By: Luke Baum
2024 was a year to get back to the basics. After I returned home from New Zealand, I paid off my college debt within six months and also painted my parents' house. Once those tasks were set and (mostly) done, along with another trip to Pensacola under my belt, my family embarked on our latest tropical vacation. My parents agreed to host my sister (Paige), my brother (Jake), his wife (Liz), and myself at a villa in Curaçao, granted we found a way to transport ourselves there.
Located off the northern coast of Venezuela, Curaçao is part of the "A, B, C" island chain, which includes Aruba, and Bonaire. Curaçao has been inhabited for thousands of years and was settled by the Spanish in the 1500's. Eventually, the Dutch conquered Curaçao in 1634 and have held dominion over the island ever since. The following centuries saw Curaçao transformed into a hub for the transatlantic slave trade until slavery was abolished in the Dutch empire in 1863. This is the reason for the combination of native, Spanish, Dutch, and African cultures and languages you'll experience on Curaçao.
These days, Curaçao is a beautiful destination to take your friends and family. Staying active around the island is a must, though if you find the right place to settle down, you'll be washed in a wonderful aura of relaxation. The islanders seem happy, despite the heavy heat. With that being said, when we returned home at the end of June, it was hotter -- and more humid -- in Michigan than on Curaçao! If you can withstand summertime lake effect, you'll have a blast on this desert island.
Enjoy these journal entries from Curaçao, which I wrote each night, immediately before I fell asleep.
Contents:
Arrival
Above: Flying above Coral Estate into Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
The day started early before 3am. Travel was swift, and the flights were comfortable. I slept for a couple hours on our way to Miami and maybe one on our way to island paradise! Customs was breezy, and my dad bought Titos at the airport -- an indication of our forthcoming boozy trip.
It took a bit for my bag to come through, so I relaxed into the moment, and it came eventually: heralding in my ukulele and dive fins! Everyone's most vocal expression of concern today was promptly quelled, replaced with gleeful satisfaction as every piece of our luggage squeezed into our rental minivan.
Above: Greeted by cacti on Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Curaçao is a beautiful island, and it's true what they say about the buildings -- most are painted in unique, bright colors. There are a lot of cacti. We saw huge, wide and tall, clusters all around. It's a desert-like ecosystem, though there are some shallow, dirty, inland lakes.
The ocean is continuously breathtaking. On our way to our private villa, car packed full of luggage, groceries (dad had an organized system + lists at the supermarket), and six passengers; I saw 2 stray dogs, 1 gray burro, and 1 tiny lizard that skittered in front of our car.
Above: Our villa in Coral Estate, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
The villa is glorious. It has the perfect 2-story layout. My room is downstairs. Outside my room, I have private access to a patio and a narrow, white-painted spiral staircase leads to the pool deck above. The first thing I did was claim my room and the second thing was jump in the pool. The view from the edge looks over the coast, with a perfect view of the sunset over the ocean. It's spectacular.
Above (from left to right): Jake, Liz, me, and Paige enjoying our first dip at Coral Estate, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Everyone joined me in the pool; we toasted with beers -- and Paige, with a Sprite. Then we ordered pizza from the resort village, and they delivered it directly to our villa up the hill! It tasted... alright; we enjoyed it thoroughly after this long day of travel.
Nightfall came swiftly following a 7:01pm sunset. Dad and I drove 4 minutes to the resort village before bed. It's beautiful at night; I'm excited to eat dinner here sometime this week and hang out during the day -- not to mention take advantage of the premier diving off the coast at Daaibooi Beach.
Above: Learning something new on the ukulele, Coral Estate, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Back in my room, I learned: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on ukulele. I'm excited to practice tomorrow. I feel so grateful to be on Curaçao.
Porto Mari
I rose early to what sounded like a bird calling my name. I went upstairs and made breakfast for everyone. By 9:30am, I took the trail from our villa to the resort village + pool + beach with Jake and Liz.
Above: Spectating Playa Porto Mari, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
We sat poolside along the infinity pool overlooking the ocean. It's so beautiful. Paige and I swam in the ocean several times, taking the stairs to the old mooring spot for SCUBA divers and jumping into the water over and over again. Dad and I then introduced ourselves to the dive master in our village, Daniel. I love Coral Estate!
Above: Entering Playa Porto Mari, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Later; dad, Paige, Jake, Liz, and I visited Porto Mari, as recommended by Daniel. This beach is very nice -- perfect for snorkeling. In the water, there were schools of translucent fish; the water is so clear here. On the sand, wild pigs roamed the beach, hunting for food in the bags of tourists who were presently swimming in the ocean.
Above: Wild pigs living near Playa Porto Mari, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
On our way back to the villa, we got groceries for dinner. After we ate, I performed "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for my family while playing ukulele.
Above: Scarlet sunset from our villa, Coral Estate, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Above: Facing off at "Phase 10" in our villa, Coral Estate, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
As night fell, we played cards until we agreed we were too tired; then, Paige jumped into the pool and admired the stars. I took a raft out and enjoyed the moment along with her being going to bed.
I learned "The Sound of Sunshine" on ukulele, my second song on the trip so far... I'm excited to practice these songs and SCUBA dive tomorrow!
SCUBA Diving off Daaibooi Beach
Above: Mimosas with momma at Coral Estate, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
I went upstairs and took everyone's breakfast order and promptly began cooking. We drank in the pool all morning until lunchtime. After, dad and I went SCUBA diving... maybe not the best combo.
We rented tanks from Daniel; then dad and I waded into the water, down the stairs, and began our dive. I went RIGHT under. The "ledge"/cliff-face from the beach underwater was a sight to behold. It descends 160 ft below the surface before leveling off. The deepest I dove was 110 ft, which is a little too deep for my level 3 diver's license.
Down deep underwater, I imagined what this cliff-face could have looked like above the surface of the ocean. The landscape reminded me of the cliffs on the PCT. There's life everywhere, especially under the ocean. BEAUTIFUL.
Above: Boat passing around Queen Emma Bridge down St. Anna Bay, Willemstad, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Above: Selfi with the siblings in Willemstad, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
After, we drove with the rest of the family to Willemstad. It's a pretty town with iconic, brightly painted buildings of different colors. Our dinner at -- The Captain -- was delicious. I enjoyed vegetable pasta.
Above: Family dinner at "The Captain" in Willemstad, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
We went back to the villa, sadly watched the Edmonton Oilers lose a game in the final round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, then went to bed.
Another spectacular day.
Beach Tour!
Today was beach-tour day! We went to four beaches, not to mention the infamous blowhole spot, on Curaçao.
Above: Above Playa Jeremi, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
The first beach, called Playa Jeremi, was perhaps my favorite -- and by-far the busiest. It was set in a huge cove. There was no current pulling us along, and at about 18-20 feet at its deepest, and the water was crystal-clear.
Above: Cliff diving at Playa Jeremi, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Above: Cliff diving at Playa Jeremi cont. Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
There was a party on this beach; the DJ kept the tunes going. The energy was great! I enjoyed cliffdiving into the ocean off a mere 15ft ledge.
Above: Freshly cracked coconut out the back of a local's truck, Playa Piskado, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Next, we went to another beach: Playa Piskado. This beach was dirty, but I enjoyed meeting the sea turtles. Sadly, they were all obese from the over-feeding, so we didn't stay for too long... just long enough for my mom to enjoy a fresh coconut (above) on the gravelly beach!
Above: Cliff diving at Playa Forti, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
We stopped for lunch at a spot perched on a 35ft cliff above the ocean: Playa Forti. Here, there was a spot to dive into the ocean. I did so thrice -- such an adrenaline rush! I'm proud of my siblings for facing their fears and jumping into the ocean from such heights along with me! It was no easy feat -- several people stood on the edge for up to ten minutes, looking into the ocean from above, before deciding to call it quits.
Above: Westpunt from the Restaurant at Playa Forti, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Above: Lunch at the Restaurant at Playa Forti, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Also, I enjoyed my favorite meal on the island so far: a local dish called Keshi Yená, prepared vegetarian style. Veggie Keshi Yená is edam cheese stuffed with eggplant, olives, onions, raisins, and red bell peppers. Mine was served with fried funchi (polenta) and tostones (plantains) on the side.
Above: Watamula Blowhole on Noordpunt, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
After, we visited the blowhole. The waves ceaselessly battered the cratered shore, pushing ocean water up and forcing it out a spout; this was every 5-10 seconds. Paige and I stood around these rocks for roughly 20 minutes.
Above: Watamula Blowhole on Noordpunt cont. Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Above: Playa Kalki on Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Finally, we reached the last beach of our tour: Playa Kalki. It is a secluded beach + bar with many palapas, beach beds, and floating, wooden rafts. This is my second favorite beach after Playa Jerami.
Above: From our villa, a cruise ship in the distance, Coral Estate, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
We returned to our villa, relaxed, and ate dinner. What a peaceful night to accompany the blessed day! I am grateful for today and excited for pool-day tomorrow and also to learn another song!
Relaxing at the Villa
Above: View out my room at Coral Estate, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Today, I enjoyed a relaxing day exclusively at the villa. We swam, joked, played games, listened to music; and I read much of my beloved book, an Autobiography, recounting Paramahansa Yogananda's life.
Above: Sun setting behind the siblings on Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
I also played the ukulele at times, learning random songs (including "Viva la Vida") + other chords. It was a beautiful, blessed day; together with my family, I am feeling much gratitude on Curaçao, and I thank God.
Father's Day, and the Williwood Sign
It's Father's Day today -- the perfect way to honor dad, especially for hosting us on this beautiful vacation. We began with a delicious meal of homemade breakfast burritos.
Then, we traveled to a local beach: Daaibooi Beach. Here, many local families gathered to celebrate their dads, too, as it seems they also recognize Father's Day on Curaçao.
Above: Williwood sign from "Marfa's", Willibrordus, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
After, we returned to the villa for lunch followed closely by another visit to a new beach -- perhaps my favorite: Cas Abao. The water here is the bluest, clearest water I have ever seen! We left when the beach closed and found ourselves enjoying refreshments at "Marfa's" by the Williwood sign afterward.
Then, it was time for dinner. We all enjoyed the best meal on the trip -- maybe the best meal of the year -- at a fancy beachside restaurant in our resort village. I had sweet potato baked with puff pastry, veggies, mushrooms, and an amazing sauce. The ambient lighting + atmosphere was pleasing and so relaxing.
Mambo Beach
Today, we left the villa early around 9:30 and arrived at Mambo Beach at about 10am. The drive was eye-opening as we traveled around then through the outskirts of Willemstad. The multi-colored houses paint the otherwise solemn streets. There are many dilapidated and/or abandoned homes/buildings, in the middle of the most populated city on the island. Not to mention the number of stray dogs roaming the city in search for scraps.
Above: Looking over St. Anna Bay from Queen Juliana Bridge, Willemstad, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Mambo beach is a unique beach with an outdoor, two-level shopping mall complete with restaurants and other cafes, bars, themed parlors, etc. The lower level connects to the beachfront, which hosts a manmade cove with a strong current.
I mostly stayed in the same spot, enjoying the cool water when I got too hot under the small palapa. We stayed for seven hours -- quite a lengthy beach day! It was relaxing and tranquil, except Paige got dehydrated at the end and had to rest when we returned to the villa.
Above: Wind turbine farm along the northern coastline of Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
After dinner, I swam in our pool until it was twilight. I am looking forward to our last full day tomorrow at the beach, as well as to get a closer look at Willemstad!
Touring Willemstad
Today was our last full day. Though we planned to spend our day at the beach, none of us felt like leaving our little slice of paradise at the villa.
Above: In the distance, Church of Sint Willibrordus from the entrance of Coral Estate, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Above: Inside Church of Sint Willibrordus, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
I accompanied dad to the store for one last trip. On the way, we satisfied my desire to visit the church outside of Coral Estates. Built 200 years ago, the church possessed a prevailing reverence.
Back at the villa, I finished perhaps my new favorite book: "Autobiography of a Yogi", by Paramahansa Yogananda. He is an enlightened master.
Above (from left to right): Dad, Jake, and Liz enjoying mojitos in Willemstad, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Though we might've been beached-out, we still wanted to tour the capital of Curaçao, so we traveled the now-familiar winding road from Coral Estate to Willemstad. Upon arrival, dad wanted to stop at a bar featuring "the world's best mojito". I opted out this time, but I couldn't resist capturing my family's enjoyment (above).
Above: Colorful buildings along St. Anna Bay, Willemstad, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Above: Queen Juliana Bridge from Queen Emma Bridge, Willemstad, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Above: Selfi on St. Anna Bay, Willemstad, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
Seeing these iconic, bright, multicolored buildings up close brought me joy. We walked halfway across the floating bridge and back again before finding a spot for dinner in the city center.
Above: Posing around the Curaçao sign, Willemstad, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
On the way back to the villa, in the car, we reflected on our favorite memories of this trip. We agreed that every day was uniquely special. My favorite day was when we traveled from beach to beach (day four); the day we jumped from the cliffs into the ocean, swam with the sea turtles, and saw the natural blowhole. Everyone seemed partial to that day, too.
I'm excited for pancakes in the morning and for our trip home to Michigan.
Farewell, Curaçao
Above: Waving goodbye to my getaway, Coral Estate, Curaçao. 2024 by Luke Baum
In the morning, Paige made us pancakes, and we cooked up everything else that was left-over in the fridge and pantry. It was a filling breakfast! I also packed out pasta salad for lunch, later at the airport. This trip was fantastic. Travel home went smoothly, and when I arrived back home, I felt refreshed.
Afterward
Whether it's a vacation filled with non-stop action or total relaxation, Curaçao is an incredible place to find beauty and excitement around every corner. I hope you enjoyed my journal entries from Curaçao and are interested in touring this tropical paradise, too! Stay tuned for more adventures on Life Packs.
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