If you’re trying to find hidden gems in Curaçao, I went into it thinking I’d just hit the main beaches and call it a day, but that didn’t happen. I did a lot of research before the trip, found some local recommendations, and then kept asking people while I was there where they actually go. That’s how I ended up at smaller spots, random food stops, and places I didn’t plan that honestly made the trip better. These aren’t the big-name places, and that’s exactly why they stood out.
I booked my flight here and already knew I wanted flexibility once I landed, so I rented a car from the airport here. That ended up being the reason I even found most of these.
If you’re planning your trip, check out my Curaçao Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors so you have a full idea of how to map everything out.
I pulled into Director’s Bay, parked up top, and walked over to the edge before heading down. The view from above caught me off guard (and the iguana) right away, so I stood there for a second before even grabbing my stuff.
I took the stairs down, stepped onto the rocky beach, and was very glad I already had my water shoes on. Getting in was a little weird at first, but once I got past the rocks, the water cleared up fast and I started snorkeling immediately.
There were barely any people there, which made the whole thing feel completely different from Tugboat, and I kept thinking this was the better choice if you want space.
I drove toward Playa Lagun and almost missed the turn, then followed the road down into the cove. Once I parked, I could already see how calm the water was just from standing there.
I walked straight in with my snorkel gear and didn’t have to swim far to see anything, which made it feel very low effort in the best way. I looked up at the restaurants sitting above the beach and already knew I was getting food after (no debate there).
Save this for later on Pinterest so you don’t forget it.
I pulled up to Playa Jeremi, grabbed my stuff, and walked down without seeing much around. No rentals, no setup, nothing extra—just the beach.
I put my towel down, got in the water, and didn’t do much else besides swim and sit by the beach. It felt more like I stumbled into it instead of planning it, which made it feel more personal than the bigger beaches.
I parked near Playa Kalki, walked over with my water shoes already on, and headed straight into the water. Getting in was rocky again, but once I stepped past that part, it opened up quickly.
I started snorkeling right away, and I saw plenty just staying close to shore. I noticed the dive shop and restaurant nearby, which made it easy to stay longer without needing to move anywhere. There were people at the beach here but it was minimal compared to some of the other beaches I've been to earlier that day.
I showed up to Hofi Cas Cora in the morning, grabbed a table, and immediately noticed it wasn’t the usual restaurant setup we’d been going to. It’s set on a farm, and it actually felt like it—quiet, open, and not filled with tourists. I ordered breakfast, and everything that came out was really fresh and so good. It felt like a reset from beach hopping and resort meals.
If you want more spots like this, check out my Best Breakfast in Curaçao.
I drove up to Fort Nassau later in the evening and timed it right as the sun started dropping. I grabbed a table overlooking Willemstad. Once the city lights came on, the whole view shifted again, and I stayed through dinner and enjoyed the city lights. Between the view, the food, and the setting, it turned into a full night.
If you want to stay nearby, I’d look at hotels in Willemstad here so you’re close to this area.
I had no idea that Punda on a Thursday night turned into all of that, so I just followed the music. Streets were blocked off, people were dancing, and everything stayed open later than usual.
I moved through different areas, grabbed food from a vendor, and kept walking to see what was next. It gets crowded, so going earlier helped, and having cash made things easier for smaller vendors.
I wore comfortable shoes, which I was very glad about after walking around all night.
I stopped at Playa Forti during a beach day on that side of the island and immediately saw people jumping off the cliff.
I grabbed a table at the restaurant, ordered lunch, and watched it all happen while I ate (dinner and a show… just with more adrenaline). It’s not hidden, but it’s fun to add in if you’re already nearby.
If you want to plan this day better, see my West Side Beach Hopping in Curaçao guide.
I kept finding smaller spots in Curaçao just by driving around and stopping when something looked interesting. Most of them weren’t even places I had planned ahead of time.
I didn’t go out of my way for any of it—I just followed what looked good and went. That’s what made the trip feel like I actually saw the island.
There are two kinds of travelers: people who plan a trip and then figure out where to eat, and people who book a restaurant and then build the rest of the itinerary around it.I am the second kind. I will not apologize for this.
The reservation gets locked in first. The hotel search happens within the same 24 hours. The flights get compared around the restaurant’s hours of operation. The rest of the trip exists to fill the days before and after the table I actually came for.
If this sounds unhinged, I completely understand. It has also resulted in some of the best meals of my life, so I’m going to keep doing it.
Drop a 🍽️ if you plan your trips around food too.
Let’s talk about when to actually book that Dubai trip you’ve been pinning for two years. I get asked this constantly, so here’s the honest breakdown: October through April is your window. Anything outside that and you’re basically touring in a sauna!
October and November give you warm days and cooler nights, which is basically the sweet spot for wandering around without melting. December through February is peak season: gorgeous weather. March and April are the quiet insider pick, right before summer heat shows up and ruins everyone’s plans.
Saving this for later? That’s what it’s here for. Full breakdown linked in bio.
If you’re chasing energy, beaches, nightlife, and nonstop luxury, Dubai takes the crown. If you’re craving culture, iconic architecture, and meaningful landmarks at a slower pace, Abu Dhabi shines.🤍
My advice? Base yourself in Dubai and do Abu Dhabi as a day trip! The perfect balance of excitement and culture in the UAE.
Want the full breakdown? Check out my Dubai and Abu Dhabi guide for tips, itineraries, and must-sees!
I do not like seafood. 🐟 So when I booked a tasting menu at a restaurant built around aquarium walls at Atlantis The Palm, I was nervous.
Ossiano sits underwater fish gliding past the whole meal, moody lighting, the kind of room that makes you lower your voice without meaning to. It’s not cheap, and it’s not trying to be. You’re paying for the entire experience.
Here’s the honest part: they have a vegetarian tasting menu, and I assumed it would be an afterthought. It ended up in my top five meals of all time. Course after course, the same care and precision as the seafood-forward menu everyone comes for. They even swapped in a steak for the main and it still felt cohesive with everything around it.
By course four you’re full. They bring out three more breads anyway. I ate all of it. No regrets.
Small detail that stuck with me my dress was black, so they swapped my napkin from white to black without me asking. That’s the kind of thing that tells you everything about a place.
Full breakdown of the menu, the vegetarian option, and what to expect linked in bio.
Dubai is all skyline until you drive an hour into the dunes and it goes completely silent. Bab Al Shams was that shift for us: slower, quieter, more intentional than anything we did in the city.
If you want nightlife or walkable everything, this isn’t your stop. But if you want a night that feels like a reset, it delivers, polished service, food I’m still thinking about, and a setting that never tries too hard.
Full review (and whether it’s worth adding to your Dubai itinerary) is linked in bio. 🏜️
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
