It’s hard to believe we’ve already been in the Caribbean for more than two weeks and we’re at our last hotel, Renaissance Curacao, of this trip. After extreme relaxation and rest, it’s nice to be in the capital city of Curaçao. The Renaissance Curacao is in the heart of the city yet it can still feel worlds away when you want it to. Continue reading
As part of our first international trip of 2017, we’re staying in Curacao at Santa Barbara Beach and Golf Resort, a nestled beachfront resort along the Caribbean Sea within a 2,000 acre gated plantation. We only arrived yesterday, but it’s been heaven on earth already. Here’s a quick glimpse of our first two days at Santa Barbara. Continue reading
10 countries and countless cities made it on my 2013 Bucket List. France, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Jordan, Aruba, Curacao, Canada, USA, Mexico, and Fiji were all part of my whirlwind of adventures and new experiences. I never envisioned such an amazing year of opportunity; my life continues to be a dream come true. I am blessed. Some people create a bucket list because they are dying; I created one because I want to live.
Here are my top ten favorite travel photos from 2013.
Number 1 – Curacao
Why do you think this photo is my favorite travel photo from 2013? I had thousands of choices but this one was at the top of my list.
10 countries and countless cities made it on my 2013 Bucket List. France, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Jordan, Aruba, Curacao, Canada, USA, Mexico, and Fiji were all part of my whirlwind of adventures and new experiences. I never envisioned such an amazing year of opportunity; my life continues to be a dream come true. I am blessed. Some people create a bucket list because they are dying; I created one because I want to live.
Here are my top ten favorite travel photos from 2013.
Number 5 – Children Jumping from a Pier in Curacao
Imagine an island where hidden coves reveal an emerald-blue sea. Where arcs of golden sand stretch out beneath vibrant, multicolored sunsets. Where a rich historical heritage meets Caribbean vitality. Where the only thing you need to worry about is deciding how to spend your next day in paradise. Where children throw caution to the wind and jump from piers into the refreshing ocean. Imagine Curaçao: the best-kept secret in the Caribbean.
When you travel, do you let your inner-child run free?
In Curacao, there is an undeniable temptation to lie back on a beach chair and spend the entire day in a blissful trance, sipping a piña colada and watching the waves crash on the shoreline. I can guarantee, though, that if you have children, they are not going to sit there for long. Since the family possibilities on this tiny island are endless, you can leave the beach chair behind and discover the adventurous, family-friendly side of Curacao. Continue reading
Curacao is one beautiful property after another. You could, however, put a tiny, run-down shack near any of Curacao’s magnificent beaches and it would start to look good. Step onto the Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino property, though, with a grand entrance of fountains, plants, and flowers, an open-air front desk area that overlooks a massive free-form pool, Olympus-like pillars in every direction, and an imposing red roof above, and the beach isn’t even the first thing that you notice. Continue reading
Curacao’s capital, Willemstad is undeniably one of the gems of the Caribbean. Actually, it was even inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. A magnificent row of a dozen or so pastel shaded buildings line the St. Anna Bay which divides Willemstad into two main communities: Punda and Otrobanda. These buildings create a rainbow that is beautiful both day and night. Do you prefer the day shots or the night shots? Continue reading
From relaxing in calm waters to jumping from piers and cliffs, Curacao offers so many opportunities to enjoy the picturesque beaches, or playas as they are called in the local Papiamentu language, that dot the island. My grandest water experiences were at Playa Kenepa, Cas Abao, and Pirate Bay, but no matter where you go in Curacao, you can easily “sea” your way to a beach. Continue reading
As I was walking along the beach today at the Marriott in Curacao, I saw something that reminded me of how truly blessed I am. I don’t work in an office; and I don’t have a boss, except for Athena. I chose a life of travel, adventure, and new experience and this is my board room!
What do you want your board room to look like?
Lunch at Pirate Bay, Curacao today was similar to most of my dining experiences here. We relaxed on the beach and listened to the waves gently crash on the shore and the birds sing their playful tune as we enjoyed a casual dining experience. I looked out on the ocean and saw three girls playing at the end of the dock. It made a great photo opportunity so I made my way toward them to see if I could grab a cute photo. They jumped at the chance to be in a picture. (I asked their mom of course.) Although their first language wasn’t English, we easily communicated through laughter, smiles, and hand gestures. Their innocence and playful nature stayed with me all day. Continue reading
Bucket List Publications 