More specifically, we are heading off to the Island of Curacao, which is part of the Netherland Antilles. Before we get into the Island vacation highlights, can you start by explaining to our inquisitive readers about the Netherland Antilles themselves?

Curacao (C):
Good idea. While it is considered the Caribbean, the Netherland Antilles were previously known as the Netherlands West Indies or Dutch Antilles/West Indies. We are part of what is referred to as the Lesser Antilles, consisting of two groups of islands in the Caribbean: Curacao and Bonaire, just off the cost of Venezuela, and Saint Eustatius, Saba and Saint Maarten which are located southeast of the Virgin Islands. The islands form part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

LT:
Great, thanks. Now, let’s get to the Island of Curacao itself. We always start this chats off with a 100 word opportunity to sell the destination. So, what can you tell us briefly about Curacao?

C:
Curaçao, located just two and one half hours from Miami, in the Southern Caribbean and is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands perfectly situated just outside of the hurricane belt.

This tropical island boasts an eclectic mix of history and culture, which has served to create a Caribbean experience unlike any other. Also known for its eco-tourism and pristine diving conditions, Curaçao attracts the adventure traveler as well as those looking to unwind and enjoy its perfect climate. Visitors to Curaçao will enjoy the more than 30 white sand beaches, 18-hole championship golf course, amazing dolphin interaction program, casinos and much more.

LT:
Wow. Great job and 100 words exactly!

What can you tell us about the people of Curacao?

C:
As I explained earlier, the residents of Curacao are Dutch but there is a native and local language used on the Island called Papiamento. The locals have a motto here by which they all live, and in Papiamento it is “Biba i Laga Biba”. This translates in English to “Live & Let Live”. I think that pretty much sums up the philosophy of the people and tells you what you can expect when you visit, regardless of who you are.

LT:
Good Point. So I am sure that also translates to very gay-friendly?

C:
If you’ve ever been to Holland, you know that the Dutch don’t raise a blonde eyebrow over the gay lifestyle. Same is true in their tropical paradise of Curaçao. In fact the Curacao Tourist Board has often acknowledged how important it is to them that it’s known to the gay & lesbian community that everyone is welcome in Curaçao.

In fact, as a demonstration of their commitment more then 18 establishments in Curaçao became proud members of the IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association), the largest IGLTA membership in the Caribbean.

LT:
We have also seen some great advertising from Curacao promoting this fact as well as your participation, and that of many of your hotel partners, in numerous gay and lesbian travel expos throughout the US.

Let’s spend a little time talking about what our readers can enjoy in Curacao, now that we know how welcome and comfortable they will be. How about day time activities?

C:
Our island offers diverse culture, art galleries, beaches, museums, fine accommodations and exquisite cuisine that are enjoyed by all visitors to the island.

Curacao has over 35 beaches with a remarkable variety. You can choose between intimate rocky coves surrounded by massive cliffs or long sandy beaches, either secluded by nature or bustling with activities. The one thing they all share is crystal clear turquoise water and picture-perfect weather. Almost all of the bathing beaches are scatter along the sheltered and calm southwestern coast, where the waters are calm and crystal clear. At some beaches admission is charged, sometimes including a beach chair.

If you want a closer look at our beautiful waters, there is ample opportunity for diving and snorkeling. We like to think there is no place in the world offering such great shore dives or opportunity to enjoy the beauty of sea’s nature while snorkeling. While Curacao is a perfect place for diving, our island has so much more to offer. There are dozens of undiscovered adventures to be enjoyed. Ranging from practicing water sports to visiting 17th century architecture sites, from enjoying tennis to enjoying world-class cuisine, from playing golf in our sunny climate to visiting our high-standard casinos.

For the more sports minded vacationer there is something for all ages and tastes. From scuba diving, mountain biking and windsurfing for the daring ones, to more relaxed but still exciting activities such as jeep safaris, sea kayaking and horseback riding.

LT:
Truly Curacao is a destination for all types of tropical fun whether you are vacationing to relax or experience everything your destination has to offer. Thanks for that overview. Now how about once the sun goes down? What do we do then?

C:
Well, as I mentioned before there are great opportunities to enjoy our world-class cuisine for a romantic dinner out, as well as great shopping and galleries while strolling through Willemstad. For those who ready for some tropical gay and gay-friendly night life a must visit stop is Lyric’s Café, Curacao’s official gay bar. Additional gay-friendly spots to visit include Mambo Beach as the place to be every Saturday night while De Heeren is the spot on Friday nights, Wet & Wild on Sunday night, Ay Caramba on Tuesday night and Cinco is the Thursday night “hot spot”.

For the all out gay and lesbian Curacao experience be sure to visit us in September for our annual “Get Wet” Weekend. This event begins on Thursday night with our Meet and Greet at Kura Hulanda followed by an after party at Lyrics Café. Friday night is the Navigation Boat Party and Saturday the Get Wet Party and show at Lyrics Café. The weekend wraps up with the Sunset High Tea at one of the many historic landmarks on the island.

LT:
Thank you very much for this introduction to Curacao. I think you have done a great job of helping our readers understand the lure of the Island as well as what they can expect when they get there, truly a destination that gay and lesbian vacationers can create a memorable vacation experience. Any closing thoughts?

C:
First, thank you for this opportunity to talk about Curacao. We who live there are very proud of it for many reasons. Specifically, to this audience, we are proud of our “Biba i Laga Biba” attitude and how the whole island has taken it to heart with be so open to gay and lesbian vacationers. And naturally, this includes our hotel partners, many of which are part of this website, making it easy to plan your Curacao vacation right now!

LT:
Thanks for that plug. In return let me remind our readers that you can easily keep up with all that is going on in Curacao by simply keeping an eye on www.curacao.com for general information and updates, and then www.gaycuracao.com for more specific information related to gay and lesbian activities and events.

Thank you again Curacao for talking with us. To our readers, we hope you enjoyed getting to know the great Caribbean gay-friendly destination of Curacao a little better.