Really enjoyed our vacation in Curacao. Did my first night dive with David from Sol Food and Scubaboard member dragonhd. Also did my deepest dive to date 104 feet; just because I could; also with David from Sol Food a lot like 60 feet except less light. The shore diving was great with easy swims to corals and a nice array of sea life. No jellies encountered during my stay. We saw the largest school (pod) of squid in about 5 feet of water one day.
Lodge Kura Hulanda is very plush and green and upscale. They were very attentive to the guests needs, fresh towels were available at the front desk so wet beach towels were never an issue. The rooms were very clean and the grounds extremely well kept. The diving right at the Lodge beach was excellent; we found the seahorses. The atmosphere was very European and laid back; food was excellent. Meal time was very leisurely and not in any way rushed; including the fact that you usually had to ask for the bill. They would let you enjoy your conversation after a meal for as long as you would like. So, as a typical American (always in a rush) be prepared to "enter island time" and enjoy it for what it is, the style of a different culture and apparently meals are not to be rushed. We had breakfast in our room. A 15k run down the road to the local grocery to get coffee and food. The ocean front suite we had came with coffee maker, but no coffee. We were surprised by the lack of coffee in the room; of course you can get coffee at the restaurant. The only other issue I would mention is that the bed was basic; at this price point pillow top beds were expected. We ate all of the meals we could at Sol Food it was excellent and David and SunShine were great guides to the island; full of wonderful information and driving directions.
With rental car in hand travel around the island is easy enough except for the sparse signage; especially on secondary roads. Everyone we met was friendly and most understood English. Ocean Encounters West was a great, and easy to work with. We did three boat dives with them and the rest of the time we enjoyed unlimited shore diving. They close at 5 PM, so night dives require planning to move your gear from OEW to Lodge lockers a short walk away at the snack bar. As the sun has faded quit a bit by 5PM, you are done for the day anyways. It was dark by 7PM, strange being from the Mid-Atlantic were it was light out till 9 PM.
Lizards are everywere and kind of entertaining to watch. They like small pieces of lettuce and tomato, throw some out and the races begin; as the smaller ones have to be quicker or go hungry.
Apparently petty theft and vandalism of automobiles is quite the issue so we were warned by several locals not to leave anything inside the car; not even the trunk. Also the amount of roadside litter is depressing. But those were the only two issues that were a negative on the trip.
Lastly bring Cash, the local gas stations DO NOT take US credit cards. The Lodge had no issue with taking credit cards. US dollars are taken almost everywere. Your buying power is about $0.60 US to the Guilder and most places, Lodge included added 12% service charge plus 5% tax to every thing; so, no real reason to leave a tip in addition to the service charge unless you felt it was earned.
Please enjoy the pictures and ask any question you may have. We would definitly go back. That is all for now, Jim and Robin