When I told my bff that I would be visiting Curaçao last October at the same time that she would be there for work, she insisted I stay with her in her condo at Palapa Beach Resort, her family’s hotel. Knowing about this project from when we were little girls I was more than happy to accept this generous offer. How could I resist? After all I had spent most of my youth looking at the plans, which her dad had hanging on his office wall way before the first block was ever laid.
A whole week in an ocean front condo just us girls? No husbands, no pets and no kids? Woohoo! Let the shenanigans begin, or so we thought. Truth is we were in bed by 9pm binge watching Suits most nights. Not that we minded at all. The condo was nicely decorated and so extremely comfortable and enjoyable that it would be a sin not to spend every waking (and sleeping) hour inside its four walls. Well actually it was more like three walls and large sliding doors overlooking the ocean on one side.
Palapa Beach Resort Curaçao is located on the Caracasbaai beach, a rather popular stretch of beach on the island. Popular mostly with locals who would barbecue and picnic here on weekends and holidays. It is also the preferred spot to do some running and jogging. Not that I felt the need. Hey, I was on vacation. There would be no running or jogging of any kind for me unless it was to Pop’s restaurant down the beach. Pop’s by the way has the best local food I have had in a while. But more about Pop’s in my next post.
My bestie would be out of the apartment by 8am every morning leaving me to explore every square inch of the property. Well actually the exploring was done in about 30 minutes given the intimate size of it, which to me only added to the charm of it all. It was also very tranquil. The only sound one can hear while walking around were the waves crashing on the beach in the back of the resort. This sound can be heard from practically anywhere on the property.
I spent quite some time lounging by the pool under the palapa cabanas. The pool overlooks the marina and the small Caracasbaai bay. You can spend early mornings watching the fishing boats leave the bay on their weekly runs to catch fish like Mahi-Mahi and Red Snapper. The stretch of beach behind the resort makes a nice change of scenery after a morning at the pool. Like most beaches on Curaçao, the Caracasbaai beach can be a little rocky but to me this was not an issue and I took several dips in the refreshing water.
I was in an exploring mood one day and decided to hike up to the nearby ruins of the old Beekenburg Fort, a fort built in 1703 to defend the Spanish Water bay from intruders and pirates. Not too far from the fort, up in the hills lies the old quarantine station that was used to house seamen on ships with infectious diseases on board. See my Curaçao Unknown post for more pictures. It is a truly beautiful hike with lots to see. I definitely recommend it.
The nearby Jan Tiel area offers great nightlife choices, nice restaurants as well as the popular Dutch supermarket chain Albert Hein. In other words there is plenty to do in the area around the resort. Like I said we spent most of our time inside the condo but had quite some fun on the few occasions we did venture outside of the resort walls. On Sundays there is a food truck that parks up right by the resort gate. It offers the most delicious grilled food like sausage, ribs, chicken and more. I’m a semi-vegetarian and only eat fish and chicken. My friends call it being obnoxious. The truck offered plenty that even my picky ass could enjoy. Try the peanut sauce and avoid ordering a large portion unless you want to feed a family of 4.
My friend is in Curaçao while I’m writing this post and just sent me a “wish you were here” text. How I wish I could be there too. I had an awesome stay watching tv, sleeping in, taking long baths in the jacuzzi, swimming in the pool, lounging on the beach or just exploring the area. I could not ask for a more relaxing stay. I give the Palapa Beach Resort two thumbs up. But don’t take my word for it, try it out for yourself and let me know your thoughts. Contact the ever smiling and pleasant Meomi in the office, tell her I sent you and take advantage of the Traveling Island Girl discount on weekly rentals. You see, I take care of my readers.
Email booking@palapacuracao.com or call Meomi and the rest of the Palapa gang at +5999 515 0090. Don’t forget to mention this blog to take advantage of the special discount. Note though that this discount will not last forever.
For questions on what to do while in Curaçao, more info on this property or if you would like your product, service or property to be reviewed by yours truly, contact me here.
Don’t forget to live, laugh and travel.
Much <3,
The Traveling Island Girl
