Places to stay and activites for non-divers on Curacao

[kfilly]

Hi everyone,

I have a few questions about Curacao. I am planning a trip to Curacao next January, and I am wondering what is a good all-inclusive resort on the island. All-inclusive is needed because of non-diving people I will be traveling with. I was also wondering what types of land based activities are available for non-divers.

Thanks in advance,

Kfilly

 

[darook]

I have stayed at the new Hyatt and thought it was perfect if you had non-divers with you. I believe they will do an all inclusive package as well. It is a wonderful resort with a Pete Dye golf course, clay tennis courts, and a spa. The dining options there were fantastic. The dive op is Ocean Encounters and liked them. You can search my trip report from last October here.

 

[RJP]

My non-diving wife and non-diving kids love the Marriott. Not "all inclusive" in the sense of a Breezes/Beaches/Sandals however, if that's what you're looking for.

 

[diversteve]

The only full AI resort that I'm aware of is Breezes in east Willemstad. Lodge Kura Hulanda in Westpunt sort of is due to the distance from anything else. But it's a 45min. drive to civilization from there. But they only include a breakfast buffet in their package deals afaik.

http://www.curacao.com/Attractions-and-Restaurants

Shopping downtown - including the floating bridge.

bringing kids?:

The Seaquarium
The Ostrich Farm

You can do a combo snorkel/beach/dive trip to Klein Curacao.
There's at least a dozen casinos and several nightclubs.
Many nice beaches - Porto Mari is one for the family and you can dive there.

The official Curacao Travel site:
Curacao Travel- Caribbean, Curacao, Dutch Caribbean

+1 for the Marriott Beach Resort and Emerald Casino - (there's also a Renaissance downtown). Nice beach, small casino, a couple of bars, we had a nice meal there beach side one night.

 

[curious2dive]

Hi Kfilly,

Breezes the only all inclusive resort. Close by youl lfind Adventure city (for kids) just opened and the Curacao sea aquarium with e.g dolphin attractions.
For diving you can choose to dive with their dive op or dive with another dive operator. If the rest of fam do snorkel you can combine snorkling and diving.

Activities there are plenty, Ostrich farm, Aloe Vera plantation, Restaurants, shopping and look at Curacao Travel- Caribbean, Curacao, Dutch Caribbean the website of the Tourist Board with lots of information.

Information about client-reviews of Dive operators you can also find at Scubadviser.com.

If you want more information we can help.

Wish you happy vacation and dive planning.

 

[WicketsMom]

We are going to Breezes next week and will let you know how it is. We are traveling with a couple of non-divers in our group, and taking my 4-year old son as well (which is why we chose the all-inclusive this time).

What is Adventure City? I have not heard of that. We are planning a trip to the Ostrich Farm and Seaquarium, and may try and get my son on the Atlantis (preferably while we dive nearby if that is possible).

 

[curious2dive]

Hi Wicketsmum,

Adventure city is a complete gameroom with all kind of games. Video but also the easy one like bumpcars etc. A kind of fair (kermis). It's just across the road of the Breezes.
It's possible to dive nearby, but the atlantis, I suppose you mean the underwater experience is 1,5 hours. Diving will take at least the same time.

But we have all kind of shore entries and possibilities. You're free to contact us fo additional information.

Happy holiday planning.

 

[kfilly]

Hey Everyone,

I wanted to thank everyone for the feedback. I am planning on getting married in Curacao. I know that I did not mention that in my initial post. As for the group I will be traveling with, some people will not dive some will do some diving. I know some people will just want to relax around a pool. I am unsure as of yet if there will be children going or not because it depends upon who can afford to make the trip. It has been great to hear about all kinds of activities. My fiance' and I decided to go to an all-inclusive as people can more or less do what they want. Curacao is somewhere different to go, and it sounds like a beautiful place to get a break from the wrath of a Wisconsin winter.

WicketsMom, I would also like to hear feedback about the resort. Pro's/Con's you name it. Thanks in advance for getting back to me.

Keith

 

[kfilly]

I also forgot to add that I have checked on trip TripAdvisor. It is good to see people mention some of the activities that are recommended on that site.

Keith

 

[kfilly]

Hi WicketsMom,

I was just checking on a thread I had started on Scubaboard a little bit ago. You mentioned you would provide feedback on the Breezes Resort in Curacao. I was just curious as to how it was. Well, I hope you had a great time during your vacation!

Thanks again for getting back to me,

Keith