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My college besties and I just got back from 4 days on a Curacao girls trip, and I honestly can’t think of a better place for a girls trip. If you’re looking for the ultimate Caribbean girls trip, consider the colorful Dutch island of Curacao! Between the charming city of Willemstad, boutique hotels, beach clubs, and sunset dinners, Curacao is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. I think this island is completely underrated, and my goal with this Curacao vacation guide is to cover everything you need to know so you can plan your own trip!
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Know Before You Go: Curaçao Edition
Here are a few simple facts about traveling to Curacao to help you prepare for your upcoming visit!
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Where Is Curaçao?
Curacao is a Dutch Caribbean island located in the very southern portion of the Caribbean Sea, just 30 miles off the coast of Venezuela. It is one of the “ABC Islands”, along with its neighbors — Aruba & Bonaire.
Language
Many people in Curacao speak four languages!!! English — mostly for tourism (widely spoken throughout), Dutch, Spanish, and a local Portuguese-based Creole language that blends together these other 3, called Papiamentu.
Currency
Weather (Best Time Of Year To Visit Curaçao)
One of the best things about Curaçao is that it’s warm and sunny year-round, with temperatures typically sitting around 85°F, like its neighbor Aruba — which is 82°F & sunny everyday! Curacao gets very little rain compared to other Caribbean islands, making it a great beach vacation almost any time of year since it sits outside the main hurricane belt.
Wi-Fi / Phone Service
All resorts around Curacao will all provide high-speed Wi-Fi that will work throughout the property. Additionally, if you have an international phone plan, it should switch on when you land no problem for data and phone calls. My favorite phone carrier for travel is T-Mobile’s Magenta Plan!
Transportation
Although the main sites in Curacao are spread out around the island, I would not recommended to rent a car in Curacao. Similar to my stay in Barbados, I find island drivers to be a bit reckless and the roads to be full of potholes & hard to navigate. I would use a taxi to get to / from the airport, and book a tour or two that includes transportation on your Curacao girls trip.
Water
You can drink the tap water in Curacao.
Why Curaçao Is Perfect For A Girls Trip
1. The island is incredibly safe
It’s easy to navigate, as Willemstad is extremely walkable and there are many taxis / day tours available from the hotels. The locals here are friendly, and as a group of women traveling together — we all felt very safe on our Curacao girls trip.
2. Blend of relaxation & fun activities
I think Curacao is a very balanced girls trip away! It was the perfect mix of relaxation — think lounging at beach clubs, pool time, boat days, but also fun cafes, dinners, and shops to explore.
3. More “vibey” than other Caribbean Islands
If you’re considering where to go on your next girls trip, this bullet may sell you! Curacao has more charm than I’ve experienced on any other island. Instead of huge, chain hotels, Curacao is full of quaint, boutique, art-filled properties, colorful streets, and definitely has a European-Caribbean vibe. There’s wine bars, cute shops, and very aesthetic restaurants lining the beach.
How To Get Around Curaçao
Renting a car in Curacao is the easiest way to beach hop, but I don’t always recommend tourists drive on Caribbean roads. At least the drivers here are on the right side of the road, like the US, but still — I recommend using tour companies for day tours.
There is no Uber or Lyft in Curacao, so I highly recommend staying at the below hotel (covered in the next section) so you can enjoy all the vibey beach clubs and restaurants on foot. Taxis will be needed to & from the airport, which the hotel can help you coordinate.
Pro-tip: The taxis accept credit card payments, although cash is preferred.
Where To Stay In Curaçao
On your vacation in Curacao, you should definitely stay near the capital, Willemstad. This is the best base in terms of dining + shopping options, and is also a close drive from the airport (about 15-20 minutes by taxi). The best area is called Pietermaai. Here, you’ll find fun nightlife and restaurant options, trendy boutique hotels, and walkability (no rental car needed!).
In terms of a specific property to stay at — we had the BEST stay at BOHO Bohemian Boutique Hotel. This pastel property is perfect for a Curacao girls trip, with stunning decor throughout, a charming courtyard, spacious rooms + bathrooms (with sinks located outside of the bathroom for extra “getting ready” space!), and friendly staff. We loved everything about this place — they helped us secure taxis, provided recommendations, and the location was truly perfect.
They also have a sister property called the Klooster, which is right around the corner (3 minute walk). They served a lovely breakfast each morning and we really enjoyed bouncing back & forth to use the pool.
Best Beaches In Curaçao
The best beaches in Curacao are located on the west end of the island. Many day tours, like this one, can bring you there. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular beaches:
Cas Abao Beach
Cas Abao Beach is one of the most iconic stops on any Curacao vacation thanks to its unreal bright blue water and perfect swimming conditions.
Grote Knip (Playa Kenepa Grandi)
This is the most famous viewpoint on the island and was my favorite beach on our Curacao girls trip! There’s snorkeling, local food trucks, chairs for rent, and even cliffs you can jump from into the turquoise blue water.
Mambo Beach
Mambo Beach is the go-to lively beach in this Curacao vacation guide, known for beach clubs, music, and a fun social atmosphere.
Jan Thiel Beach
Jan Thiel Beach is the stylish sunset spot in this Curacao vacation guide with restaurants, beach bars, and a great evening vibe.
Bonus: Klein Curaçao Day Trip
Klein Curaçao is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Curaçao known for its powdery white sand, shipwreck, and some of the clearest turquoise water in the Caribbean. The only way to get there is by boat—typically a catamaran or speedboat day trip from Curaçao that includes snorkeling, food, and a full day on the island.
Pro-tip: The journey here takes ~2 hours each way and is ROUGH! You’ll for sure want to pack seasick medicine if you choose to do this during your Curacao girls trip.
Where To Eat In Curaçao
Best Breakfast & Coffee Shops
- Le Reina: The sweetest little coffee shop located in a stunning home goods store. Try a latte from here and browse the boutique during your vacation in Curacao!
- Van Gogh Cafe: A nod to the island’s Dutch heritage. This is the perfect restaurant for breakfast before a day of exploring. They have porch seating, a full menu of omelets, toasts, crepes, etc, and yummy lattes!
Best Dinner Restaurants In Curaçao
- BijBlauw: We loved it here so much we went twice! This beach-front restaurant has the most aesthetic decor and overall vibe. Book a reservation around 6:30-7pm so you can dine here during sunset.
- The Lemon Tree: Another favorite. The tables are all around the pool of a stunning & chic boutique hotel. The food is phenomenal — highly recommend the burger and the chicken tacos.
Iconic Curaçao Beach Clubs & Sunset Drinks
- The Lemon Beach: This spot is a 12/10! My friends and I loved it so much, we spent 2 days hanging out here during our Curacao girls trip. I highly recommend renting a cabana and hanging out here for an afternoon. You can swim in the little cove, dip in the pool, enjoy cocktails, complimentary coffee + fruit bowls, and order yummy apps. They serve everything from nachos to sushi. It’s the perfect place to spend time on a Curacao vacation.
- Saint Tropez Ocean Club: Fun beach club that is a little more “clubby”. There’s a pool here and a fun bar for drinks. I wouldn’t recommend eating dinner here, but it would be a fun place to spend an afternoon.
Our 4-Day Curaçao Vacation Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Beach Club, & Pietermaai Dinner
A travel day! We spent the morning flying in from New York and Boston to the island. After settling into our boutique hotel, we immediately went over to Lemon Beach for the afternoon. This is the PERFECT way to spend your first afternoon — take a dip in the refreshing sea, order a drink, and soak up the sun.
For dinner, I recommend freshening up at your hotel and returning for sunset at the Lemon Tree — same property as the Lemon Beach & located right in the Pietermaai area of Willemstad. Order a bottle of wine and watch the sun dip below the Caribbean Sea.
Day 2: Beach Hopping & Island Tour
Wake up early for a full-day island tour! If you didn’t rent a car (we didn’t!), this will be your chance to explore the west coast of the island during your Curacao vacation. I highly recommend booking this top-rated tour.
You’ll begin the morning by touring the Hato Caves, a popular tourist attraction on the island. The caves have been publicly accessibly since 1991 and developed over millions of years after sea levels had dropped. You’ll spend about 30 minutes walking deep through the caves, exploring various caverns and tunnels. Be aware of bats!
Then, you’ll see a flock of flamingos in their natural habitat, on the way to the west coast to a few of the beaches and overlooks. At Fisherman’s Beach, you’ll have the opportunity to swim with turtles. End the day at Grote Knip (Playa Kenepa Grandi), the island’s most iconic beach! Here, you can enjoy local food trucks, go cliff jumping, and enjoy some time on the beach.
From the west coast beaches, the journey back to Willemstad takes about 45 minutes.
For dinner this evening, head to BijBlauw, mentioned above! Enjoy dinner on the sand at sunset.
Day 3: Beach Club & Sunset Dinner
This is a Curacao vacation guide after all… head back to Lemon Beach for another relaxing day in the sun! Or, another one of the adjacent beach clubs if you want to try something new.
I recommend starting your morning at Le Reina for a fun latte and browsing through the boutiques here and next door. We also swung by the Klooster boutique hotel for breakfast!
For dinner, I recommend one of the restaurants on the sand by Lemon Beach. If you’re staying at the BOHO Boutique Hotel, all of these restaurant options are just across the street and don’t require a taxi ride. You can grab a pre-dinner drink at Saint Tropez Ocean Club.
Day 4: Brunch & Explore Willemstad
For our 4th & final day, we explored the island’s capital, Willemstad. Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its brightly colored Dutch colonial architecture, rich Caribbean culture, and historic waterfront that dates back to the 1600s.
Begin your morning with brunch at Van Gogh Cafe (a short 7-minute walk from the BOHO Bohemian boutique hotel), before walking another ~10 minutes into the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find dozens of colorful murals, souvenir shops, bars, and more. I would spend at least 2 hours exploring this area, and be sure to see the following sites:
- Walk across the famous Queen Emma Bridge, the iconic floating bridge connecting Punda and Otrobanda
- Browse the floating market for local produce, souvenirs, and Caribbean art
- Snap a photo at the colorful Curaçao sign along the waterfront
- Wander through the vibrant neighborhoods of Punda and Otrobanda for pastel buildings, murals, cafes, and waterfront views
- Go shopping in the heart of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its Dutch-Caribbean charm
Is Curaçao Worth Visiting?
YES! In conclusion, my Curacao vacation was one of my favorite trips I’ve taken in a long time. Curaçao somehow feels like Europe, the Caribbean, and a beach club vacation all at once — and after 4 days there, I genuinely think it’s one of the best girls trip destinations out there right now.
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