I showed up to De Dames in the morning already a little curious because I had seen it pop up a few times on Google, and I could tell right away why people talk about it. The whole place is colorful, open, and set up around a courtyard, so you’re basically sitting in this mix of indoor and outdoor space.
If you’re building out your list, this is an easy one to add—I break it down more in my 10 Best Things to Do in Curaçao (what I’d do again).
We grabbed a table and immediately noticed how much was going on visually. There’s color everywhere, different seating areas, and it has that slightly artsy look. It felt relaxed, but still put together enough that I actually wanted to sit and enjoy my breakfast instead of rushing through it.
Some tables get more sun than others. It can get warm depending on where you sit. Just something to pay attention to when you’re picking your spot.
I ordered the fruity French toast and didn’t even hesitate on that (sweets first, always). It came out exactly how I wanted it—fresh, a little sweet, and not overly heavy.
Brad ordered pancakes, bacon, hashbrowns, and a fresh juice so we had a mix of everything, which ended up being the right move here. Everything balanced out well and nothing felt like a throwaway side.
Save this for later on Pinterest so you don’t forget it.
I worked my way through everything on the table and kept going back to the French toast the most. The pancakes were solid, the bacon and hashbrowns helped balance out the sweeter stuff, and the juice was fresh and delicious.
The food did what it needed to do. It tasted good, portions were normal, and I left full, but it didn’t stand out the same way some other spots did. I kept thinking about meals I had at Number Ten and Hofi Cas Cora, and those stuck with me more.
If you’re comparing breakfast spots, Best Breakfast in Curaçao breaks down how these all stack up.
I made a reservation before going, and we walked right in without waiting, which I always appreciate when I have a full day planned and don’t want to waste time standing around for a table. There weren’t too many people there when we went though, so you could probably get away without one.
The crowd was a mix of locals and tourists, which I usually take as a good sign.
I looked at the bill after ordering everything and it felt pretty reasonable for Curaçao, especially for a sit-down breakfast in a setting like this. It didn’t feel overpriced for what we got.
I thought about where this fits on the island after leaving, and I wouldn’t drive across Curaçao just to eat here. If I was staying on the west side, I’d stay closer to that area instead.
If you’re already nearby or heading this direction, it makes sense to stop here. Renting a car makes this easier and helps you move around without relying on anything else.
I walked out thinking De Dames Curaçao is a really solid breakfast with a fun setup and good food. I’d come back if I was nearby and wanted something relaxed in a colorful setting.
If I only had time for one breakfast, I’d probably go somewhere else on my list first. But if you’re in the area and want something a little different visually, this still stacks (pancake pun ha) up.
Before planning your days, I’d also look at Where to Stay in Curaçao (Best Areas + Hotels) so you’re not driving back and forth more than you need to.
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. 🏜️
I flew @emirates economy to Dubai fully expecting to just survive the flight. We booked seats by the exit row — @bradplummer1 got the legroom (he’s 6’7”), I got a normal seat right next to him, and it saved us money over booking two extra-legroom seats. Smart trick if you’re traveling with someone who needs the extra space and you don’t.
The food alone earned this post. Warm chicken, a Waldorf salad that actually tasted fresh, real butter on the roll, and a breakfast spread that put most airport brunches to shame. Add in the twinkling-star cabin lighting once dinner wrapped, and it felt less like a flight and more like the trip had already started.
Not everything was perfect — the wifi didn’t work for me at all, so if you’re planning to get work done in the air, download what you need beforehand. But that was the only miss in an otherwise excellent long haul.
If you’ve got Emirates lounge access in Dubai, use it. Showers, buffets, quiet corners to nap it makes the layover feel like a reset instead of a slog.
Full review seats, food, lounge, and the wifi situation is on the blog. Link in bio. ✈️
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
