Magical. Heavenly. Serene. These words only begin to describe this experience.
When you arrive, you walk through a lovely apartment that's very clean and well equipped. As you walk to the back deck, you realize that there are three more "rooms," all of them outside, each creating a different way to experience your own seemingly private lagoon. The first of these outdoor rooms provides a place to dine, read, or simply enjoy a moment to take it all in at a full size table in the shade. A step down and you can sit and enjoy the view from the second "room" or level of the three tier patio-deck. Upon reaching the waterfront tier, you realize that you the lagoon is your own in which to swim and snorkel whenever you like.
The lagoon was teaming with sea-life. The trumpet fish were my favorite.
I cannot go on without mentioning the dolphins. Just across the lagoon and in full view from your outdoor rooms is the Curacao Sea Aquarium and Dolphin Academy. While snorkeling or merely floating on water noodles, we were able to watch the dolphins play with disabled children. Its indescribable what this dolphin experience was to these children. And to watch this from the water.... well let's just say I contributed some salt water of my own to the lagoon that day.
After taking a few walks to Mambo Beach (and visits to beach bars and restaurants) less than five minutes away, we realized we could float or swim there. So we did, each time bringing a credit card so that we might avail ourselves of a post-swim cocktail at one of the beach bars with snorkeling gear or swim noodles in hand.
We did this often. I highly recommend it.
While touristy, Mambo Beach is really quite lovely. If you see two cruise ships at the terminal, however, you might want to choose to drive to one of the world class beaches on the northwest side of the island.
One comes to Curacao to enjoy the ocean, the people, and the outside life of Island living. We got lucky as this is one of the very best places to enjoy all three.
For fine dining don't miss Pietermaai, the SOHO of Curacao just east of Punda. The restaurants, live music, and beach clubs, all set among and within Dutch colonial architecture, are simply amazing and only a ten minute drive away.
Bon Bini. Enjoy your stay.