iowamom

Starting to do some research on Curacao for a possible spring break trip (last minute planning, like always).... we are two adults and a high school senior (last spring break trip before college) who enjoy walking/hiking, interesting sites/history (the oldest synagogue in the Americas is very intriguing!), good food, reasonable prices, etc.

So if you've been there, please tell me about Curacao... and would love some recommendations for VRBO type places to stay.

And how bad are the mosquitoes???

Odin

I've been to Curacao, don't recall any mosquitoes, it is a dry arid island. Stayed at the Marriott which was great, architecture is interesting in WIllemstad, some great beaches and snorkelling, food good, had a good time.Car rental is necessary to get around the island which is quite large

jacolis

Hi Iowamom,

Just responded to you on my original post. As noted by the poster above, great architecture in Willemstad. Great snorkelling too. The mosquitos were no worse than anywhere else we have been in the Caribbean or Mexico. We each had a few bites but we also forgot to spray (especially around sunset). We stayed in a lodge in the hills where it was really breezy so maybe that also helped. The weather is fantastic - it is hot but because it is dry it is humid and there are constant tradewinds. So you don't have the stifling humidity. You will have good hiking in Christoffel park.

I think there are many VRBO options. We stayed at Jan Kok Lodges near the flamingos! It may be a bit rustic for North American tastes but had everything we needed (two bedrooms, kitchen and airco in the bedrooms only). Our room was the iguana room and it was breezy in the living area. The hosts picked us up at the airport and had a rental car ready for our use. I heard good things about Blue Bay that has villas for rent.

Re: synagogue - definitely worth it to visit. We were supposed to go for Friday night services but one of our kids wasn't feeling well. Will just have to return!

iowamom

Thank you jacolis! We picked dates today - and your comments are a ringing endorsement for Curacao... now to plan!

jacolis

That's great!

This board does not seem very active - I found a lot of information on the tripadvisor forum for Curacao. See for example this thread about renting a condo:
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic...l-Curacao.html

Happy planning!

iowamom

Thanks! I have a Fodors Caribbean guidebook from 2008 when DH and I went to Saint Marten for our 10th wedding anniversary... so using that as a first pass but definitely need updated info!