36 Hours in Curaçao

Saturday

6) 9:30 a.m. Brunch with a view

The most beautiful beaches on Curaçao are on the northwest end of the island, in Sabana Westpunt. Make your way north, through the cactus-dotted landscape, and along the way, stop by Landhuis Klein Santa Martha. This 17th-century manor on a hill is a well-restored model of Curaçao’s historic landhuis, or Dutch colonial country houses. They host overnight guests, but also serve anyone healthy meals with a vast view over the Santa Martha bay and its hills. On its open sun deck beside the plunge pool, enjoy the apple crostini or a focaccia breakfast sandwich with your mint tea. Brunch for two, $45.

7) 11 a.m. Beach hopping

The best way to enjoy this stunning region is to rent a car and go beach hopping. Although most beaches have a chair rental option, few have much else in terms of facilities, so consider packing a cooler with water and snacks, and don’t forget your goggles and snorkel. Start with two of the most popular beaches, Playa Porto Mari and Cas Abao, both peaceful inlets with a good amount of space for sunbathers to spread out and the occasional palapa. Next, visit Playa Lagun, nestled between tall cliffs with good snorkeling. Then drive over to Kleine Knip, being sure to snorkel where the cliffs meet the sea, and where sea turtles like to swim. Save plenty of time for Grote Knip (also called Kenepa), perhaps the most scenic and calm beach on the island, with bright, implausibly blue waters the color of the liqueur the island is famous for. Finish your beach hopping with a snack of funchi (polenta) fries and fresh lemonade at Restaurant Playa Forti, where you can watch daredevils jump off a cliff into the sea.