Wife and I are looking for a warm getaway in Jan/Feb. Has anyone been? What was your experience? Recommendations?

Curacao is a favorite for my clients. Are you looking for an all inclusive or non-all inclusive resort and experience. I'm a travel agency owner and specialize in Caribbean travel. My contact info is in my bio if you would like to reach out

We went a few years ago and stayed at Sandals. We were underwhelmed and likely not go back.

Crowded city, lack of beach, cruise ships, etc.

Perhaps a different location would have changed our mind.

We went ten years ago and stayed at curaao sunscape. We loved curaao but haven't been back so not sure if it's changed since then. We did Aruba on that same trip and liked curaao much better (and it was cheaper). Did the honeymoon suite/presidential room or whatever the one is with the big balcony that directly overlooks the water. The view was great and I think it gives you access to a separate beach area if you want it. It's not a huge hotel so it never seemed that crowded. Can dive right off the pier at the hotel. There is a beach but it's a rock beach (everywhere in curaao may be a rock beach, not sure about that). The drive out to the hotel from the airport had us wondering if we picked a bad hotel, but we loved it once we got there.

I'm sure there are bigger places that may have more of a party atmosphere and a little more to the hotel if that's what you are looking for. Or maybe others have a slightly better location.

I've always thought it would be a good place for a dive trip. Westpunt is where the best diving is, but you've got to get an apartment and cook your own meals. I don't want to do that.

I could stay downtown at Lions Dive. I've heard it is good. But for diving, I might as well just go to Bonaire again. And there is a non-stop flight from IAH to Bonaire.

It just seems like it is not high on my list.

We got back last Saturday from Curacao. We initially booked Sunscape and spent less than 12 hours there. Once we arrived it was in such bad shape (I took pictures in order to dispute with my CC company if Hyatt denies my refund) that we decided to find another spot and went to the Marriott Beach resort. The food at Sunscape was awful. Not even up to 'meh' all inclusive standards. Just sad and below basic food.

We had an amazing time once at the Marriott. Staff were awesome, rooms were nice and clean, and the beach/pools/food were great.

#1 tip is to rent a car. Taxis are $15-30 one way. We rented a car and drove to Willemstad every day, found some awesome beaches and explored the island.

***best restaurant in Willemstad is Kome. Go on Wednesday evening for their tapas menu! And then go back for their regular menu another night. Ask for waitress Kelli and you'll have some of the best food and time of the trip!

Top beaches:
Grote Knip: chair rental is $5/chair and there is snorkel rental on site for $5.
Playa Porto Marie beach is where the wild pigs are. Nice beach and cheap chair rental $3 with a ful service bar/restaurant on site
Playa Piscador: snorkel with the turtles. Rentals and chairs on site and don't pay for an excursion here. Fishermen feed the turtles from the dock all day so you're guaranteed to see them while swimming.


Seriously, DO NOT stay at Sunscape and check out the Marriott or Renaissance reports.

We already booked another trip for next year in October because of the amazing time we experienced. We can't wait t go back.

Edit: their busy season is November-April/May so I'd expect larger crowds. But I'd go in a heartbeat. We loved every minute of it once we made the resort switch.

If you want something a little more private and high dollar..

https://baoase.com

Serafina
Kome


Soi95 looks good. Wasn't around when I went 8 years ago.

Top favorites for Curacao right now are Baoase and Dreams Curacao.
Dreams Curacao is about to open up the iL Mare adults only section of bungalows that are supposed to be really cool.
Most of my clients will opt for visiting Aruba before or after visit to Curacao. The beaches in Aruba are spectacular!
I also have a lot of dive clients that love this area since it is below hurricane belt.