Global Carnivalist Travels: Eat. Slay. Love in Curaçao

Hi loves!

I am so excited to be blogging about my travels again. As they say, we’re getting ‘waxed and vaxxed’ so I felt safe to begin traveling internationally again. That said, I needed a vacation.  No feting, no hiking, no looking for hidden gems to take a particular picture, my goal was to do nothing and I mean NOTHING but lounge, eat, blast music, rinse, repeat.

In addition to the theme of the trip, I decided to heighten the experience by packing outfits from my most memorable vacations.  I chose Curaçao as my destination, it is only 3 hours away from Miami by plane so minimal flight time (mingling with passengers).

What about Curacao ? 

Known for it’s pastel-colored colonial architecture, this Dutch Caribbean Island is about 44 miles north of Venezuela, South America and between Aruba and Bonaire. It is part of the Netherlands Antilles, also known as the ABC-Islands and is under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Curaçao has over 35 spectacular beaches, and most are tucked into intimate coves along the southwest coast.

While 90 percent of the population speaks Papiamento — a native Creole-style language — English, Dutch and Spanish are commonly spoken there as well. You can travel to Curaçao by air [Airport code: CUR] with direct flights from North America, Europe, and South America, or by sea on a cruise or yacht.

But Covid-19 and Curacao 

While Curacao has welcomed travelers back , measures must be followed and I was super impressed with Curacao’s tourism board’s handling of entry requirements. Vaccinated or not, all travelers are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 3 days before travel. Prior to travel, you must apply for a digital immigration card and upload your negative test results 48 hours before your expected departure time.

Please check with Curacao’s tourism site for current activities on island. In an effort to flatten the curve and keep it low, only supermarkets, pharmacies, hardware stores and gas stations were open. Island excursions and activities are not to be organized (updated April 30, 2021)

Unfortunately due to the lockdown, I was unable to explore Curacao but I had no regrets, I did not travel there with the intent of exploration.

Let’s talk about the resort…. 

Tucked away, Baoase Luxury Resort is a 5-star luxury resort with 23 extravagant rooms, suites and villas.  I was impressed (this does not happen often) and pictures do not do this place justice. The service, amenities and overall feel of this resort make it the ultimate getaway for couples or rejuvenation.

The price is luxurious as well with standard rooms starting at $675usd a night in the low season and $849usd a night in peak season, the beachfront suite I stayed in starts at $1350usd a night.

Upon arrival, I am greeted by a chauffeur with my name on a placard, my bags were stored and we drove for 20 minutes to the resort. As soon as we pulled up,  I was welcomed by resort staff (a fresh welcome drink in hand) who gave me a tour of the grounds and explained where and how everything operated.

…okay and about my Beachfront pool suite 

The tour of my beachfront pool suite sealed the deal for me. As we enter the suite, colonial ceilings and signage to remove your shoes greet me. I am then ushered into the the room where hardwood floors that span out to four private outdoor areas ( outdoor kitchen, outdoor bathroom, outdoor living room & outdoor lounge). I am met by double stone sinks with two private outdoor shower options a bit further out into the restroom space. Immaculate and well designed walk in closet with touch capabilities for the drawers. I store my suit case and head to my living space.

Purchase black cover-up here. 

A handwritten note and fresh fruit basket greets me, in addition to welcome snacks and beverages with brochures and letters on the upcoming resort activities. Built for two, there is ample space to rest, sit, dance, eat, sprawl and meditate.

Each day I woke up to the sight of my own own lush garden and direct access to an infinity pool with a spectacular ocean view, making it a luxurious personal oasis.

Purchase this swimmie here
Purchase this body oil here

More on the service, amenities and food… 

Similarly to my experience in the Maldives, Baoase is about luxury and exclusivity, it was like our own private island, on the island. Unlike larger resorts throughout the Caribbean region, there is no scheduled entertainment team to entertain you and force you to dance on a full tummy. You can expect tranquility and relaxation, it truly is the perfect destination for the luxury seeker.

The excellent customer experience began before we arrived with resort staff ensuring that my dietary restrictions and travel requests were met prior to arrival. From the smallest needs like a power converter to water, a butler was also available to me, all I needed to do was contact him via whatsapp or the iPad in my suite.  I was also extremely satisfied with the cleanliness as my suite was cleaned twice daily with turn down service. Each evening I had the most delicious mini pastries. (I looked forward to the evening clean up crew)

Purchase black dress here 

Purchase sunglasses here. Pictured dress sold out. Purchase similar here and here

I should mention that this resort is not an all-inclusive resort, however, inclusive meal-plans can be organized prior to your arrival. The food is DELICIOUS. I had a food-gasm with every meal. The executive Chef René Klop and his culinary team wowed us nightly with  mesmerizing dishes rich in taste and texture. There was a vegetarian ravioli entree I had twice, it was so delicious and bursting with flavor. Chef Rene has worked at a Michelin Star awarded restaurant in Australia prior and you could tell, the dishes were so unique and delightful.

Although the island of Curacao was on lockdown, Baoase organized daily wellness activities  for their guests. From early morning yoga or pilates on the beach to guided snorkeling and kayaking, there was something for everyone.

 

I had an amazing time and plan to return to Baoase in the near future, this time with hopes to actually explore Curacao. If this resort does not work for you, check out the Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino or Dreams Curacao Resort, Spa & Casino.

Would you visit Curacao ?

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4 thoughts on “Global Carnivalist Travels: Eat. Slay. Love in Curaçao

  1. This was beautiful! Fantastic visuals through your words and pics , I was smiling ear to ear for you.

  2. A beautiful island indeed. I have family there and I’ve visited. A hidden gem. I enjoyed the read.

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