Curaçao

Feel it for yourself...

HOSPITALITY

A warm hello to Curaçao, the largest of the ABC islands, which is a one-of-a-kind Caribbean destination that offers more than a typical getaway but an unforgettable experience. This island is truly better experienced than explained, with a unique blend of European and Caribbean flair, rich in heritage and culture that still shapes the island today.

Endearingly dubbed ‘Dushi Korsou’ (sweet Curaçao), the island caters to many corporate incentive travel groups each year and with the support the most established DMC in the Dutch Caribbean, Eco Destination Management Services.

HIGHLIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS

An off the beaten path experience… The historical capital, Willemstad and unique harbor of Curaçao, is one of only six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Caribbean. Featuring secluded beach coves with crystal clear blue waters, Curaçao is a great choice for your Incentive Experience in the Dutch Caribbean.

Every moment in Curaçao is a moment to indulge in over 35 stunning, secluded beaches, explore the unique flora and fauna or embark on a culinary journey influenced by the island’s distinct culture and history. A rich heritage that still shapes the island today, can be explored in its colonial buildings, plantation homes, forts and museums. Sprawl out on the beach, slip into the sea or unwind in a spa. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of vibrant color and energy.

CITIES

The lively capital, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage. St. Anna Bay divides the city in two parts with Punda in the East and Otrobanda to the West. The two are linked together by the Queen Emma Bridge, known to locals as “The Swinging Old Lady”. In the past, Willemstad was known as a trading port for products from the surrounding Spanish, French and British colonies.

Derived from “punta” in Spanish, Punda was established by the Dutch when they first occupied the Spanish-controlled island in 1634. The city soon began to grow and today Fort Amsterdam serves as the center of government. The basic layout of the area, with its grid of narrow streets, retains its original character. Handelskade, the familiar face of Willemstad, with its Dutch colonial architecture from the 17th and 18th century sports a uniquely Caribbean color scheme unlike anywhere else in the world.

Otrobanda means “the other side” and was first settled in 1707. In the 20th century, Otrobanda became an important cultural center for the emerging Afro-Caribbean middle class on the island. In contrast to Punda’s orderly grid, a maze of winding streets and alleyways give Otrobanda a more intimate feel.

Pietermaai was built at the beginning of the 18th century. Originally a residential neighborhood, the area was named after the Dutch captain Pieter de Meij who settled in Curaçao in 1674. Today’s Pietermaai is a trendy, bohemian neighborhood on the rise. Its lively art scene makes it popular with students, visitors and locals alike. Most of the monumental buildings have been restored into their original state and transformed into boutique hotels, and bars.

The Scharloo area was originally used for farming, then partly for shipbuilding. After a strong hurricane destroyed many of the villas in Pietermaai, inhabitants looked for a safer location and moved to Scharloo. Most of these buildings have been beautifully restored and are being used as museums, hotels, offices. Scharloo is slowly but steadily becoming the creative district of Curaçao.

Bandabou or Band’abou is popularly a region designation for the western part of the island of Curaçao, stretching from Grote Berg to Westpunt. The name literally means the bottom (=below the wind). Bandabou consists of a vast hilly area with a rugged and characteristic landscape. The north coast, where the sea constantly crashes against the rocks, is steep, rough and inaccessible. On the south coast are the coral reefs and a number of bays and beaches carved into the limestone coral. Sint-Christoffelberg , the highest point of Curaçao, is centrally located in Bandabou.