Curaçao is unlike any other Caribbean island. Maybe it’s the mix of ethnic influences or its diverse history that explain the international flavour of its culture and curious blend of Old and New World charm.

The People
The people of Curaçao claim descent from over 50 different ethnic backgrounds, and the native language, Papiamentu, is a Creole mixture of Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, English, French, African, and some Arawak Indian. All these influences make for a fascinating mix. My friend Camille says of the Curaçans: ‘we like the life outside, but cherish being with the family.’ Which explains the warmth of their close-knit communities, but also their willingness to throw open their arms to everyone.

Famous names connected with Curaçao include Amerigo Vespucci, Alonso de Ojeda, Peter Stuyvesant, the notorious Captain Bligh and Simon Bolivar, who all played a part in Curaçao’s colourful past.

The Places
Everyone loves to shop here. Punda and Otrobanda are the two shopping districts in characterful downtown Willemstad, separated by St Anna Bay and connected by the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. Curaçao has no duty or tax on many imported items, which has earned it a reputation for bargain-hunters travelling throughout the Caribbean. The hot tip at the moment is for Zuikertuintje Mall - a new mall featuring exclusive boutiques. However, my favourite spot is by The Floating Venezuelan Market in Punda, where locals and tourists alike sit and watch the world go by whilst sipping coffee. A couple of minute’s walk away is The Slavery Museum, housing fascinating African artefacts. Unknown to many, Willemstad also boasts the oldest working synagogue in the Western world, Mikvé Israel-Emanuel.  Away from the capital, the authentic plantation houses or landhuizen are open to the public. Some, like the restored landhuizen papaya, house restaurants and galleries.

Eating is an exceptional experience here. Because of the island’s cultural diversity, restaurants offer a variety of cuisines from Indonesian and Latin American to Italian, French, and Chinese. But for an authentic taste of Curaçao, head for the Old Market in Punda. Those in the know go straight to Snek Cultuur in Otrobanda, where the specialty is a green rum that they make themselves.

Jaanchie’s Restaurant is in Westpunt, one of the most scenic areas of Curaçao. Three generations have operated this sterling establishment, which has been serving delicious local fare and seafood for more than 60 years. On Sundays, the tropical atmosphere and live music showcase Curaçan hospitality at it best.

The Lime
The pretty streets of Curaçao may appear serene, but after dark the thumping rhythms of tumba, reggae and salsa fill the air. Head for Mambo Beach, Mundo Bizarro in Punda or De Heeren and Asia de Cuba in the Zuikertje area for live music.

The Annual Salsa Tour in August is a sizzling affair, with salsa concerts, shows, competitions, workshops and performances from the best groups on the worldwide salsa scene. Everyone dances the night away in six different outdoor and indoor locations.

After a hectic evening of dancing, locals will often go for a late night snack at a typical truck, or Trukipan, where hot food like fries, rice or just bread with meat (steak, pork chops, or chicken) refuels the revellers.

The Sights
Just off the coast of Venezuela, Curaçao has an arid, cacti-rich landscape akin to that of its South American neighbours. One of the cacti, Kadushi, can be made into a healthy soup.

Hato Caves is an elaborate network of stalactites and stalagmites, with drawings said to be 1500 years old. Dive enthusiasts head for The Mushroom Forest, an underwater jungle of ten-foot, mushroom-shaped star coral.

The Treasures
It is impossible to leave Curaçao without a bottle of the eponymous liqueur. Curaçao is found in cocktail bars all over the world, but the original, and the best, is that made lovingly on the island at The Chobolobo Mansion built in the early 1800s. Shortly after the Spaniards discovered Curaçao in 1499, they started planning its agricultural development. One of the plants they carried with care on their long sea voyages from Spain was the so-called “Valencia orange”. The different climate and soil conditions however changed this juicy fruit into a kind of bitter, almost inedible produce. It was not until decades later that someone discovered that the peel of this orange contained ethereal oil with an extraordinary pleasing fragrance. Since 1946 Chobolobo has housed the distillery Senior Co, which produces the famous Blue Curaçao.

The Facts
Area: The largest of the Netherlands Antilles, the island of Curaçao is 38 miles long and varies between two and eight miles in width.
Population: Approx 140,000.
Location: Situated between Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao lies 35 miles off the northern coast of Venezuela and 800 miles north of the equator.
Climate: It is almost always dry and the average daytime temperature is 82°F. It is also worth noting that as Curaçao is located outside the normal hurricane belt, it is almost totally free from hurricanes.
Language: Dutch is the official language, but Papiamentu is the local language spoken by the inhabitants. However, both English and Spanish are generally understood.
Currency: The Netherlands Antillean guilder (also called the florin), but US Dollars are widely accepted.
Time zone: GMT -4
Dial Code: +599
Further information: www.curacao.com