-D glasses and gasped in unison.

But my most, most, most favorite animal resource was the Curaçao Ostrich & Game Farm. Visiting this place was sort of like being on an African safari, complete with urban assault vehicle and palm-thatched huts. The most fun part was holding a baby ostrich (size of a small chicken). The whole family will enjoy seeing these wonderful animals up close.

Willemstad

In the picturesque city of Willemstad the brightly painted waterfront shops are charming and evocative of a gingerbread Amsterdam. Several art galleries feature local artists, including the Kas di Alma Blou Gallery and the Arawak Craft Factory.

Museum Kura Hulanda (African Museum)

History and art can be viewed simultaneously at the Museum Kura Hulanda, located at the city center. Exhibits cover early human evolution in Africa, the transatlantic slave trade, and contemporary African art. The museum has been lovingly constructed and organized. Another popular attraction is the Jewish Cultural Historical Museum, part of the Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest continuously operating congregation in the Western Hemisphere (since 1651).

As for the leisure part of my trip—that couldn't have been easier. My home base was the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort and Emerald Casino: palm trees, tropical plants, large verandas, swimming pools, a light breeze and the turquoise water of the Caribbean right at my feet. We had breakfast on the patio in the Palm Café, dinner in the Portofino restaurant, and snacks at the swim-up Seabreeze Bar and Grill.

For parents, who needed a few hours on their own, the Just Us Kids Club operates Wednesday through Sunday and packs in all sorts of indoor games and beach activities for kids ages 5 through 12. Check the Marriott's website for current information on room rates and kids' club activities, www.marriott.com.

The Curaçao experience can be as active as your family wants it to be. Try this: Close your eyes and imagine yourself floating on your back in the bluest water you can think of. Listen for the breeze rustling in the palms along the beach, as the water rocks you gently and the sun warms your face and eyelids. OK — you're halfway there.

For more information, visit www.curacao.com.

— Elise Amour

Elise Amour is a Trademark Paralegal by day, and a freelance writer for San Diego Parent magazine, short stories, and screenplays by night. In between, she is a mother to two daughters, ages 10 and 20. For more information contact her at eamour@hewn.com.

NOTE: The prices listed above were accurate as of posting; we suggest you call for current rates before your trip.

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