Postcard from Curaçao: What Happens When You Mix a 25-Year Marriage with a Dive Tank

Willemstad isn't a place that shouts. It hums — bright-painted, sun-bleached, slow, and steady. Exactly the kind of island where you'd expect to unwind… unless you're me and Chris.

We came to Curaçao to celebrate twenty-five years of marriage. Naturally, that meant strapping on scuba tanks, trekking through national parks, and eating our way across the island like it was part of my job — because it kind of is. Every trip doubles as research for my Stay Balanced Travel clients. We test the good stuff, skip the tourist traps, and find the experiences worth repeating.

Where We Stayed: LionsDive Beach Resort

We checked into LionsDive Beach Resort, perched perfectly on Mambo Beach — close enough to nightlife, but just far enough away that you can still hear yourself think. We booked a beachfront cabana, and every morning started with the same soft rhythm: waves nudging the sand awake.

LionsDive is one of those rare resorts that gets the balance right. It's big enough for great amenities — four restaurants, a spa, and a 50-meter pool Olympic swimmers actually train in — but small enough that the bartender remembers your margarita order.

It's also versatile. Great for families with kids, couples who want downtime, or a group of friends looking to blend beach with adventure. Mimi, the general manager, runs it like a pro — the service is friendly but never fake, and yes, the Wi-Fi actually reaches the beach (handy when your "vacation" is also a working inspection).

We skipped the resort meal plan and ate around Mambo Beach instead — plenty of good spots to choose from. If you want variety and a taste of local life, that's the move.

And for clients wondering if Curaçao is accessible: it is. LionsDive has thoughtful design features that work for wheelchairs without looking like hospital equipment. Functional and stylish — imagine that.

First Impressions and First Dinners

We landed midafternoon, checked in, and headed straight to Olas y Copas for dinner. Janet, our bartender, mixed up the best Blue Curaçao cocktail I've ever had, and the owner, Diego, walked us through the catch of the day like he'd just pulled it from the ocean (he might have).

It's the kind of spot that hits that perfect note — relaxed but intentional—linen shirts, not tuxedos. The ceviche had a little kick, the breeze did the rest, and the whole evening felt like the island easing into conversation.

The next night, we switched it up with cocktails and dinner at Soi95. Get the Gin-go! — whiskey, lime, and mango — trust me, it works. We tried four small plates that leaned Asian with a hint of Indian curry and French technique. It's creative, casual, and worth a repeat visit.

Underwater Lessons with Ocean Encounters

Monday was for adventure. We kicked off our Discover Scuba Diving course with Ocean Encounters, led by our instructor, Sunny. She ran us through the basics on land, helped us get comfortable in the shallows, and then guided us out to the reef. I'll be honest — I was nervous at first. Breathing underwater is not exactly natural. But Sunny was calm and patient, and within minutes, I stopped fighting it and started noticing the world below me.

If you've never heard true silence, go fifteen feet down in Curaçao. The noise disappears, the colors deepen, and the whole world slows down.

Chris took to it like a pro — exploring coral heads that looked like underwater cathedrals. I focused on steady breathing and not thinking about sharks. (Spoiler: there aren't any that care about you. They've got better things to do.)

The Dolphin Moment

Tuesday brought one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had — the Lagoon Dolphin Dive. We spent half an hour underwater with two dolphins, Rentina and Serena, who were every bit as playful as you'd hope. They spun, nudged, and let us pet them after each trick.

It's a small, guided group — ours was private, just the two of us — and feels personal, not staged. If you've ever wanted that "bucket-list" moment without the stress of getting certified, this is the one. Equal parts safe and surreal, and yes, the grin under your mask is genuine.

Into the Wild

Wednesday, we traded our fins for hiking shoes and headed west to Shete Boka National Park, where the sea doesn't whisper — it roars. Waves at Boka Pistol slammed into the cliffs, throwing mist so high it looked like diamonds in the air. It's the kind of place that makes you quiet — nature showing off without needing an audience.

We stopped for lunch at Blue View Restaurant in Westpunt, perched right over the ocean. Tables hang above the turquoise water while fishermen grill their morning catch just below. The view's not a metaphor — it's blue, everywhere you look—one of those meals where you stop talking halfway through to take it all in.

We lingered to watch a few brave divers jump from the rocks before heading back toward Willemstad — sunburned, salty, and perfectly content.

Cultural Currents: Downtown Willemstad & Chobolobo

Thursday was for culture. We started the afternoon at Landhuis Chobolobo, home of the original Blue Curaçao Liqueur. The self-guided tour is quick, free, and surprisingly fascinating. You'll leave knowing a bit about the island's Jewish heritage — and with a stronger appreciation for what's actually in your cocktail.

We spent midday exploring downtown Willemstad, where color is basically a way of life. Pastel facades, the Queen Emma swinging bridge, and local art shops tucked into every corner.

We grabbed lunch at La Bohème Café, and if you go, order the chicken curry arepas — trust me, they're not optional. After that, we wandered through the art district, popped into boutiques, and stopped by the Lionfish Art Studio, where locals turn an environmental problem into art.

The invasive lionfish species threatens Curaçao's reefs, so local artists hunt them, then transform their fins and spines into stunning jewelry and décor. It's sustainability meets creativity — and a great story to take home.

What We Learned About Travel (and Each Other)

After twenty-five years, marriage and travel have a lot in common — mostly the part about adapting when things don't go as planned.

Case in point: Chris got swimmer's ear halfway through the week. So Thursday morning, we made a pit stop at the local urgent care near the airport (great service, by the way) before continuing our day.

Medical detours, wrong turns, dead batteries — they're all part of the story. Curaçao reminded us that luxury isn't about chandeliers or thread count. It's about time — time to linger over coffee, dive a little slower, and see your partner not as your co-pilot but as the person who still makes you laugh at airport security.

Takeaways for Our Travel Tribe

If you're planning a Caribbean trip, here's what Curaçao taught us:

Skip the cookie-cutter all-inclusive. Curaçao rewards curiosity — boutique hotels, local dining, and guided adventures.
Add one skill-based experience. A dive, a cooking class, a guided hike — learn something new. It deepens the trip.
Balance freedom with framework. Plan the bones of your trip, but leave space for spontaneity. That's where the good stuff happens.

We came home salt-skinned, sun-tired, and lighter in every sense of the word. Proof that the best trips don't just move you somewhere new — they hand you back to yourself, a little better than before.

If you're ready for your next adventure, click here to schedule a vacation call/Zoom so we can guide you on your next bucket-list getaway!