Ah . . . the seduction of a getaway in an exotic location. Second home sales have begun to gather momentum again as buyers recognize that prices have never been better. Due to its relatively recent emergence on the second home market radar, Curacao is one of the best-kept getaway secrets in the Caribbean. Its location off the coast of Venezuela suggests it is a part of South America, but this gorgeous transcontinental island is actually one of the five island territories that comprise the Netherlands Antilles. Curacao is a culturally rich, polyglot society – a veritable melting pot of ethnicities. Most residents speak many languages including the native creole Papiamentu, which derived from Portugese, as well as Dutch, Spanish and English. The history and culture of this island territory is most evident in Willemstad, a world-class capital and port city and a United Nations Heritage Site. There are some 750 historic buildings in Willemstad which merit preservation, including the Mikve Israel – Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest synagogue still standing that has been continuously used for religious services. Built in 1730 by a Sephardic Jewish community that had relocated to Curacao from Amsterdam, the structure’s simple sand floor contrasts sharply with the regally appointed sanctuary accentuated by huge brass chandeliers and candelabras.
Willemstad Harbor
But Curacao has more than history to offer. It is, perhaps one of the best-known deep-sea fishing and reef diving venues in the world with more than 60 locations for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island’s coastline is diverse and features many bays and inlets, most of which are suitable for mooring. And Willemstad offers more than 200 shops, restaurants, casinos and nightlife spots in its historic downtown. One of the most recent developments on the island has been the construction of the five-star Hyatt Regency Curacao, which is located within the island’s newest resort community, Santa Barbara Plantation. The 350-room property is accepting reservations beginning April 20, 2010. The 1,500-acre Santa Barbara Plantation is surrounded on three sides by the Caribbean and boasts a full service marina and “Old Quarry,” an 18-hole Pete Dye golf course.
