Willemstad, Curaçao

 out of 3  reviews

Related Listings

Write a review (Willemstad)

You must be logged in to post a comment.

 out of 3 reviews
Things To Do
Adventure
History
Affordability
Relaxation
Local Food
Romance
Nightlife
Traveling While Black

3 Reviews

  1. author
    S Whit
    28 Sep 2025
    Rating
    Traveling While Black
    Things To Do
    Adventure
    History
    Affordability
    Relaxation
    Local Food
    Romance
    Nightlife
    Traveling While Black

    I went for my 40th birthday celebration and stayed at Sandals Curaçao. We were a travel group of six. I previously stayed at a Sandals in St. Lucia and loved it so booked two more trips the following year.

    Considering this country has people that look like us, I did NOT expect the experience we had. Colorism is alive and well in Curaçao. We had multiple incidents both on the Sandals property and out and about around the island where workers ignored us and didn’t give us service. It was so noticeable, even a white couple called a worker out for the blatant disrespect.

    Given the thousands of dollars we spent as a group, I cannot recommend this as a vacation destination. We even ran into another couple in the airport and asked their opinion and it was the same. My husband (lighter skinned) for fairly better treatment overall, and noticed how many staff members flat out ignored me. Not all the workers were bad, but enough for me to never return.

    There are so many other islands that will treat us like kings and queens. Bypass Curaçao when choosing your next destination.

  2. Stanyetta
    Stanyetta
    25 Aug 2025
    Rating
    Traveling While Black
    Things To Do
    Adventure
    History
    Affordability
    Relaxation
    Local Food
    Romance
    Nightlife
    Traveling While Black

    Well, first and foremost, Curaçao, is one of the most safest countries that you can travel to as a black solo traveler. I stayed about 15 minutes outside of the main city in an Airbnb that had stunning views from my balcony. Grand Sun Valley Residences, Mr. Edmiro was very warm and welcoming. He gave me dad vibes. He knew that I was there traveling by myself. He checked on me every day. He gave me a list of places to try and if there was something that I wanted to do that wasn’t on the list. I could call on him to ask if it was an OK spot to indulge in. The island is so beautiful and very underrated most people travel to its sister Aruba. The cuisine is unique I ate things from ceviche to red snapper to their signature dishes tutu, pastechi, arepas, papaya stoba, and keshi yena. The main city is very colorful and the residencies and businesses are painted beautifully with murals so please don’t hesitate to walk around the neighborhoods and take plenty of pictures of those, trust me the neighbors are very friendly. Places to check out while they’re definitely Mambo Beach, Kokomo Beach, the aquarium, Van Gogh specialty coffee shop, Ginger’s, Plaza Bleu, Boki Sami Beach, and the Kura Hulanda Village and Museum. Honestly, you can just pick a different part of the city every day and just explore.

  3. author
    Chelsie ✨
    30 Mar 2025
    Rating
    Local Food
    Things To Do
    Adventure
    History
    Affordability
    Relaxation
    Local Food
    Romance
    Nightlife
    Traveling While Black

    I traveled here with my mom and aunt — so three generations. All of us enjoyed the island. We stayed at an Airbnb and kicked of the trip perfectly from the host company. We stayed in Jan Thiel, which was residential and quiet. We went to several beaches and restaurants and enjoyed our experience for the most part. Museum Kura Hulanda, the slavery museum, was worth the visit! And our favorite beaches were Grote Knip and Mambo. In terms of restaurants, had a hiccup at Ocean 19 in Willemstad. The food was undercooked, and when we pointed it out, we were treated coldly. It’s only good for views of the sea, so I recommend drinks only if anything. Our food experience quickly turned around when we went to Plaza Bieu our last day. We ate at Amor y Sabor and the food and service was top-tier. Overall wonderful experience in Curacao. I’ll definitely be back!

No comment found