Island Of Curacao
Curacao is a tropical island just off the coast of Venezuela and is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Part of the Netherland Antilles, Curacao is the largest island in the group and covers approximately 171 square miles. It is oval shaped, with an estimated population of 140,000 people.
There are plenty of excellent hotels to select from, and when you decide on your destination, then there are hotels Caribbean is well known for that will meet your accommodation requirements.
Being just outside the hurricane belt, Curacao receives little rainfall less than 21 and, as a result, the terrain is arid and savannah like. It is also flat, with the highest elevation being only 1239 feet (Mount Cristoffel).
The northern part of the island includes Cristoffel National Park, which is home to an abundance of local flora and fauna. The coastline is jagged, with many coves and bays. The northern area of Curacao is more rugged, with cliffs, rocks, and a strong current running offshore. However, in the south and west are many undeveloped beaches with clear, calm water.
Naturally, the main hotels, resorts and facilities are located in the south of the island, near the beaches. There are about 40 beaches, offering the visitor variety, as well as seclusion for basking in the sun and swimming.
Most of the beaches in Curacao consist of sandy beaches and crystal blue water. However, these are not the long sandy stretches to be found on other islands but are often well hidden. They are known as bocas in Papiamento (the local language).
The secluded beaches are especially popular with honeymooners and those who wish to have a more tranquil experience, away from the resorts and hotels.
A popular activity is shore diving, as the sea floor drops sharply just off shore and visibility in the water is excellent. This is largely due to the low rainfall and absence of rivers there are no rivers on Curacao.
The water activities available include not only deep sea diving and snorkeling but also kayaking and windsurfing. The resorts and hotels on Curacao are well-equipped to offer these options to their guests.
Tourists mostly come from Europe, South America, and other Caribbean islands, with a growing number from the United States and Canada. Of more than 500,000 visitors to the island each year, over 300,000 arrive on cruise ships.
Resort accommodation is luxurious in Caribbean hues for those who stay, and the service is friendly and obliging. Your terrace overlooks a tropical garden with palm trees, colorful flowering bushes, and many birds that come to feed.
A popular choice at the resort restaurant is a lizard dish, as lizards abound and are everywhere in Curacao. Some of the resorts also have animal enclosures, with activities such as feeding the flamingos and a variety of sea creatures, including sharks.
Perhaps better known than the island itself is Curacao liqueur (such as cointreau and triple sec), an orange-flavored liqueur sold world-wide. This is made from the dried peel of Laraha bitter oranges (descended from the Valencia orange) that grow wild on the island.
The inhabitants of Curacao consist of more than 42 ethnic groups, mostly of African and European descent. The language, Papiamento, is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch, as well as the African languages brought by the slaves. English is widely spoken.
The island is a territory of The Netherlands and has had full autonomy in domestic affairs since 1954. The capital city of Willemstad is a large port with much colonial architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.
An especially strong element in Curacao culture is the love of music and dancing, with a major influence from their African heritage. Known as tambu, its main foundation is drumming. The early slaves used dried goatskin over hollow containers to provide rhythms for their dancing.
The partners in this dance leave their feet in place and only make contact through their hips and bodies, to the rhythm of the drums.
With its low rainfall, sunny conditions, tranquil atmosphere, secluded beaches and modern resorts, the island of Curacao has much to offer the tourist who wants to experience still pristine conditions in an exotic location; where the inhabitants are as warm and colorful as any to be found in the beautiful Caribbean.
Why Caribbean Luxury Hotels Make A Good Honeymoon
One of the best ways to enjoy a good honeymoon is take first of all take your time on finding the right destination and doing your research on the services that they will offer for you. One important point about honeymoons is that they are meant to be a time for the happy couple to enjoy and celebrate their nuptials alone. Many couples prefer to travel to warm destinations in a bid to soak up the summer sun and relax by the ocean.
A particular destination that makes for an ideal destination is the Caribbean islands. Staying in Caribbean luxury hotels means that you enjoy the comfort of staying in a five star environment, with spa treatment and romantic surrounding views. The entire experience is a picture perfect setting, with the added touch of having your other half experience this with you. A honeymoon like this is a good starting point before starting your life together.
Some Caribbean luxury hotels make a good venue for wedding ceremonies and beach marriages, as they are located near beaches. Some top end luxury hotels have golf courses, tennis courts and other sporting activities to keep people busy when they are not too keen on sunning it on the beach. Water sports, diving and swimming are a popular activity amongst young couples and young people, as this is usually taken part with other people and instructors.
There are other affordable and budget Caribbean luxury hotels available for those looking to travel without being too frivolous with their money. The luxurious side of the Caribbean does not necessarily need to be enjoyed indoors in a hotel, as this is more than made up for by their beautiful colourful views and white sandy beaches. In addition, with the deep blue sea and warming blue sky, makes it near impossible for you to stay indoors in a hotel.
Some of the budget accommodations will not offer spa treatments or sporting activities, however, they may include en-suite bathrooms with all double bedrooms and a choice of entertainments. Often, people find it easier to stay at bed and breakfasts or hostels, as this allows them the freedom to explore the island more rather than spending time indoors. This would suit people looking to do more sightseeing than enjoying luxury treatments in a hotel.
Honeymoons are best enjoyed with the relaxing heat, informal atmosphere and plenty of champagne, which is why the Caribbean is a popular destination for many honeymooners. Most of what the Caribbean offers reflect upon their service and reputation for the most relaxed area to reside in. Some hotels offer complimentary spa treatment, free meal at an in-house restaurant and the all-important complimentary champagne.
When choosing a honeymoon destination it is always a good idea to opt for a place that includes all the package deals a honeymoon is meant to contain. Look for something that will allow you to come in and out of the building as you wish with no tight curfews. At the end of the day you are there to relax and enjoy your time together.
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