STEPS

TRAVEL FITNESS DINING

DESTINATION:
CURAAO

THINGS HEAT UP IN CURAAO, WHERE GLOBAL

GAYS FIND BIG FUN ON A TINY ISLAND.
By Matthew Wexler

STEPS

TRAVEL

ISLAND FEVER

The pool at Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort

ooking for a gay-friendly Caribbean getaway? Curaao leads the pack

as a welcoming melting pot of 142,000 island inhabitants made up of
more than 50 nationalities. You dont have to look far to swim in an
extra-sexy mixed gene pool, including the indigenous Arawak. JetBlue is
currently the only U.S. airline offering direct flights to Curaao, but American offers daily connections through Miami, so youve got options when
heading for this fabulous destination.

Curaao Pride
Mark your calendar for September 30 through October 4 for Curaaos third
annual Gay Pride. This years theme is Dare to Be Yourself with six major
parties including Licious happy hour for ladies, Rainbow Lounge, White
Party, and Navigaytion Sea Paradean afternoon at sea aboard the historical Insulinde sailing ship with DJ KinkyRinky. Also expect an appearance from Mr. Continental 2014, Kalil Valentino. Curacaopride.com.
History and Hospitality
Before hitting the beach and the bars, be sure
to experience the Kura Hulanda Museum in
the city center of Willemstad, where the islands history in the slave trade is vividly memorialized. While it may seem like a heavy
Kura Hulanda Museum
venture for a sun-filled vacation, it will exponentially strengthen your appreciation of todays Curaao, which offers unrivaled
hospitality. While gay marriage isnt legal, same-sex activity is, and the island is focused on celebrating its diversity and welcoming LGBT travelers.
Rest Safe and Easy
You may not get much sleep during Curaao Pride, but it wont be for lack
of lush accommodations at Floris Suite Hotel and Spa. One of the islands
few adult-only properties, the host hotel has been at the epicenter of Curaaos efforts to welcome the LGBT community. We greet LGBT travelers

with open arms, says sales and marketing manager Jurandy Regina. The live and let live
mentality creates an atmosphere that makes
everyone feel welcome. Curaao is a safe island where you can easily rent a car and explore at your own pace, and the Floris is the
Floris Suite Hotel & Spa
most captivating hideaway on it. Consider splurging on a newly renovated Imperial Suite, which offers a
king-size bed, open concept bathroom, and garden views. You never know
who may be passing by en route to the Water Club, another new addition
featuring a steam room, dry sauna, Jacuzzi, treatment rooms, and rain
shower with enough room for your newfound friends. Florissuitehotel.com.
Adrenaline Junky
For your own adventure oasis, head to Santa
Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, a 27-acre private plantation located on Curaaos southeastern
shores. Choose Your Own Adventure
Santa Barbara Beach
& Golf Resort
packages offer the chance to customize your experience with water sports (of the Caribbean Sea
variety), ATV off-roading, or the newest addition: Skydive Curaao. Led by
chief instructor Herman Landsman, who has jumped more than 14,000
times, the crew will whisk you 10,000 feet high andif all goes well
drop you directly on the first hole of the resorts Old Quarry Gold course.
Santabarbararesortcuracao.com.
Curaao After Dark
Curaaos nightlife bustles year-round with a friendly vibe, live music, and
a typically mixed crowdDutch boys looking for fun, high-heeled beauties from Venezuela, and plenty of locals. Consider Thursday nights at Grand
Caf de Heeren, Friday nights at Saint Tropez Ocean Club, Saturday nights
at Hangover Party Bar, and late nights at The Gallery Lounge. N