Holiday home during COVID-19 – Villa Sea Paradise Curaçao is ready for rent!
Renting a holiday home during COVID-19 period is a safer way to spend your vacation with your family compared to booking of an hotel. In your holiday home you will stay together as a family that is much safer for you on vacation.
There are quite a few advantages to having a holiday in a holiday home during COVID-19 than in an hotel.
Why is Holiday home during COVID-19 better? You and your family are on vacation in one location for 7 days or more without the interaction with other guests of the same hotel accommodation. That makes you feel more secure because the virus transfer is kept to a minimum. You have the entire holiday home with swimming pool, beach, sea and garden at your own disposal (Villa Sea Paradise Curacao).
Why book Villa Sea Paradise Curacao? Apart from being ready as holiday home during COVID-19, at Villa Sea Paradise Curacao you also have the advantage that the villa on curacao is on the coastal strip and that there is a strong Northeast trade wind blowing gently. As a result, the aerosols with the relevant Corona virus (if any) cannot remain in the air for a long time. The humidity in Curaçao is also high and with the warm weather the Corona virus does not have much chance of surviving outdoors.
Hygiene measures in Curacao Of course, it is always important to observe the hygiene measures within the holiday home during COVID-19 as when you go out for an activity. With your family on vacation you must be extra cautious. In Curaçao, the Corona measures are just like in the Netherlands and elsewhere RIVM. Such as washing hands with soap for 20 seconds, sneezing / coughing in your elbow, no shaking hands, using handkerchief paper once and immediately throwing it away, using face mask when too many people present and of course keep your distance. The social distancing on Curaçao is 2 meters (7 feet) compared to the Netherlands (6 feet).
Measures taken within the holiday home during COVID-19 What are we doing at Villa Sea Paradise Curaçao holiday home during COVID-19 to put your health first? If you book your holiday at Villa Sea Paradise Curaçao, you can count on the following:
Contactless check in, you will receive your code to open the front door by mail. We limit contact with our guests as much as possible. Your safety and that of our employees is our prerogative!
At the front door is a hand sanitizer that everyone should use before entering the villa.
We will call you on the home phone upon arrival. If you have any questions, you can app, email or call us.
Intermediate cleaning is carried out for a stay of 7 nights or more. When cleaning the guest is not required to be in the villa.
Each water tap has a soap pump to wash hands.
In the villa guests receive cleaning products.
Tissues are placed in each bedroom and sitting room.
Air-conditioning filters are cleaned after every guest visit.
Telephone, remote controls, doorknobs, switches, railings and taps are disinfected after every guest visit (extra attention).
The holiday home during COVID-19 is ventilated for at least 6 hours after a guest visit, before the new guest is allowed in.
Our cleaning workers working inside the holiday home during COVID-19 wear face masks for cleaning.
At check-out, the maid comes after you left to clean the villa.
Own responsibility What can you do to put your health first during your vacation inyour holiday home during COVID-19?
Wash your hands regularly before leaving the airport of the country of departure.
Wear a face mask at the airport of departure and on the plane.
Take in your handbag a hand sanitizer (50ml) of at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands regularly and to clean toilet seats in public areas before use.
Wash your hand regularly or sanitize your hand every time you leave the villa and upon entering the villa.
Avoid busy places.
Keep 2 meters away (7 feet) in public places and do not stay near unknown people for too long.
Avoid indoor activities and prefer to participate in outdoor activities.
Go to those restaurants where you can eat outdoors.
Avoid big events.
Bring your face masks for when you are in public areas.
Feel sick? Such as: runny nose, cough, sneezing, fever, headache, limb pain stay at home and call a doctor. The doctor comes to you. The data can be found in our information folder in the villa (See TV drawer in the livingroom).
Bring details of your travel insurance (is a must) and your health screening form along. Curaçao has excellent medical care.
Health care prior to departure to Curacao Of course, we assume that when you go on vacation in a holiday home during COVID-19 you are in good health. To maintain your health, eat a healthy diet and exercise a lot and, if necessary, take vitamins. The vitamins that can boost your immune system are vitamin D3, vitamin C, Zinc and Quercetin see (Zelfzorgcovid19.nl) Always contact your doctor to see if you really need vitamins.
When will Curacao reopen?
Curaçao is open for international traffic to all international travellers and yes that includes travellers from United States, Canada, Europe and the rest of the world, who complies with the island’s entry protocols.
So what does that mean for travellers?
Tourists who come to Curacao have to have a:
1) Digitally filled out Passenger Locator Card (PLC) 48 hours before departure, make an apointment to do an Antigen test 3rd day after arrival and carry a printed proof along. (After the PLC process the link for the antigen test labs will be send to you by email). 2) Digital immigration card, that can be found here 3) Travel insurance 4) Negative PCR test result (nasal, no gargle) within 72 hours before departure by an accredited laboratory and carry this printed result as proof. Children, six years and younger without symptoms, whose parents both have proof of a negative test, do not need to take a PCR test nor require a Passenger Locator Card (PLC) nor an Antigen test. 5) Adequately insured for medical care. If a tourist arrives and contracts Covid-19 infection, it is good to realize that all medical costs are charged to that tourist.
For further information please visit the site of the Government of Curacao.
What about returning back home, are there requirements imposed by different governments? The Netherlands: for those heading back to the Netherlands no PCR nor self quarantine of 10 days are required for the moment. See government.nl
Other countries such as USA and Canada impose only that you get tested 3-5 days after travel and stay at home 7 days (See also CDC- instructions) or for Canadians heading back home from Curacao they provide info via ArriveCAN where you can inquire mandatory travel information.
Who are the Dutch people and how did the Netherlands become a rich country?
Who are the Dutch people, is a question that is being asked a lot and people also asked why are they so wealthy.
We come from the Caribbean Island of Curacao, a colony of the Netherlands. We were born and raised there and moved to the Netherlands to study, since we did not have a university back then on our island. Because the official language and the education in the colonies is in the Dutch language, the easiest way to continue with your academic education is the move to the motherland the Netherlands for further education given in the Dutch language. We hope with the following explanation we can give an answer to both questions especially who are the Dutch people.
Facsinating history The story of the Dutch People and the kingdom of the Netherlands is a fascinating one.It started to take off during the 80 years’ war which was fought against Spanish king Philippe II, son of emperor Charles V, who inherited the low lands and Belgium from his father. They are referred to in the history as Spanish Netherlands. The Dutch People wanted their independence and fought for it from 1568 to 1648 under the leadership of the Prince William I of Orange-Nassau and his sons and family after him.
During that time, the Dutch People who were also good ship builders and navigators, started to ambush and confiscate several Spaniards’ silver and gold laden vessels on their way from Mexico mines to Spain. They use this treasure to finance the war.
The Dutchmen became brave sea folk and were feared by Spaniards, Portuguese, French and the British. It is called the Golden Age. The most famous Dutch naval commander and admiral was Michiel De Ruyter, who won all his naval battles fought between the Dutch at one side and England at the other side during the Anglo-Dutch naval wars (1664-1667). He was respected and feared by his enemies because of his tremendous insights and strategies during naval battles. He even invaded England once in 1667 entering the Thames and Chatham river near London breaking chains placed at Medway over the river. There they looted British magazines and Hijacked the gilded flag ship Royal Charles, a three decked 100 guns and took it to Holland. He also destroyed 4 of the finest battled ships: the Loyal London (90 guns), the Royal Oak (76 guns), the James (82 guns) and the Charles V. With this valiantt action De Ruyter clearly established his name and gave a warning to London, in a way saying: don’t mess with us.
This was a very humiliating episode for the British and left an irreparable blow to their prestige. All because the Britain raided the Dutch Island of Schelling and when the Dutch People wanted peace, the British imposed too high demands to end the war and did not wanted to sign the peace treaty at Breda unless agreed with all their exorbitant terms. This in a way, left the Dutch People with no other way out than to retaliate and inflict such a damage upon the enemy, that they would gladly sign the peace treaty of Breda. The treaty was signed in less than two months later.
As one historian put it: Had De Ruyter pushed through by taking London, that would have been the greatest naval success of all time, such that it probably would have changed the entire course of history with the Dutch Empire becoming the greatest the world had ever known! For more information about this fascinating invasion story see link below.(http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Journals/Military_Affairs/13/4/The_Dutch_invasion_of_England_in_1667*.html)
Also, on land the Dutch People were feared, Prince William III of Orange, before becoming king of England, won several war battles from 1672 to 1678 against the famous Catholic king Louis XIV of France (Roi Soleil/ Sun King). He battled against armies that were sometimes five times the size of his own.
He also defeated in 1690 in the battle at the river Boyne in Nord Ireland, his own uncle and father in law, former King James II, who was allied by the French King and nephew Louis XIV. King James II was not happy being deposed and wanted to do a comeback to the throne. William III was a protestant, son of Mary Stuart I, the eldest daughter of King Charles I. So, he was actually the grandson of King Charles I and nephew to King James II and also great cousin to Louis XIV. They were family! William III spoke six languages: English, Dutch, French, German, Spanish and Latin. He became King “Billy” in 1688 and sat on the throne with his wife and cousin Queen Maria Stuart II, who succeeded her deposed Catholic father James II, during the so-called Glorious Revolution. This Revolution was as a matter of fact also in a way an invasion of the Dutch by the army of William III, but this time around the Dutch were welcomed with open arms. The British wanted the protestant couple William and Mary to take over the vacant throne of their Catholic uncle and father James II.
Sir Winston Churchill paraphrased the following of King William III: “His sole purpose for living was to break the hegemony and dominant power of France.” He kept winning battles against Louis XIV except that of Neerwinden in Belgium, however it costed Louis XIV that many soldiers’ lives that he was forced to sign a peace treaty of Rijswijk in which he had to recognized William III as legitim King of England, Scotland and Ireland.
Because of all his victories over France the stage was set to yield Great Britain free passage to become a worldwide empire. William III died without children to succeed him, again the Dutchman felt short of taken over a world empire.
Old Dutch canon on Curacao witness of the glorious colonial era of Rif Fortress.
Nevertheless, the Dutch People possessed many colonies for a while: South Africa, several trading posts in West Africa, Indonesia, Ceylon, Formosa (Taiwan), Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, New Amsterdam (New York), Suriname, Tobago and Caribbean Dutch Antilles: Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Sint Martin, Saba and Sint Eustatius. The Dutch People were also the only foreign power that had a trading post and were allowed to do business with Japan on the Japanese island of Dejima (1641-1854) in the Nagasaki bay.
They also were the ones to have world’s first multinational company ever called East Indies Company.
The Kingdom
The Dutch People were back then a republic and became a Royal Kingdom in 1806 during King Louis Napoleon’s reign and his wife Queen Hortense. King Louis was the brother of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The Netherlands was later added to France after King Louis abdicated and became again a kingdom after the Waterloo defeat of Emperor Napoleon in 1814 and remained a kingdom until now. King William I, a Prince of Orange-Nassau started the dynasty and reigned as king Over the Netherland, Belgium and Luxembourg from 1815 to 1840. In 1830 Belgium separated from the Kingdom and became a separate kingdom under King Leopold. After William I his son William II reigned from 1840 to 1949 and after his early death William III his son reigned from 1849 to 1890, followed up by four queens: his wife Emma (regent for daughter Wilhelmina), Wilhelmina from 1890 to 1948, Juliana from1948 to 1980 and Beatrix n from 1980 to 2013. It was time for the return of a King: the son of Beatrix, King William Alexander is now swaying the scepter since 2013 together with his wife Queen Maxima.
Comparing the histories and behaviors we can see clearly huge differences between the mentality of our small population on Curacao in the Caribbean and the Dutchmen on the mainland of The Netherlands in Europe. The Dutchmen work hard and save every penny. They are not big spenders. So now one can better understand the expression “going Dutch.” They do not like to show off with their wealth. They save money for their children and they on their turn for theirs, thus accumulating and passing on wealth to the next generation.
Dutch mentality
Apart from that they are people who are very eager to learn and are very innovative. Education and developing oneself is an important and leading sentiment and pillar in the society. They have some of the oldest universities in the world such as that of Leiden and Delft. If you want to pursue a carrier, there are always plenty of opportunities or scholarships one can apply for. Education in comparison to most nations in the West is not expensive.
The Dutch People were very innovative in arts and sciences. Have a look at their famous painters such as: Frans Hals, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jan Lievens. Later Painters are: Mondrian, M.C. Escher.
Or contemplate their architecture: The Dutch People have their own typical architecture, especially the façade which they exported everywhere they went: South Africa (Cape Dutch Architecture), Curacao (Willemstad Handelskade: Unesco Heritage), Suriname (Paramaribo), Indonesia.
They were also good in Cartography: Ortelius Dutch/Flemish creator of world’s first modern Atlas in 1570 (Theatrum Orbis Terrarum) is an example.
Other discoveries, Inventions and innovations by the Dutch People are:
Microscope by Anthony van Leeuwenhoek (1674)
Thermostat by Cornelius Drebbel (1620)
Electro cardiograph : Willem Enthoven (1924)
Discovery of Vitamins: Christiaan Eijkman (1929)
Submarine Snorkel: J.J.Wichers (1939)
Optical phase contract Microscope by Frits Zernike: Nobel Prize 1953
Blood bank and artificial heart: Dr Willen Johan Kolff (1943, 1957)
Metronome original idea of Ditriech Nikolaus Winkel but Johann Maelzel took his idea and popularized it.
Multi Media inventions:
Compact Cassettes (1962 by Philips),
Compact Disk (1979 by Philips: Joop Sinjou and Sony: Toshitada Doi)
DVD 1996 and Blu-ray 2006 also by Philips and Sony
Eprom 1971: Erasable programable read only Memory by Amsterdam born Israeli Dov Frohman
Bluetooth 1990s by Dutch engineer: Jaap Heertsen and Swedish engineer: Sven Mattisson both working for Ericsson in Sweden.
Computer Science and programming: Edsger Dijkstra ‘s algorithm, was considered as one of the most popular and widely used and opening paths for what later came known as structural programming (1970).
Python a general-purpose high-level scripting and programming language by Guido van Rossum.
Food and beverages
The modern chocolate, as we know it today, was a joint concept of the van Houten family. Coenraad van Houten added Alkaline salts to Cacao removing its bitterness. Casparus van Houten patented a method of pressing the fat out of the roasted cacao beans and furthermore they made chocolate cheaper by the production of cacao powder. So, the era of Chocolate consumption was started.
Gin (Jenever 1650) also presumably originated from the Netherlands. It is a spirit made of juniper berries. It became widely popular during the reign of William III of Orange as king on the British throne, who took it to Britain. The Dutch physician Fransiscus Sylvius is often credited with the invention of gin although there are some doubts about it.
The Dutch People have also produced 20 Nobel Prize winners such as:
Jacobus Hendricus van ‘t Hof (1901: Chemistry and Physics laws in solutions),
Pieter Zeeman (1902, Discovery of the Zeeman effect),
Professor Hendrik Lorentz (1902, Mathematically explaining the Zeeman effect)
Johannes D. Van der Waal (1910, Physics intermolecular forces and equations)
Heike Kamerlingh Onnes (Phycisist 1913: Superconductivity and material behavior around absolute zero degrees)
Tobias Asser (1911: Peace and international Laws)
Willem Enthoven (1924: Invention Electro Cardiogram)
Christiaan Eijkman (1929: Discovery of Vitamins)
Peter Debye (1936, Chemistry molecular structure)
Frits Zernike (1953, Physics: invention of the phase contrast microscope)
Jan Tinbergen (1969, Economics: dynamic models)
Nikolaas Tinbergen (1973, Physiology/ Biology behaviors in animals)
Tjaling Koopmans, (1975, economics studies of optimum allocation of resources)
Nicolaas Bloembergen (1981, Laser spectroscopy)
Simon van der Meer (1984, Physics discovery of the W and Z particles)
Paul J. Crutzer (1995, Ozone layer studies)
Martinus Veltman (1999, Physics in particle quantum Theory)
Gerard ‘t Hooft (Quantum Physics: 1999)
Andre Geim (2010, Physics of isolating single atomic layers of Graphene/graphite)
Ben Feringa (2016, Chemistry Nano technology in designing molecular machines)
Most famous was Professor Hendrik Lorentz for Physics who was visited by Albert Einstein in Leiden to exchange ideas regarding transformation equations relative to forces and relativity theories.
Music
Also, in modern Music the Dutch D J’s excel: Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, Afrojack, Martin Garrix, Hardwell. All of them were once selected as the best of the world.
Sports
Football or Socceris the most popular sport in the Netherlands. They became 3 times second best of the world. Best known players are: Johan Cruyff, Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Patrick Kluivert, Dennis Bergkamp, Arjen Robben, Wesley Snijder and Robin van Persie.
Field hockeyboth male and female teams are the most successful teams of the world wining the world cup and Olympic medal several times.
Volleybal, They compete with world’s best teams
Iceskating, Several times world champions
Kickboxing:Rico Verhoeven is currently the champion of the world.
Tennishas produced the Dutch Wimbledon champion: Richard Krajicek (1977) and Betty Stöve second best (1969). Also the Double players Jaco Elthing/ Paul Haarhuis who won several Grand Slams.
Baseball is also a team sport they are good at participating with the best of the world. Dutch pitcher Kenny Jansen won the world series with the La Dodgers in 2020 .
Also, with swimming Dutch men and women have produced several Olympic gold medals: Pieter van den Hoogenband, Ranomi Kromowidjojo, Inge de Bruijn: 4 times Olympic champion.
Cycling several Prizes and Olympic medals were achieved: Marianne Vos, Leontine van Moorsel, Joop Zoetermelk and Jan Janssen (Tour de France), Tom DuMoulin (Giro d’ Italia)
Dutchmen are moreover historically and traditionally explorers and traders and know that the Netherlands are not their universe nor the end of the universe. They always spread their horizons and go out and did business abroad back then and still do. They quickly concluded that you need to collaborate and share knowledge, if you want to grow and mean something in the community and in the world.
Important role in Europe
The Netherlands are important to Europe! Amsterdam and Rotterdam are important import and export sea havens and ports of Europe. The Dutchmen also have great multinationals like Phillips, AKZO, Shell and Unilever. They export besides cheese and flowers also: Machines equipment, spare parts, Natural gas, Floriculture, High-quality plastics, Metal products, meat, Dairy, Baby milk powder, vegetables and potatoes and Petroleum products. They are especially famous for their flower cultivation and flower gardens such as the beautiful garden of Keukenhof, which is one of the main attractions for tourist all over the world.
Battle against the sea
They are of course unique in gaining land from the sea: The name Netherlands itself (which means low lands or below sea level lands) indicates that a whole lot of the land is under the sea level (approximately 50%) and would be inundated were there no dykes be built through the years to keep the sea on a distance. The Dutch are also the ones who created Palm islands in Dubai (Jumeirah, Deira and Jebel Ali). These are artificial islands in the form of a Palm tree gained from the sea and built with Dutch engineering and dredging technology (van Oord company). And last but not least, they are very social and look after others who do not so well. It’s all in the mentality of the Dutchmen.
Other talents
The Netherlands of all the countries in Europe is one of the few where languages as English and German are understood and being spoken. The reason for this is because they don’t do voice over. They prefer to have Dutch subtitles. In a way this helps the Dutch People to better understand and learn a foreign language.
One other thing the Dutch People are known for, is their liberalism. They are among the first who allowed soft drugs to be sold legally. The shop where these drugs such as weed, marihuana or hashish are sold is called in the Dutch language: Koffieshop. Therefore, if you just want to buy a cup of coffee, do not enter a koffieshop, the smoke of Soft Drugs hanging there will deprive you from enjoy the cup of coffee if you are not aware and are not a drug user. Other liberalism ideas are legalization of: Abortion, Euthanasia, Same sex marriage and Prostitution (considered as a tax paid legal business). All these activities are not appreciated by the religious groups in the Dutch Bible belt.
As a member of the European Union the Dutch people next to Germany have the strongest economy and are financially stable with only a population of 17 million. During the Corona COVID-19 Crisis they came up with a smart lock down strategy. This lockdown was different and smart in the sense that there was no need for a curfew. They allowed people to do shopping and certain other activities as long as the social distancing and other imposed restrictions as, refraining from handshakes, washing hands, cough in your elbow, were respected. They did cancel all mega events such as Football, The Formula 1 at Zandvoort with Max Verstappen the Dutch famous driver as candidate to win; The Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam of which they were the organizers after winning in 2019 with the song: Arcade by Duncan Laurence. Also, in the medical field they are collaborating and fighting hard to find a vaccine against COVID-19 through their in Leiden based company Jansens Vaccines, bought by the American company Johnson & Johnson.
All of these items contributed to the Dutch wealth and prosperity. A small country of only 17 Million inhabitants but with a huge colorful history.
Ever been to Holland? Put it on your bucket list! it’s a fascinating country to visit. There are plenty of culture and things to see there. Is Holland too far for you to travel to? And or you prefer sandy beaches and a nice tropical weather? Visit then instead Curacao, which is also known as Holland in the Caribbean!
Should you look for a nice place to stay on Curacao? Look no further. We recommend our Oceanfront Beach house villa with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, located on the sea shore with a sea terrace hovering above the sea. It has a ladder and its own unique access to the Caribbean Sea. So, you will have your own private access to the sea and snorkel in a coral rich area in front of your house. It also has a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi and is situated in a beach resort Bocagentil near Beachclubs with sandy beaches of Jan Thiel bay.
What are the most important things you need to KNOW about the history of Caribbean & Curacao?
Some of the most important things you need to know about the history of Caribbean is that it consists of 31 different islands and the three Guyana’s (the French, Dutch-Surinam and English speaking). These three Guyana’s countries do not pertain to the Caribbean but historical, cultural, linguistic and socio-economic they fit well among the Caribbean region. Furthermore, also territories of neighboring countries bordering the Caribbean Sea and islands of the countries located in the Caribbean Sea belong less or more to the Caribbean.
Origin of the Caribbean Name
The Caribbean name is derived from the Indian tribe called the Caribs. They were more ferocious than the Arowak Indians and were cannibals. They ate the Arawak men and married their wives. They formed the original inhabitants of the smaller Caribbean Islands up North.
The French, English, Spanish and Dutch colonized all these Caribbean Islands. The inhabitants of these islands all have a colonial past. There are even two islands, which consist of two parts: Hispaniola consisting of French speaking Haiti and Spanish speaking Dominican Republic and the island of St. Martin. St. Martin is divided in the Dutch and French sides.
Caribbean slaves
There was a significant trade in people on the Caribbean Islands, who were used as slaves, first the Indians but later especially the African black race. They were stronger than the Indians and could withstand heavy labor. These slaves worked on the rice, sugar, tobacco, salt, cotton and corn plantations. Only if you fall into the taste of the white boss, you may work indoors or near the mansion, which means less heavy workload. Indians who were not capable for the hard work, were put on other islands, to herd goats.
The slaves were considered as a property of their boss. The women often served as maîtres of their white boss. These black women must always be available for their boss. There is a theory that claims as the reason why so many black men have concubines (no marriage attachment) finds their origin in this. That’s why there are so many single black mothers. The black men were not accustomed to bind to a woman because they have to share her anyway with the boss(es).
Caribbean Languages
About 70% of the Caribbean Islands speak Spanish. In the Caribbean they mainly speak four languages: Spanish, English, French and Dutch. The population is a mix of Europeans, Africans, Indian. Some islands like Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire have developed their own creole language (Papiamento), which is based on Spanish and Portuguese mixed with English and Dutch.
In Surinam they speak a Creole English which is called: Sranan Tongo and sometimes Taki Taki.
Caribbean Religion
The population is very religious; the majority of the populationof the Caribbean is Catholic. The locals in the Caribbean are also very superstitious especially in Haiti (Voodoo), some Spanish speaking islands (Santeria), Curacao (Brua) and Surinam (Winti) .
Origin of the Caribbean Music
Music and dance at the time was their means of communication and therapy to forget their sorrow on the plantation. Nowadays we see their fruits in the Salsa, Bachata, Meringue, Reggae, Kadans, Zouk and Calypso dance and song.
The Caribbean islands are also called Antilles and are divided in Greater and Lesser Antilles. Greater Antilles are: Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico. The rest of the islands are the lesser Antilles.
Caribbean hurricane Season & path
You need to know something about the Hurricane season of the Caribbean also before traveling to the Caribbean.
The Hurricane Season, which begins June 1 and ends November 30 could generate strong and devastating winds called Hurricanes.
Caribbean Hurricane Paths
The path these Hurricanes take is almost the same: Starting often in the Atlantic Ocean outside the Caribbean Archipelago they travel towards the USA passing first over northern Islands of the Lesser Antilles (from St Lucia up North) towards Greater Antilles passing Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Cuba, Bahamas towards the Golf of Mexico and Florida.
During the early season(June-July), hurricane activity is typically quiet and what systems do form tend to occur in a fairly restricted area over the Gulf of Mexico or westernmost Atlantic Ocean.
During the August-September timeframe, decreased wind shear and increased water temperatures allow for more hurricanes to form anywhere throughout the North Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico.
October can see substantial amount of hurricane activity, though they typically form in the western Caribbean or western Atlantic and tend to have tracks that often move quickly off toward the northeast.
There is always risk, especially during the peak period from late August to mid-October but if you’re eager to relax on a beach without worrying that your vacation could be ruined by a tropical storm-turned-hurricane moving toward your Caribbean paradise of choice, here are some islands that are historically hurricane-free or have a low risk of a direct hit.
Caribbean Hurricane belt
Not in the hurricane belt are: Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao (ABC), Providencia Island, San Andrés, and the islands off Venezuela.
Of the ABC Islands the “C” stands for Curacao and has not generally been in the path of major hurricanes. The last one close was Tomas in 2010 which was weakened to tropical storm status as it approached this Dutch island. It stalled and caused heavy flooding. A few years before that, Felix (2007) passed to the north and drenched Curacao and Omar (2008) formed nearby, also dumped heavy rain. But since a direct hit is rare, this island remains a good option if you want to experience the historic ambience of Willemstad, secluded beaches and vivid blue water.
Are you planning to go on vacation in the Caribbean but are confused about choosing a suitable destination?
If you like sun, sea, culture, entertainment and architecture, then is Curacao a nice place to be. On the diving area there is a lot to explore. Are also you looking for nightlife and casinos then you should not miss it.
Curacao is versatile. You don’t get bored.. It is a mixture of Dutch, American and Latin American culture. There is never a dull moment there!
Curacao’s weather is warm and dry, your vacation does not get spoiled with any rainy day’s. The island is as you can read above off the Huricane Belt. You can travel in any season you like.
We also recommend our oceanfront shore villa with sea terrace and a ladder to the Caribbean Sea. So you will have your own private access to the sea and snorkel in a coral rich area in front of your house. The villa is for 8 people and has 3 bathrooms.
The single most frequent recommendation you probably get when asking about restaurants, fun nightlife and place to go in Curacao is probably Mambo Boulevard strip Curacao. This is a strip that combines hotels, shopping, dining, nice beaches and night life.
Mambo Boulevard strip or Mambo BLVD consists of a lower or beach level and an upper level connecting different beach resort area to each other by a common 2 levels board walk. The connected beach clubs and Hotels are Sea Aquarium, Lions Dive, Madero Ocean Club, Wet & Wild, Bonita, Rilèks, Kontiki Beach resort, Cabana Beach. All have their own beach activities, shopping boutiques, chairs, umbrellas and sunbed rentals and night life.
There are more than 50 shops at the strip offering all you need: Beauty & Health, Fashion, Jewelry, Rentals, Souvenirs and Giftshop, Tours & Excursions and of course lots of food & beverages shops.
Source: Mamboboulevard.comSource: Mambo Boulevard.co
Location The location of Mambo strip in Curacao is adjacent to Sea Aquarium. To get there from Villa Sea Paradise you just take the Caracasbaai road to Willemstad and just after passing Luna Park turn left in Schubappelweg. Follow this street passing Vreugdenhil Supermarket at your left and at the T-Junction turn right into the street named: Amandelweg. Follow straight until a big intersection with in front of you painted Baracudas on the wall. There turn left into Koraalspechtweg and then go straight until the end of the road. There with Sunscape hotel in front, turn left again into Bapor Kibra street and follow the signs to Mambo Boulevard Curacao at your righthand side. They have plenty of free parking.
Beaches This beach area is a place where I once came for a swim when I was young.
Mambo Boulevard Beach VillaSeaParadiseCuracao.com
We called it “Bapor Kibra” which means “Broken Ship.” A ship sunk and was broken in two or more parts and brought to shore by the waves where it remained for years. The sea water there was very clear. I remember while snorkeling in 1966 I saw something was blinking in the sand and it was a golden ring, which someone probably lost some time before. I don’t remember what happened to it. This area is now developed and by placing wave breakers, calm sea water is achieved along a 160 m long sandy beach as we have today.
Restaurants One of our favorite restaurants located on the upper level is the Green House Restaurant. Every Monday and Thursday they offer “all you can eat sushi” for Naf. 35. Their Blue Flame Beef Tenderloin is so tender it will melt on your tongue. Costs $ 27. They also offer local Curacao food. Try their Stew of goat called Kabritu Stobá, which is very tasty for $ 17.
Mambo restaurants VillaSeaParadiseCuracao.com
Pizza Mare is often recommended if you prefer Italian cuisine. Chill Beach Bar & Grill is located at Lions Dive & Beach Resort. Chill offers at noon delicious BBQ-meals. There are several other restaurants such as El Grill & Mexicano, Bocas Argentinian Steaks and Origami Sushi at the Mambo boulevard strip Curacao.
Music There will be also DJ set ups on the beach, live music, lots of dancing going on in the evening. A good discount on alcoholic beverages is obtainable during Happy Hours. Chill & Grill offers Happy Hour every Friday from 17:00-19:00. Bonita Beach Club also offers Happy Hour every Friday but also on Sundays. A great advantage of Mambo boulevard strip Curacao is that it offers free Wifi all over the place!
Nightlife For night life you can go to Hemingway, Madero Ocean Club Wet & Wild, and Cabana Beach. The best time to go there is on a Friday evening, Saturday evening, or Sunday evening. We usually start at Hemingway (bar & restaurant at Lions Dive & Beach Resort) with live music where you can dance and then slowly move westward around 9 PM, as most people moves to the nearby Madero Ocean Club, Wet & Wild, and Cabana Beach.
At Cabana Beacha good friend of us usually plays piano to entertain guests of as shown here on the photo.
Mambo Boulevard Cabana: Juni Julliet Source: Pinterest
He is one of the best performers on the Island with years of dedication to bring joy with his music. He plays all kinds of genres, from modern to oldies, Salsa, Bachatta, Merengue, Soft, you name it. As a former Crazy Piano’s artist, you could shout any name of a song he plays it instantaneously.
Check also the special nightlife events going on at Madero Ocean Club! They have a huge main stage and host all kind of events from concerts to parties and fashion shows.
Sea Aquarium Curaçao Sea Aquarium is also located nearby. It is next to Lions Dive. It belongs from its beginning in 1984, to one of the most special aquaria in the world. Here various sea life is kept in a habitat that is almost natural to them, without sophisticated technical equipment. With the use of open-water system all the aquaria are in immediate contact with the open sea. That‘s what is making it so special. There are dolphins, sea lions, small sharks, flamingos, sea turtles and stingrays all in their own aquariums and water tanks or in closed parts in the sea. So why not just walk from Mambo to there. From the outside you can see the sea lions swimming around. Or you pay the entrance fee of US $ 21 for adults $ 11 for children from 4 years and you walk in.
Mambo Sea Aquarium Dolphins VillaSeaParadiseCuracao.comMambo Sea Aquarium Sharks VillaSeaParadiseCuracao.com
There are a number of shows and activities throughout the day, feeding the little sharks and the flamingos and the dolphin show. Or you go for a kiss from the sea lions and / or dolphins with a beautiful photo taken as a reminder. If you are very “brave” you can even go swimming with the dolphins.
Mambo Boulevard Chair VillaSeaParadiseCuracao.com
Mambo boulevard strip Curacao and their neighbors have so much to offer and the activities are too many to mention. We did not even mention the water activities such as the substation submarine tour near sea aquarium. Is expensive but the experience is worth it if we may believe the reviews.
Eat in a special ambiance in Curacao? Visit the beautiful and romantic Fort Nassau restaurant in Curacao. This Fort was built by the Dutch to protect Curacao from pirates and explorers. The explorers that wanted to take over the island of Curacao. It is the second front of defense after a ship penetrated and past the narrow entrance of the St. Anna Bay. Most people celebrate anniversaries and special family occasions there. Fort Nassau is now a very chic and classy restaurant to eat.
A restaurant with a view over the harbour is worth the visit. You haven’t seen Curacao if you haven’t been to Fort Nassau! This restaurant has lot of history you can feel and smell the past. Situated high upon a hill at the harbour’s entrance. At night a sea of lights stretches to the horizon offering the most spectacular view. It has a beautiful 360° view over part of the island and the city of Willemstad. Locals celebrate the turn of the year on this hill.
The menu in fort Nassau restaurant features meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes. You can best described Fort Nassau restaurant as a “Casual fine dining” place. Fort Nassau restaurant offers an à la carte menu, a friendly priced 3-course menu with optional menu items and a lunch menu. The historical character of the 18th century fortress, the contemporary interior, the breathtaking view and good food, make your visit at Fort Nassau Restaurant a memorable experience.
The best place to find traditional food is the old MarketPlace called: Plasa Bieu. It is located in Willemstad Near the new MarketPlace adjacent to the area of Waaigat with the Queen Wilhelmina Bridge.
Pals Bieu was formerly a market hall now made into a food corner to attend, to experience local food during lunchtime in Curacao.
Plasa Bieu is an indoor place with 5 different restaurant sections which are open from Monday- Saturday only during lunch time.
They serve a variety of dishes which are all authentic local dishes. The variety includes everything from Fish soup to boiled cornmeal to stewed goat, beef, red snapper, … the choices are endless. What makes the experience at plasa different from other restaurants is that you can see the chefs preparing each dish on coals as it was done ages ago. It’s on a first come, first serve basis, so no reservations are needed. Take it to go or sit and eat, it’s an unique Experience. Every food section has it’s own seating area with extended tables and you are free to mingle and join other visitors at their table.
I would recommend eating at plaza, since the experience of eating with local residents is a must and can be very fun.
Some menu items are :
Soup Fish soup with fresh catch of the day and most contain sea food Giambo soup made from Okra vegetable and contains fish and meat (slimy look but taste very good) Kadushi soup which is made from cactus on the Island (also slimy but taste nice).
Stews (Stoba) are made Mostly of Goat meat, Beef, Chicken or Pork. Often added with vegetables like Cole, native small cucumber or papaya. it is served with funchi (boiled cornmeal, resembles polenta) or with rice, rice with beans (aroz moro), baked potatoes, slices of fried plantain and salad.
Fishes mostly served are: Piska Corá: Red Snapper Dradu: Mahi Mahi Mula: Mullets Buni: Bonito Masbangu: Big Eye Scad Gutu: Parrot fish Cabaron: Shrimps
Also served with funchi (boiled cornmeal/polenta) or with rice, rice with beans (aroz moro), baked potatoes and slices of fried plantain and salad. To top it off a traditional vinaigrette saus is poured over the fish.
Instead of Funchi/polenta one might also try Tutu: which contains black eye peas.
Vegetarian are also welcome. Ask for a fish dish or other menu with more vegetables instead of the meat,
Prices varies between 7 to 14 USD
Great local food, nice ambiance and there is a big chance you will make a new friend at Plasa Bieu.
Plasa Bieu is an indoor place with 5 different restaurant sections which are open from Monday- Saturday only during lunch time.