We arrived back in Curacao on December 11th 2020, and we could immediately tell that the island suffered from the quasi total absence of tourists. Curacao is a lovely island and a wonderful destination, which we felt privileged to explore during our stay.

So if you ever have the occasion to come to the island, we would like to recommend some of the local businesses that we have loved during our stay!

Find out about the latest travel restrictions for Curacao here.

PSA: This article isn’t sponsored in any way, shape or form, and we payed for items or services with our own money!

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1. MZ Art & Workshop

local driftwood art

Location: Between the Queen Emma bridge and the Rif Fort in Willemstad

Instagram: @mzartworkshop

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MZ-Art-Workshop-119329982786535/

You see them everywhere in Curacao, those beautiful and colorful signs made of driftwood. Lenny and the entire family work on the business, making signs of all sizes (we saw them work on a 2 meters piece!) as well as fishes out of coconut shells (we currently have 4 onboard) and diverse driftwood art.

We passed them twice a day everyday on our walk from Punda to the Rif Fort where our car was parked, and ordered a sign for Polar Seal. Lenny takes commissions, so don’t hesitate to contact the family through their Instagram account for orders!

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2. BON4RENT

Car Rental Bonaire

Contact:

We needed a car for the two months we intended on spending on Curacao, and found a great deal at Bon4Rent.

We absolutely LOVED the fact that the cars are 1/ cheaper than traditional “brand new” rental cars, and 2/ look like cars that are actually being used.

First, it allowed us not to worry about scratches or warps. On an island where the roads are full of potholes and plants grow on the road, that’s a good deal of peace of mind.

The car also made us look a little more “local”, and although we still used an anti-theft device on the wheel, we didn’t need to worry about a brand new shiny car.

Beatrice, the owner of Bon4Rent was incredibly helpful, giving us tips and advice on places to visit, restaurants to go to, and even housing solutions (when the company we rented our apartment from wasn’t as great).

Definitely recommend giving Beatrix a call if you need to rent a car in Curacao!

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3. Jan Thiel Diving

Dive center

www.janthieldiving.com/en

Located in:Livingstone Jan Thiel Resort

Address: Kaya Adriátiko Jan Thiel Oost z/n Curacao Livingstone Jan Thiel Resort, Willemstad, Curaçao

Instagram: @janthieldiving

“Desperate case” doesn’t even start to define how Ryan and I felt about ourselves when it comes to diving. With a lot of patience and a good advices, Bob, Maurice and Cas turned us into avid divers in less than a week!

We initially chose Jan Thiel Diving because of the great reviews on their website, and the experience didn’t disappoint. If you are looking for a great dive center on Curacao, look no further!

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4. See ya collection

Location: Mambo Beach

Address: Upper Level, Unit 34, Mambo Beach Boulevard, Willemstad, Curaçao

Instagram: @seeyacollection

In the one month that we spent in Curacao before our crate arrived, I didn’t have a lot of “hot weather clothes” to wear. Which gave me THE BEST excuse to go indulge at See Ya Collection, a beautiful boutique in Mambo beach where I could literally buy everything.

The shop is owned by a Dutch woman living in Curacao, whose family helps out with the business. Had I spent one more week in Curacao, this is the one shop that would have broken my bank account 😉

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5. Poke food station

Our favorite everyday restaurant

Address: 28 Fokkerweg, Willemstad, Curaçao

Instagram: @pokefoodcuracao

Ask anyone at Curacao Marine where they enjoy having lunch, they will all have eaten at Poke Food Station at least once. The food is super fresh and affordable, which we thoroughly enjoyed while we were working on Polar Seal in the yard (sometimes multiple times a week).

The owners are lovely and the atmosphere in the restaurant is great. We already miss this place!

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6. Restaurant La Boheme

Breakfast, smoothies and great burgers

www.labohemecuracao.com

Columbusstraat 4, Willemstad, Curaçao

Instagram: @labohemecuracao

Because Ryan and I flew to Curacao to return to Polar Seal, we weren’t only incredibly jet lagged on our first day on the island, we were also STARVING. La Boheme happened to be right down the street, and ended regularly splurging in pancakes, smoothies and giant burgers.

The staff is really nice and helpful, the food delicious and the prices cruiser-friendly.

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7. Mistral BISTRO

The best “after-works” in Punda

We spent the best part of our stay in Curacao working on Polar Seal in the yard, and so did our friends Julia and Markus. We both ended up renting apartments at a 1 minute walking distance from each other, and Bistro Mistral was literally right across our apartment.

So you guessed it: we have spent an outrageous amount of evenings sipping on mojitos (when the alcohol ban finally lifted) and eating their delicious food. Don’t miss the ceviche, the steak, the burger and the CARROT CAKE. Yum 🙂

Do you know any other local business in Curacao worth visiting? Leave your recommendations in the comment section below!

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