You don’t need to go all the way to Europe to get your fix of Dutch culture. The Caribbean island of Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands that is just a four-hour nonstop flight from JFK.
"Overall we really enjoyed the stay and the amenities available at Scuba Lodge Hotel. The balcony and ocean view was the perfect relaxing end to our vacation. The location is fantastic as it’s within walking distance to many restaurants, bars, and to downtown Punda. The convenience of having a restaurant and dive school on site is an added bonus!"
At Scuba Lodge Boutique Hotel & Ocean Suites, guests can combine their love of travel with scuba certification at a price most can afford.
The Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao has long been home to some of the Caribbean’s coolest beach bars. But now the island has another hot new beach bar. It’s called City Beach 88, and it just opened its doors in the Pietermaai District.
Since my initial visit, I have returned to Curaçao now six time. When I decided to return to Curaçao this time, Scuba Lodge & Ocean Suites was my choice. I decided on this hotel due to its proximity to downtown Willemstad and because it has a Curaçao Tourist Board approved dive shop.
Right now, Curaçao is the Caribbean’s number one scuba diving destination. Everything is here, from 65 spectacular dive sites, a broad collection of top-level dive shops and marvelous underwater beauty. That’s along with some of the Caribbean’s top dive hotels, including the world-famous Lions Dive, the upstart Scuba Lodge and the Marazul, among others.
On February 8th, dive instructor Daan captured a giant whale shark on video, a rare treat in the waters of Curaçao. Daan was diving with colleagues and tourists at just 15 meters/49 feet deep, when he spotted the whale shark.
"Scuba Diving in the Caribbean is something you must try once in your life. Recently my partner, Ryan, and I had the chance for the first time in Curaçao. We were on a ten-day cruise and our fourth day we docked in Curaçao to discover some of the island. To mix it up we decided to take our adventures to the sea and to explore the underwater world."
Boutique Hotel Scuba Lodge & Ocean Suites in Pietermaai donated more than $ 10,000 to CARF and GreenKidz in 2017. Since January last year, Scuba Lodge donates $1 per room per night to a good cause on behalf of its guests. Those staying at the boutique hotel are asked to make a choice between CARF and GreenKidz.
Curaçao has long been one of the best-kept secrets in Caribbean diving. There’s something for everyone, from wreck diving and reef diving to both bore and shore diving. Indeed, there’s a remarkable array of shore diving options, something that’s hard to find in the region. And if you’re looking for a full-fledged dive hotel, there’s a new favorite: the Scuba Lodge.
There are so many places to have a cold Amstel Bright or a bite to eat right on the water, thanks to a culture that emphasizes it. The Scuba Lodge on the outskirts of town is one perfect seaside spot.
This Dutch Caribbean atoll is full of brain-off, blissful activities, from swimming in hidden beach lagoons to hiking in national parks. But if you fly all the way to Curaçao to hole up in your hotel, we won’t blame you. The island's resorts are so luxe you may never want to leave. Here, our top picks.
