Mambo Beach
Curacao
While my first post was basically just covering carnival (there was just too much that happened) this post will focus a bit more about all the other activities we did during our one week stay. All photos below are a wild mix of my favourite places, restaurants, artworks, street photos and palm trees (obviously!) . I'm going to try to link everything and give you an address for everything but in case I forget something or you have an additional question feel free to just hit me up on social!
So as you guys already know we spend most of our days at all those different carnival parades but as there was enough free time in between we got to test incredible food places, went snorkeling, discovered a sunken ship wreck just beneath the surface, went on a city-street art tour and stayed at a resort which served breakfast at the beach!
March 8, 2018
Labels: On track, Sail the Seas
My absolute highlight (other than carnival of course) was a little boat trip we did as one of the first things after arrival. It was just us, the captain and our snorekling teacher. We first took a little tour passing the most beautiful houses (I kinda made a list of future living possibilities in my head) until we crossed over to an area which was called "Spanish Water". This is apparently perfect for snorekling and that's exactly what we did. Kenji our guide showed us incredible sealife and even I (who is a terrible swimmer) felt like a fish discovering it all. The absolute highlight was a shipwreck that was so close to the surface that you could touch it while snorkleing. It was also filled with fish that came so super close, they were basically floating through my hair. As if that wasn't already enough the day ended with a bbq on the boat and an incredible sunset. Everything was organised my Myronchitrip. So if this sounds like something you might enjoy, definitely contact Kenji, he's the best!
During our entire trip we stayed at the Lions Dive and Beach Resort which was, as the name already states, as close to the beach as possible. In fact I had to cross the beach to get to breakfast. In my oppinion this couldn't have been more perfect. I've never seen more turqoise water and more white sand! My favourite part were all the leguans though. Those little chillers were so used to people that I could get extreamly close with my camera and they didn't give a shit! Beautiful creatures that were everywhere at the resort. They also do something magical regarding mosquitos. I've hardly seen any while we were there and I hardly got bitten at all. Compared to my last stay in Curacao this was a world of difference. If you are interested in staying at the Lions Dive and Beach Resort check out the link above and I'll also add the addres. (Bapor Kibrá, Willemstad, Curaçao)
Next in line my favourite (out of many awesome) food place "Hofi Casa Cora" (Landhuis Cas Cora, Willemstad, Curaçao). Setting is an old little farm that is also home to donkeys, goats and chickens! Their concept is called "Farm-to-Table" and except the fish and the meat everything is grown in Curacao and is seasonal. I ordered a wrap with beef and papaya as well as a salad (couldn't decide so I took both). The others had a couscous dish which you can also see in the photos. Make sure you try this place out if you're on the island. It might not be super central, but it's definitely worth the little drive!
This tip is not just one place but rather a combination of two things! I absolutley enjoyed Pietermaai which is an area that is super central and has a lot of little bars and restaurants. Incredibly beautiful, full of colourful houses and with a lot of love for detail. While checking out the area we went for lunch at a place called City Beach 88 (Pietermaai Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles) where we had finger food, drinks and the most incredible view over the ocean! A lot of people where also just sunbathing there as it is also a beach location. Right next to it was the restaurant BijBlauw (82-84 Kaya Wilson Godett, Willemstad, Curaçao) where we had dinner on one of the earlier nights. Fabulous dinner, a little more expensive but super romantic vibes with the oceaen almost at your feet! It also has a little concept store attached but we were a tiny bit to late for that so I couldn't check it out. It looked beautiful though!
To give you a little break from all the food tips, here's to another highlight of this trip. We got to meet lovely Gaby from "Sand and Stilettos" a blog that focuses on Curacao. She gave us a little city tour through the historic area of Otrobanda which is also part of UNESCO. After checking out different street art, taking tonnes of photos and discovering little unseen corners we ended at the local market place "Marshe Bieu" (De Ruyterkade, Willemstad, Curaçao) where we got to eat authentic creole kitchen right from the fire place. Gaby is also up for private tours, so just hit her up if you are interested and make sure you stop by the market hall!
My last tip (for now) is a restaurant that I discovered last time I was in Curacao. It used to be my favourite, and I still think it's really good, I just discovered even better options. The Gouveneur (De Rouvilleweg, Willemstad, Curaçao) does have a very unique location though as you get to see the whole "skyline" of Punda, while eating on a beautiful half open balcony. The house the restaurant is located in, is also absolutely worth the visit.
ok I forgot a little something... On our last day before heading to the airport we finally managed to get some pastechi. These little dough bags get sold at several "Snek" places around the world are usually sold for breakfast. As we were a little late I only got a cheese filled one from a place called "Silva's" (Santa Rosaweg 45 Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles) which was absolutely delicious.
