Aruba & Curaçao: Island Hopping in the ABC's

The ABC Islands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, are lovingly referred to; each island is fairly unique from the others, though a great holiday might be touching down on each of them for a bit of what they offer. Though they have a strong connection to the Netherlands, their proximity to South America ensures these Caribbean islands are truly multi-cultural.

I loved the culture, color, and vibe of Curaçao and stayed at the breathtaking, romantic, and truly spectacular Baoase Resort. This family-owned and run property offers top, bespoke service, outstanding culinary services, and a really stunning setting. A must for many of my clients seeking the unique! Aruba is known for some of the world’s prettiest beaches. Here, I visited the adults-only and wonderful family-run Bucutti and Tara Resort and the sparkling Ritz-Carlton Aruba Resort & Casino. Easy puddle-jumper flights are offered between islands, making this a perfect archipelago from which to island-hop.

Curaçao

Baose Luxury Resort

Baoase is one of those special places where if you know, you know, and if you go, it is so much more than you expect! A Balinese-inspired, family-fun, all-villa retreat that caters to relaxation-seekers and guests who place high value on an outstanding gastronomic offering!!

The resort is built around a protected private lagoon, with each villa offering maximum privacy and romance. Wondering through the resort feels calm but chic, with an incredibly attentive service where no request is too much! This is barefoot luxury at its best!

Each villa, suite, and room is uniquely designed and has its own layout, so getting the best room for you may require a discussion, as some have pools, others hot tubs, many have ultimate privacy within a personal courtyard, and others might have an ocean view or a rooftop sitting area.

Multi-bedroom pool villas are perfect for couples, groups of friends, or families.

Baoase’s Superior Beachfront Pool Suites are considered the most romantic, luxurious escape for two. Wake up to the sight of your private beach and infinity pool with a spectacular ocean view. The tropical oases have a spacious ensuite outdoor bathroom with a handcrafted stone bath, rain shower, and direct access to the beach or whirlpool. The two patios with sun loungers and outdoor sitting areas are the ultimate spot to end a day in paradise. The suites have hardwood floors and high colonial ceilings, making it a luxurious personal oasis to relax and unwind.

I was lucky enough to be in the Superior Beachfront Pool Suite. It pays to be the birthday girl and I was certainly spoiled!

The lovely team members that tended to every detail of the guests experience were simply delightful!

I tend to get pretty excited when resort food is exceptional, and I will confidently say that the gastronomy offered at Boase is one of the top highlights of a stay here. Creative, delicious, fresh, and carefully prepared food and handcrafted cocktails are some of the very best offered in the Caribbean! The staff here is fantastic and clearly aims to please.

Curaçao itself is a charming destination with the capital Willemstad offering colorful architecture, and artsy vibe, fun shops and bars, and even a floating market.

Curaçao harbors one of the most multifaceted cultures in the Caribbean, thanks to its long, varied history and its close proximity to South America. Initially settled by the Arawaks nearly 6000 years ago, the island came under Spanish rule in the early 16th century, but it was abandoned because of its perceived lack of riches. The Dutch West India Company picked up where the Spanish left off, and Curaçao became a major hub for the slave trade.

In the mid-1600s, large numbers of Jewish refugees settled in Curaçao to escape the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions. The island was later shuffled back and forth between the Dutch and the British Empire before the Netherlands finally claimed ownership in 1815. Today, Curaçao exists as an independent state, but citizens carry Dutch passports.

It’s not uncommon to hear Curaçaoans ping pong between languages, as most people speak multiple languages: Dutch, Spanish, Papiamentu (the local creole), and English. These diverse cultural influences also manifest in the country’s music – radios blast bachata, reggaetón, American pop, tumba, and ritmo kombina, the island’s own genre of tunes.

In Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad, you’ll find a larger-than-life installation spelling out the local expression dushi, meaning “sweet” or “nice.” It’s safe to say that the word has become the island’s unofficial slogan, so grab a drink and enjoy the dushi island life!

Saying goodbye to this all-start team was not easy after such an indulgent and relaxing escape!

Aruba

As Delta had not started their nonstop when I traveled to Curaçao, I flew nonstop instead into Aruba and took advantage of my layover to see two of the hotels I recommend to my clients here.

Bucuti & Tara

This 4-star family-owned and managed property is impeccably run, and I was blown away by the care and comfort the indulgent staff put into my stay here. Sitting on one of the most stunning beaches of Aruba, the romantic adults-only property is an excellent choice for honeymooners, divers, or couples wanting a superb experience and an excellent value. I can’t say enough about the owner’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and conservation and how well-trained the staff is to ensure guests are very well looked after! I highly recommend this option!

I stayed on the Tara side of the resort which is a bit more upscale with larger accommodations. My room had a direct walk out to the stunning beach.

The Ritz-Carlton Resort and Casino, Aruba

For those seeking a full fledged resort with all of the amenities, multiple restaurants, and a casino, The Ritz-Carlton Resort and Casino, Aruba, is in excellent condition and also an excellent option for guests staying on the island.