Willemstad, Curaçao – The tiny, yet bustling island of Curaçao, located in the Southern Caribbean, shares its latest news and events:
ISLAND NEWS
- New Direct Service From Toronto This Summer
For the first time ever, Canadians can travel direct to Curaçao from Toronto via Air Canada during the summer season. Air Canada flies nonstop to Curaçao on Fridays with an 8:00 a.m. departure from Toronto and a 3:15 p.m. return flight from Curaçao. For more information, visit vacations.aircanada.com/Curacao.
- Curaçao Unveils New Winery
Located near Hato International Airport, Curaçao recently opened the island’s first-ever winery and vineyard. Run by the Visscher family, the vineyard has over 2,000 plants on two acres of land, which will eventually be expanded to 25 acres. The wine will be harvested from the island’s soil and will be available to bottle and sell next year. In the meantime, visitors can enjoy tastings and special events at the winery, open everyday from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. with happy hour Fridays at 5:00 p.m.
- New Shopping Center Opening in May
Sambil Curaçao, slated to open in May 2015 and located between Willemstad and Curaçao International Airport, is an upscale shopping center being built and operated by the Sambil Group. The new shopping center, designed in a fish-shape, encompasses over 100,000 square feet and will feature 180 establishments, including 156 shops, 8 movie theaters, 4 restaurants, and a food court offering a variety of local and international cuisines. For more information, visit www.sambilmall.com/Curacao.
- IGLTA Awards Curaçao With ‘Destination Pioneer’ Honor
The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) recently awarded the Curaçao Tourist Board with its prestigious “Destination Pioneer” award for its exceptional efforts in developing the island into an all-welcoming destination for travelers. Curaçao boasts a substantial number of hotels and attractions with IGLTA memberships, which reflects the island’s “Live and Let Live” philosophy to embrace all travelers. The awards ceremony took place in Los Angeles at IGLTA’s 32nd Annual Global Convention, where the island was honored alongside influential LGBT advocates. For more information on LGBT travel in Curaçao, visit www.gaycuracao.com .
HOTEL NEWS
- New Courtyard by Marriott To Open in Curaçao
Marriott International has announced plans to open the first Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Willemstad. The hotel, set to open in 2017, will feature 177 rooms and will be situated just a few blocks from the existing cruise ship terminal. The property will be part of a mixed-used development that will include retail space, an entertainment area, three restaurants and a casino. The hotel will feature the brand’s signature business lobby, a coffee shop, an outdoor pool, fitness center and flexible meeting area.
- Baoase Luxury Resort Debuts New Villa-Style Suites
The island’s five-star upscale property, Baoase Luxury Resort, has unveiled ten new exclusive suites. The new villa-style suites include a private infinity pool and garden with a spectacular view over the Caribbean Sea as well as either direct access to a private beach or the resort’s beach. Constructed of natural stone, these secluded one-level luxury suites offer the perfect amount of privacy with unparalleled luxury offerings. For more information, visit www.baoase.com.
- Acoya Hotel Partners With BLVD and Mambo Beach Club
The island’s newest resort, Acoya Hotel Suites and Villas, recently signed an agreement allowing its guests access to Sea Aquarium Beach and use of Mambo Beach Club’s lounge chairs at no additional cost. The Curaçao Beach Boulevard, known as the BLVD, is an expansive strip combining shops, dining, and entertainment along one of the island’s most popular beaches, Sea Aquarium Beach. For more information, visit www.acoyacuracao.com.
- Hilton Curaçao Undergoes Second Phase of its Renovation
Following refurbishments to its hotel rooms in 2013, Hilton Curaçao recently began the second phase of renovations to its lobby and hotel bar. The property’s entrance signage and Bligh’s Bar will also be entirely refurbished to reflect a more contemporary look and feel, and are expected to be completed in Spring 2015. Additional renovations will also take place in the third quarter of this year and will include the property’s restaurants and gym facilities. For more information, visit www.hiltoncuracaoresort.com.
- Renaissance Curaçao Launches New Dining Experience
Renaissance Curaçao, located in downtown Willemstad, has given its CRU Steakhouse & Wine Bar a makeover, transforming it into Xquisit, a dining experience with a new modern concept. Xquisit will offer a three-course prix fixe menu of appetizers, main dishes, and desserts along with a separate steak and wine menu. Menus will be changed seasonally, with sample dishes such as Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio with Truffle Oil, Stuffed Pork Loin with Brie cheese, and Ratatouille. For more information, visit www.renaissancecuracao.com.
OPERATOR NEWS
- Dive Bus Offering Free PADI Dive Courses
In celebration of its 10-year birthday, the Dive Bus is offering free PADI dive courses, complimentary diving excursions, cake and more throughout 2015! Lead by friendly and experienced PADI dive professionals, the Dive Bus specializes in shore diving at the island’s best dive spots. For more information and details on how to win prizes, visit www.the-dive-bus.com.
EVENTS
- International Drag Fest
Celebrating its 44th year anniversary, the International Drag Fest will take place April 28- May 2, 2015 at the Curaçao International Raceway in Willemstad. The festival will include ten different automobile classes and five motorcycle classes competing in traditional drag races. For more information, visit www.curacaodrag.com.
- International BlueSeas Festival
Following the success of the renowned Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival, the island will host its inaugural Curaçao International BlueSeas Festival this May 7 – 9, 2015. The festival will be a celebration of traditional and gentrified jazz music, and will feature a variety of international musicians, including the legendary Original Blues Brothers, Buddy Guy, and emerging artists such as Kat Riggins, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band and Moreland & Arbuckle. For more information, visit www.curacaoblueseasfestival.com.
- Viva La Musica Latina (Latin Music Festival)
Taking place May 29 – 30, 2015 in Willemstad, Viva Musica Latina Curaçao is a Latin music festival that will feature some of the biggest names in the industry. Performers will include Jorge Celedón, Alberto Barros, Olga Tañón, Gilberto Santa Rosa, the Guaco Group Venezuela, among others. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit TicketsCaribbean.com
- International Tourism Safety & Security Conference
Held at Curaçao’s World Trade Center, the island will host this year’s International Tourism Safety and Security Conference on June 24 – 26, 2015. The goal of the conference is to enhance awareness of tourism safety and security, and the theme of this year’s conference is “Working Together to Provide a Safer Caribbean Tourism Destination.” The conference will feature speakers from around the world discussing issues, such as airline securities, tourism police, cruise security, and human trafficking. For more information, visit www.curacao.com/ssc.
- Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival
Now in its sixth year, the popular North Sea Jazz Festival is back for another run on September 3 – 5, 2015 at the World Trade Center near Piscadera Bay in Willemstad. A wide range of internationally renowned artists were recently announced for this three-day festival, which will include performances by John Legend, Enrique Iglesias, the Pointer Sisters, Lionel Richie, Wyclef Jean, Randy Newman and more. Another major headliner will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.curacaonorthseajazz.com/en/.
