Curaçao: The Island That Surprised Us All

As someone who has traveled to quite a few destinations over the years, every once in a while you find a place that quietly exceeds your expectations. Last summer, my family and some of our closest friends set off for the colorful Caribbean island of Curaçao, and what we discovered was a destination filled with charm, relaxation, adventure, and memories that we'll be talking about for years to come.

Our travel crew consisted of my wife Merci, my son Braxton, my best friend and business partner Mike Killmeyer, his wife Helene, their daughter Sarah, Helene's sister Tracy Zielenski, and of course myself. What started as a simple Caribbean getaway quickly turned into one of those vacations that reminds you exactly why travel matters.

First Impressions of Paradise

From the moment we arrived, Curaçao felt different.

Unlike some Caribbean islands that can feel overcrowded or overly commercialized, Curaçao had a relaxed, authentic vibe. The colorful Dutch architecture, crystal-clear water, and friendly locals immediately made us feel welcome.

We stayed at a smaller resort that may not have been the largest property on the island, but it certainly didn't disappoint. In fact, its size became part of its charm. Everything was easy to access, the staff was friendly, and there was never a shortage of things to do.

For Braxton, however, there was one feature that immediately became his favorite.

The waterslides.

If there was a waterslide operating, you could bet Braxton was racing toward it. Every day became a new adventure as he splashed, slid, laughed, and made the most of every moment. Seeing his excitement reminded all of us what vacations are really about... creating memories that last forever.

The Calm Waters of Curaçao

One of the most unique things about our resort was the protected beach area.

A break wall just offshore created calm, almost pool-like ocean conditions. For families, this was a dream. The water remained clear and gentle, making it perfect for swimming, floating, and relaxing.

Each morning we'd grab our coffee, head toward the beach, and watch as massive cruise ships slowly entered the harbor. There was something mesmerizing about seeing these floating cities arrive each day against the backdrop of Curaçao's colorful shoreline.

It became a ritual.

Coffee. Ocean views. Cruise ships. Repeat.

Honestly, life felt pretty good.

Kokomo Beach and a Little Beach Boys Magic

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the famous Kokomo Beach.

If you've never been, imagine soft sand, turquoise water, swaying palm trees, and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere that feels straight out of a postcard.

While everyone enjoyed the beach, Helene and Tracy seemed especially determined to embrace the moment. Before long they were channeling their inner Beach Boys, laughing, exploring the shoreline, and fully embracing the island vibe.

It was one of those travel moments that can't really be planned. No excursion ticket. No reservation. Just good people enjoying a beautiful place.

Sometimes those become the memories you remember the most.

A Small Aquarium with a Big Impact

During our stay we also visited Curaçao's aquarium.

Now, I won't pretend it was the largest aquarium we've ever seen. In fact, it's relatively small compared to some major attractions in the United States.

But what it lacked in size, it made up for in experience.

The exhibits were well maintained, educational, and allowed us to get up close with marine life native to the Caribbean. Sometimes the best attractions aren't the biggest—they're the ones that allow you to slow down and appreciate the environment around you.

For our group, it was a fun and worthwhile stop that added another layer to our island adventure.

Exploring the Historic Fort

After our aquarium visit, we headed into one of Curaçao's historic fort areas.

This turned into one of my favorite afternoons of the trip.

The fort itself was rich with history, but it also featured incredible shopping, local culture, and fantastic waterfront views. We spent time exploring the shops, picking up souvenirs, and soaking in the unique blend of Caribbean and European influences that make Curaçao so special.

Then came dinner.

And wow.

There's something about enjoying a great meal overlooking the water after a full day of sightseeing that simply hits differently. Between the atmosphere, the food, and the company, it became one of those evenings where nobody wanted to leave the table.

The conversations flowed.

The laughter continued.

And for a few hours, there wasn't a care in the world.

Why Curaçao Belongs on Your Bucket List

When people think about Caribbean vacations, destinations like Jamaica, Punta Cana, or Cancun often come to mind first.

But Curaçao deserves a place in that conversation.

It offers beautiful beaches, calm waters, vibrant culture, colorful architecture, unique history, great food, family-friendly activities, and a relaxed atmosphere that allows you to truly unwind.

For our group, it delivered something even more valuable.

Connection.

The opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, step away from everyday responsibilities, and simply enjoy life together.

At the end of the day, that's what travel is really about.

The destinations are amazing.

The beaches are beautiful.

The excursions are exciting.

But the real treasure is the people you share the journey with.

As I look back on our Curaçao adventure with Merci, Braxton, Mike, Helene, Sarah, and Tracy, I'm reminded of something we often tell our clients at Ever After Escapes:

The best stories begin with a boarding pass.

And Curaçao gave us a story we'll never forget.