WILLEMSTAD — There was a time when Curaçao was often described as the Caribbean’s best-kept secret. It’s safe to say those days are over.

The Dutch Caribbean island is suddenly – or maybe not so suddenly? – one of the region’s most dynamic destinations. For a small island, it has just about everything: European sophistication, Caribbean warmth, world-class diving and a thriving culinary scene. Its hallmark colourful colonial architecture makes it instantly recognizable in pictures and posts. It’s also gearing up to welcome a wave of new hotels and resorts.

For Canadian travellers, Curaçao also offers something increasingly valuable: reliability. Located outside the Atlantic hurricane belt, the island gets 300+ days of sunshine annually, ideal for year-round travel and no guesswork on the weather. English, Dutch, Spanish and Papiamentu are widely spoken. The U.S. dollar is accepted almost everywhere. And direct air access continues to improve, making the island easier than ever to reach.

Curaçao has also successfully resisted becoming just another all-inclusive destination. While luxury beachfront resorts continue to grow, visitors are encouraged to venture beyond their hotel and immerse themselves in the island’s culture, history and natural beauty.

While the Curaçao Tourist Board is still confirming winter flight schedules from Canada, the latest stats show an upswing. Canadian stayover visitor arrivals increased by 37% in January – June 2026 vs. January – June 2025. Globally, Curaçao welcomed 437,086 stayover visitors in the first six months of the year, a 9% YOY jump.

It’s the first time Curaçao has welcomed more than 400,000 stayover visitors during the first six months of any year. Canada was a strong contributor, generating 31,386 of those visitors.

A DIVERSE & DELICIOUS) CULINARY SCENE

On a recent visit, the colourful capital of Willemstad, as always, offered the perfect introduction.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city captures visitors’ attention with its brightly painted Dutch colonial buildings lining the waterfront of Handelskade. The famous Queen Emma Bridge, affectionately known as the ʻSwinging Old Lady,’ connects the historic districts of Punda and Otrobanda, opening several times each day to allow ships to enter St. Anna Bay.

Exploring Willemstad is an experience best enjoyed on foot. Boutique shops, open-air cafés, contemporary art galleries and museums occupy restored merchant houses dating back centuries. Street art has become part of the city’s identity. The art transforms once-forgotten laneways into eye-catching outdoor galleries that celebrate Curaçao’s multicultural heritage.

The culinary scene reflects the island’s diversity. Dutch, Caribbean, Latin American and Indonesian influences appear throughout local menus. Fresh seafood remains a staple, while dishes such as keshi yena, lionfish ceviche and Caribbean stews offer visitors authentic flavours that speak to the island’s history.

MORE THAN 35 BEACHES, EACH WITH A PERSONALITY ALL ITS OWN

Just a short drive beyond Willemstad lies another side of Curaçao.

Unlike many Caribbean islands dominated by a single stretch of sand, Curaçao offers more than 35 beaches, each with its own personality. Some are social hubs lined with restaurants and beach clubs, while others remain secluded coves tucked beneath limestone cliffs.

Playa Kenepa Grandi consistently ranks among the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, while Cas Abao and Porto Mari are known for their calm turquoise waters and excellent snorkelling directly from shore.

DIVE DESTINATION EXTRAORDINAIRE 

As pretty as it is on land, it’s underwater where Curaçao distinguishes itself.

With more than 70 dive sites surrounding the island, healthy coral reefs and exceptional visibility, Curaçao has long been considered one of the Caribbean’s top diving destinations.

Shore diving is particularly popular, allowing certified divers to explore reefs independently without requiring boat excursions. Recent international awards recognizing Curaçao’s diving experiences have only strengthened the island’s reputation among divers.

Curaçao is home to more than 70 dive sites

NEW CURAÇAO HOTELS

The island’s hospitality sector has evolved alongside its growing popularity.

One of the most significant recent openings is Art Hotel Curaçao, an adults-only boutique property located in Willemstad’s trendy Pietermaai District.

Featuring just 30 guestrooms, two penthouses, an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea and carefully curated contemporary artwork throughout the property, the hotel appeals to travellers seeking an intimate urban retreat within walking distance of restaurants, nightlife and cultural attractions.

Another recent addition is the Courtyard by Marriott Curaçao. Designed with both leisure and business travellers in mind, the hotel offers contemporary guestrooms, meeting facilities, a resort-style swimming pool and convenient access to Willemstad’s historic centre, making it an especially attractive option for visitors combining business with leisure.

STUNNING LUXURY PRODUCT 

Luxury travel product continues to expand across the island as well.

Among the year’s most anticipated openings is The Pyrmont Curaçao, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort, gearing up for its debut this fall. The Pyrmont, a 305-room adults-only all-inclusive, will become the island’s first Marriott all-inclusive resort and the first property operating under Marriott’s Autograph Collection brand. Guests can expect seven restaurants and bars, including rooftop venues and a gourmet food hall, a boardwalk-style waterfront that doubles as a seaside social hub, and wellness programming inspired by local traditions. Panoramic views stretch from the coastline to the colourful façades of Willemstad.

The Pyrmont Curaçao, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort

Equally noteworthy is TUI BLUE Curaçao, a major new resort under development overlooking picturesque Santa Martha Bay on the island’s quieter western coast. When complete, the 300-room property will feature swim-up suites, private plunge pools, multiple restaurants, three swimming pools and direct access to one of Curaçao’s most scenic coastlines. Its location offers guests an opportunity to experience a less-developed side of the island while remaining close to exceptional diving and nature reserves.

TUI BLUE Curaçaoʻs Sunset Pool (rendering)

Jan Thiel Beach has also welcomed a significant addition with the opening of Sonesta Resort Curaçao. The 196-room beachfront resort occupies the former Livingstone property and offers a diverse range of accommodations, including guestrooms, villas and apartments. Three swimming pools, easy beach access, nearby dive operators and a lively collection of restaurants and shops make it particularly attractive for families and active travellers who prefer exploring beyond the resort itself.

The 196-room Sonesta Resort Curaçao, with a prime location on Jan Thiel Beach

Long-time favourite Sandals Royal Curaçao continues to win over new clientele, and bring back legions of return guests. Sandals Royal Curaçao, the company’s first and only resort in the Dutch Caribbean, was one of the first resorts for the ‘Sandals 2.0’ concept with attentive accommodations, elevated dining options and a number of ‘Sandals Firsts.’

Sandals Royal Curaçao

Another luxury market favourite, the top-rated boutique property Baoase Curaçao, will introduce 14 new accommodations in 2027. Once the expansion is complete, Baoase Curaçao will feature a total of 37 accommodations.

The private beach at Baoase Curaçao, one of the top-rated luxury boutique resorts in the Caribbean

UPGRADES & EXPANSIONS

Several established resorts have invested heavily in upgrades that continue elevating the visitor experience.

The historic Avila Beach Hotel, the island’s oldest continuously operating hotel, has unveiled newly renovated adults-only Oceanfront Blues Rooms, featuring direct sea views and contemporary Caribbean design.

Meanwhile, Kontiki Beach Resort is expanding with additional luxury accommodations, while Papagayo Beach Resort has introduced Ç Spa & Wellness, now one of the island’s largest spa facilities. At Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, the new JFK Steakhouse has established itself as one of the destination’s premier dining venues.

Avila Beach Hotel

CHRISTOFFEL NATIONAL PARK & TUGBOAT BEACH 

Rather than pursuing mass tourism, Curaçao has focused on high-quality accommodations, authentic cultural experiences and sustainable tourism development. That philosophy extends beyond the resort gates.

Christoffel National Park offers hiking trails leading to the island’s highest point, rewarding early-morning climbers with panoramic views stretching across the Caribbean Sea. Along the rugged northern coast, Shete Boka National Park showcases wave-carved inlets where the sea crashes against ancient limestone formations in spectacular fashion.

Animal lovers frequently visit the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, while snorkellers head to Tugboat Beach, where a sunken tugboat rests just metres below the surface, creating one of the island’s most accessible underwater attractions.

Back in Willemstad, evenings unfold at a slower pace than on many Caribbean islands.Visitors gather along the waterfront for cocktails as the setting sun reflects against Handelskade’s colourful façades. Live music drifts from open-air patios, while local restaurants fill with diners enjoying freshly caught seafood and Caribbean-inspired cuisine.

Shopping also reflects Curaçao’s multicultural personality. Dutch cheeses sit alongside Caribbean spices, locally produced Blue Curaçao liqueur shares shelf space with handmade jewellery crafted from coral stone, and galleries showcase works by local artists inspired by the island’s vibrant landscapes.

Morning views of the grounds from an Ocean Front Pool Suite at Baoase Curaçao

IDEAL FOR LONG STAYS

For Canadian travel advisors, Curaçao offers broad appeal across multiple market segments. Couples appreciate the romantic boutique hotels and exceptional dining. Families enjoy calm beaches, wildlife attractions and spacious villa accommodations. Divers continue returning year after year, while luxury travellers are discovering a growing collection of upscale resorts and wellness experiences.

The island also lends itself well to longer stays.

Unlike destinations centred exclusively around beach vacations, Curaçao rewards exploration. One day may be spent diving coral reefs, the next wandering Willemstad’s historic streets, followed by hiking national parks or discovering secluded beaches along the island’s western coast.

That diversity continues earning international recognition. Recent accolades naming Curaçao among the Caribbean’s top destinations reflect not only its natural beauty but also its successful evolution into one of the region’s most complete travel experiences.

Combined with significant investment in new hotels, expanding air access and a commitment to preserving its distinctive cultural identity, the island is entering a new chapter.

For more information about travel to Curaçao, see Curacao.com.

Lead image caption (clockwise from left): A beautiful stretch of Curaçao beach; Looking out to the beach from the lobby at soon-to-be-opened The Pyrmont Curaçao (rendering); The always photo-ready Handelskade in Willemstad