Curaçao, a gem in the Dutch Caribbean, instantly captivates with its vibrant charm. Its main city, Willemstad, feels like a slice of Europe in the tropics, with colorful colonial buildings lining its waterfront and streets steeped in history. What struck me right away, though, was how surprisingly affordable Curaçao is compared to other Caribbean islands I’ve visited—making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable yet budget-friendly getaway.

We stayed at two different hotels: Kontiki Beach Resort and Curacao Marriott Beach Resort. Kontiki was a smaller, more intimate resort with bungalows and a bunch of different pools, and it felt like being in the jungle and really added to the feeling of island life. It's located right above Mambo Beach, which has tons of bars and restaurants.

The Curacao Marriott was a larger resort with a private beach, two pools, and some great bars and restaurants on the property. Our room had an awesome sunset view, and the pool bar made a mean Salty Colada – a piña colada with blue curacao and a salt rim.

We started our trip with a tuk-tuk tour of Willemstad. It was a great way to get a feel for the city and learn about its history.

One of the highlights of our trip was a day trip to Klein Curacao, a small, deserted island about an hour boat ride from the main island. The water there is some of the bluest I've ever seen. We spent the day swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island, which has an abandoned lighthouse and some shipwrecks.

Speaking of snorkeling, Curacao has some of the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean, so it's a great place for underwater adventures. We brought our own masks and did some snorkeling right from the shore.

We also rented a car for a day and explored the island, including the beaches on the west side. Curacao has so many different beaches to discover, so don't just stay at your resort.