Follow along Ralph Albus to explore his home country of Curaçao, a tropical haven filled with sunny temperatures, remarkable beaches and rich cultural history. Nestled just north of the Venezuelan coast is Curaçao, a relaxing island refuge from the...
Follow along Ralph Albus to explore his home country of Curaçao, a tropical haven filled with sunny temperatures, remarkable beaches and rich cultural history.
Nestled just north of the Venezuelan coast is Curaçao, a relaxing island refuge from the everyday hustle and bustle.
Although Ralph Albus, a proud Curaçaoan and Corporate Communications Director at Delta, left behind the sunny beaches upon relocating to the Netherlands as a young boy, he can’t help but be drawn to the island where his family’s roots are firmly grounded.
Follow along as Ralph shares travel advice about the beloved island he calls home.
WEATHERING THE ISLAND
Located within the lower region of the Lesser Antilles Island cluster, Curaçao is only 12 degrees north of the Equator. This gives the Dutch Caribbean Island the great advantage of having temperatures in the 80s year-round.
“During the winter months, it’s the perfect escape to wind down, relax and get some sun,” Ralph adds.
Curaçao stands out as a year-round destination, distinguished by its location outside the hurricane belt. This unique positioning also ensures consistently clear conditions for diving and snorkeling adventures.
Even though the most popular time to visit is from December to April, visiting from May to November offers a more tranquil experience without the crowds. Additionally, hotel rates are lower during this season.
THINGS TO DO
Curaçao is a playground for the explorer that enjoys a trip off the beaten path. With so many activities and sights to see, Ralph recommends the following:
Visit the capital: Willemstad, Curaçao's capital, has beautiful architecture along the waterfront. This UNESCO site, with vibrant colonial era houses, is a picturesque maze of shops, cafes and other cultural gems. It’s perfect for exploring the island's rich history.
Tour the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel synagogue: Step into a captivating fusion of ancient Jewish heritage and timeless Caribbean charm. This place of worship, dating back to the 17th century, proudly claims the title of the oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.
Bask in the sun by the beach: Curaçao is home to some of the most vibrant beachfront environments, perfect for diving and snorkeling. Ralph’s personal favorites include Cas Abou Beach, Playa Lagun and Kleine Knip, all of which have stunning turquoise waters and scenic views.
Make a trip to Rif Fort: This early 19th century fortress located at the entrance of St. Anna Bay in Willemstad is one of Curaçao’s most recognizable sites. The UNESCO site once defended the island against pirates, as its coral walls once held an arsenal of 56 cannons. It currently stands as a cultural center, with plenty of restaurants and shops.
Also, Ralph recommends taking a piece of Curaçao's spirit home with you by grabbing a bottle of Blue Curaçao liquor. It is made from the peels of the lahara fruit, a citrusy cousin of the oranges native to the island.
DISCOVER LOCAL EATERIES
Exploring the island’s rich cuisine delivers unique, delectable gastronomy. Ralph’s personal favorites, both conveniently located in Willemstad, include:
Gouverneur de Rouville: Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this restaurant specializes in local cuisine.
Kome: This restaurant sources locally grown ingredients to ensure a fresh taste with every bite. With a daily rotating menu and outside seating complete with a terrace, Kome is sure to not disappoint.
GETTING THERE WITH DELTA
Delta has re-launched service to Curaçao, providing Saturday-only service from Atlanta to the island for the first time since 2010. By unveiling this new route in conjunction with its largest-ever holiday schedule, the airline continues to cater to winter season demand across Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Flights to Curaçao will operate on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, featuring First Class, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin. Customers can look forward to fast, free Wi-Fi available on nearly all of Delta’s narrow-body mainline aircraft, as well as a range of in-flight entertainment options including complimentary access to Delta Studio, with over 1,000 hours of on-demand entertainment.
For more information about the flight schedule and to book flights, please visit delta.com.
