Curaçao

This label's Curaçao outposts carry the full designer line for men, women, and children. Stores located in Punda and Zuikertuin Mall. Hilfiger Denim is a specialty store in the Rif Fort.

Built into a 19th-century fort, this romantic gem anchors the entrance to the 21st-century Rif Fort complex, and the waterside terrace offers an enchanting view of the harbor. They present French cuisine with a Caribbean twist, but there are many international specialities as well as Swiss fondue, raclette, and Wiener schnitzel. The menu differs depending on where you sit—for example, you can only order their bouillabaisse on the terrace. But both inside and out, you can order their most famous decadent dessert, Swiss Toblerone chocolate mousse with strawberry foam.

Jutting out onto a pier over the ocean at the Avila Beach Hotel, this legendary perch is famous for their live jazz and blues nights on Thursdays, and the fact that the band is also perched over the bar. Now featuring pinchos (skewers), the cuisine is also beginning to steal the show with a tasty selection of fish, seafood, and meat specialties, and the ribs are first-rate as well. The vibe is always convivial, and it's a popular place for locals to gather, especially on Thursday at happy hour.

On a hill above Willemstad, this elegant restaurant is built into an 18th-century fort with a 360-degree view. Among the highlights of the diverse menu is the medley of Caribbean seafood, but the best bets come from their special menu—three courses with a fixed price—your choice of appetizer, main course, and dessert. Entrées include a chicken and a beef dish, but most interesting is the caramelized salmon with sugared bacon. The watermelon soup with honey, rum, basil, and mint is certainly a unique creation for dessert. Vegetarian mains are also available. Superb views of the sunset over the port can be enjoyed from the terrace.

Dine on the veranda of a restored 19th-century Dutch mansion overlooking the Santa Anna Bay and the resplendent Punda skyline. Though often busy and popular with tourists, the ambience makes it worth a visit. Intriguing soup options include Cuban banana soup and Curaçao-style fish soup. Keshi yena and spareribs are among the savory entrées. After dinner, you can stick around for live music at the bar, which stays open until 1 am. The restaurant is also popular for lunch and attracts crowds when cruise ships dock. Reserve ahead if you would like a balcony table. A wine tasting room is available for special events.

Over the years this has become something of a road marker on Curaçao's beaten tourist path, with prices to match. You'll be greeted by the owner, Jaanchi himself, a self-described "walking, talking menu," who will recite your choices of authentic local dishes for lunch. Jaanchi's iguana soup, touted in folklore as an aphrodisiac, is one of their specialities. Although predominantly a lunch spot, the restaurant will accommodate groups of four or more for dinner by prior arrangement.

Ask any local foodie where to get creative fusion fare with a Curaçao twist, and Kome will be the first spot they mention. It’s not super fancy, in fact it’s no-nonsense rustic with basic wooden tables and chairs, but it’s the food that attracts. They are always changing specialties due to constant efforts to source locally, and the results are often surprising. The menu is divided into small plates and big plates, and the dishes can range from pork belly confit and tamarind-glazed pork tenderloin to smoked beef brisket to seafood paella. And don’t forget to leave room for dessert because one of the owners is a talented pastry chef! They are also known for their tapas nights on Wednesday with creative small bites to go with superb signature cocktails and excellent sangrias.

A unique installation on such an arid island, L'aldea is in a small rain-forest reserve, replete with lizards, animals, fish, and birds that you would find typically in lusher climes. But what is most impressive here is the handcrafted design of absolutely everything including faux Mayan and other ancient culture recreations, caves and tropical atmospheres by local craftsmen (some of whom are the owners) using wood and cement to recreate a "lost world" in the middle of nowhere. They have also recently added a few small rooms as ecoaccommodation stays there. The easiest way to visit is to take a tour that includes a facility visit and then stay for their Latin American-themed dinner. The fare is incredible—the largest salad bar on the island—plus a carnivore's heaven with grilled meats served Brazilian grill-style until you burst. Live music also adds to the full-on experience. For day-trippers though, it would be great if they served some kind of lunch.

The sheltered terrace at La Bahia features a remarkable view of the harborfront and is so close to the passing ships you'll feel you can almost touch them. The menu runs the gamut from burgers and pastas to keshi yena (seasoned meat wrapped in cheese and baked) and other local specialties. This is also a great spot to relax with a cup of coffee or a cocktail after a day of exploring. Part of the renewed Otrabanda Hotel, it is a short walk from the Queen Emma Bridge.

The new anchor of the entire Mambo Beach Boulevard complex Madero Ocean Club offers dining, entertainment, a great beach bar, a massive pool and surf-side lounge, and daybed rentals. Pool parties, bottle service, and special events on their own stage with hot DJs and live bands, especially on Sundays, give the entire scene a South Beach vibe. The eclectic dinner menu includes seafood and meats and great tapas. Breakfast and lunch also served.

In a restored plantation mansion called Landhuis Vredenberg on a lush estate, Primas is a family-run restaurant that offers authentic homemade lunch fare in a superb setting. The menu is up to the chef, but typically hearty savory meat stews, fresh fish dishes, and Curaçaon specialties like keshi yena will pop up. You can view their daily menu on their Facebook page. They're usually not open for dinner (private parties abound), but on Thursday nights Primas is one of the few places left on the island where you can sample real rijsttafel (rice table), an Indonesian-influenced extravaganza of dozens of small dishes served community-style. It's also worth the trip just to see the magnificent restored mansion full of exquisite antiques. Groups of 15 or more can make special dinner arrangements.

Tucked away in the corner of the historic Rif Fort Village courtyard, Royal Dutch Cheesery is much more than a cheese shop. Of course they do sell cheese and are the only suppliers of Reypenaer cheese on the island, but it’s more of a dining spot and tasting emporium replete with a large wine list and even artisanal spirits. A wine pairing along with various types of cheese (on a wooden plank shaped like Curaçao) is a must, as are their gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, fondues, and raclette. Weekend nights, this is a perfect spot to enjoy outdoor live music on the courtyard while sipping some of their unique small-batch limoncello.

Part of the Waterfort Terrace complex, this open-air dining spot serves an interesting selection of international fare, steak, seafood, and some dishes with Asian twists or Latin American heat. Daily specialties like freshly caught lobster are a best bet. Their evening setting can be very romantic with a stellar view of the sunset and the port at night and their signature cocktails like Coastal Kiss and Fancy Scampis will get you in the mood. Families aren't left out as there is also a children's menu.

The main dining room of Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort is set upon a hill beside the golf course with stunning sea views. A gourmet burger–and–sandwich emporium by day, it morphs into a causal yet romantic dining enclave by night with cool tropical breezes wafting in from the open design, and incredible aromas coming from the open-air kitchen. Chef Hortencia surprises daily with fabulous fusions of local and international flavors. His specials are top-notch and often involve fresh fish and seafood. Try the short ribs: seasoned to perfection and falling off the bone, they melt in your mouth. Top it off with a decadent chocolate trio of delights for dessert. New fly-and-dine packages are available with BlueSkies Helicopter.

Many resorts have on-site spas but this new oasis of pampering is definitely worth the short trip out of town to the Coral Estates area. The views from their cliffside whirlpools, open-air treatment rooms, and meditation pool are incredible. A wet room accommodates body wraps and scrubs, while a sauna and aroma infused steam room cleanse. Full beauty services and a diverse range of spa treatments plus special health-centered events and classes like yoga are offered as well.

The best-known brand for electronics in the Caribbean, Boolchand's is a legendary family-run chain, and their main store is in Punda, though they have many other outlets around Curaçao. Beyond electronics and tech, they also sell fine jewelry, Swarovski crystal, Swiss watches, cameras, and more with a good reputation for fair prices and good quality.

Centrally located with a good selection of wares. A bakery is also on the premises.

A sweet aroma permeates Cigar Emporium, where you can find the largest selection of Cuban cigars on the island, including H. Upmann, Romeo y Julieta, and Montecristo. Visit the climate-controlled cedar cigar room.

The Freeport Jeweler's Group consists of six stores around the island featuring high-end brands of fine jewelry, watches, and collectibles. They have four stores in Willemstad (two on the Handelsakde), one in Punda, and one in Otrabanda at the Renaissance Mall. The other two are located in the Zuikertuin Mall. Their newest outlet there, Fashion Zone by Freeport, offers good prices on trendy watches by names like Calvin Klein, Swatch, Armani, Diesel, and more.

The oldest established gallery on the island, located in Landhouse Habaai, showcases works by top local artists in rotating exhibits. You can find shimmering landscapes, dazzling photographs, ceramics, even African-inspired carnival masks here, and there is also a separate gift shop with artsy souvenirs.

This is a great spot to grab a locally brewed Amstel Bright and meet a happy blend of tourists and transplanted Dutch locals. Live music DJs keep it hopping.

Run by the Tayor Soshal Foundation, this ex-plantation houses a project designed to help people with disabilities train and receive education and paid employment in a beneficial environment. The program takes place in a 17th-century land house that has been converted into an artisan's factory and museum, where visitors can purchase creative handmade crafts and souvenirs made by the residents.

A well-established, high-end chain offering designer jewelry, watches, crystal, china, and leather goods with outlets throughout the Caribbean, Little Switzerland's three Curaçao outlets are located in the Renaissance complex and at Rif Fort. Top-quality brands include Tiffany, Cartier, Movado, Tag Heuer, and more, at prices much lower than on the mainland.

Curaçao is addicted to jazz, and there are many live jazz festivals throughout the year, but if you really want to get into the swing of it any night of the week, head to Miles Jazz Vinyl and Cigars Cafe. Named after the legendary musician Miles Davis, it's a cool little getaway in the heart of Pietermaai where you can hear jazz played on vinyl, play board games, and have a cigar and a drink. Local musicians occasionally stop by to jam as well.

As the name suggests, the decor here is definitely bizarre—a hodgepodge of paraphernalia with no rhyme or reason but a lot of creativity. Locals and visitors alike flock here weekends for super signature cocktails, live music, great snacks, and an unparalleled offbeat atmosphere.

At the Nena Sanchez Gallery, you can find this local artist's cheerful paintings in characteristically bright yellows, reds, greens, pinks, and blues. Her work depicting marine life and island scenes is available in various forms, including posters, mouse pads, and picture frames. She often gives art classes at her workshop and gallery at restored historic plantation Landhuis Jan Kok.

Founded in 1865 and still run by the Penha family, this landmark store is housed in one of Punda's most iconic structures and specializes in offering a wide range of duty-free items, including French perfumes, cosmetics, clothing, eyewear, watches, and high-end lingerie and accessories. It's also a UNESCO property and one of the most photographed on the island, another reason it draws tourists in droves.

Located within the stone walls of Rif Fort, there's usually a lively crowd on weekends. A good place to sit outside and enjoy the evening breezes with one of their signature cocktails like the Rifortini or killer shooters like the Devil's Breath. Live entertainment in the courtyard weekends give the historic scene a vibrant party atmosphere.

Part of the Saint Tropez Suites resort in Pietermaai, this unique day club is where French Riviera–style meets Dutch Caribbean cool. A gorgeous infinity pool crests a rocky coast with crashing waves and is surrounded by plush daybeds, private cabanas, and loungers. A trendy bar and open-air dining spot serves small bites and full lunch, and there’s also surf-side bottle service and tapas by the pool. Access is free to resort guests, and some neighboring hotels also have complimentary access; others must buy a pass. At night, it morphs into a cool open-air lounge and dinner spot often featuring hot DJs and special events.

You might have noticed brightly painted sculptures of colorful Caribbean women with highly exaggerated physical features in many public places around the island and miniature versions of them for sale as souvenirs in many shops. These are Chichis®—creations by artist Serena Janet Israel that are unique to Curaçao. “Chi Chi” means big sister in the local lingo, and the figures are meant to exude the warmth of matronly Caribbean women. Many different local female artists have been trained by Serena to custom-paint them, but visitors are welcome to create their own for a one-of-a-kind souvenir at Serena’s Art Factory near the Ostrich Farm. Group workshops and walk-in workshops for nontour visitors are available on a regular basis. A workshop is about two hours.

Also known as La Casa Amarilla, the Yellow House specializes in high-end duty-free perfumes and cosmetics with exclusive rights to big names like Guerlain. They have recently teamed up with Zylo (another retail chain) under the same roof to expand their range of wares. Now with their new partner, shoppers can also purchase high-end fashion watches, jewelry, handbags, and sunglasses there. They have outlets in Salina as well as the airport.

This collection of bars and dining spots gathered in the historic stone bastion affords glorious views of the harbor and sea by day and morphs into a magical strip by night with twinkling lights and live music emanating from the many different venues.

One of the anchor party spots below Mambo Beach Boulevard, there's never a dull moment at Wet & Wild Beach Club, where the name speaks for itself. Friday happy hour features free barbecue snacks; on Saturday a DJ or live band jams until it's too late to care about the time. Sundays are also wild, starting with happy hour at 6 pm and another one at 10 pm.