Curaçao is an Underrated Choice for a Caribbean Golf Getaway, but Where Should You Stay?

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Without fail, anytime a friend or fellow travel and golf writer asks where I think they should visit next, my answer is Curaçao. It has been that way since the first time I visited to try the legendary food trucks, and my case was only bolstered when I attended the grand opening of Sandals Royal Curaçao and lucked into my first round of golf on this special island. More and more, I think about returning, primarily because the culinary scene is so exceptional, but also because there are three courses that I want to play over and over.

The thing about planning a trip to Curaçao, though, is that location truly matters. There might not be a better “all-in-one” destination in the Caribbean than the C in the ABC islands, simply because it boasts phenomenal beaches, an incredible city scene, and unbelievably creative restaurants, but if you want to pack everything into one trip, you need to select a centralized “base” hotel, and your best bet is probably Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort.

For starters, just based on looks alone, this property matches and amplifies the charm of downtown Willemstad’s colorful buildings, but you need more than just appearances and you’ll have no worries here. Located just a short walk from the iconic Queen Emma Bridge —  a necessary stop for all social media bragging rights — guests would be wise to rent electric bikes and head into town for meals at restaurants like the amazing Sal the Kitchen and the view-friendly Cascada Rooftop Bar + Kitchen, as well as the mandatory keshi yena at Restaurant & Café Gouverneur De Rouville.

Old Quarry is considered by many golf experts to be one of the best courses in the Caribbean.

But you’re here for golf, so let’s talk tee times. Head west for a short cab ride to the Blue Bay Curaçao Golf & Beach Resort, home to the course of the same name. Visitors who are staying at the Renaissance just have to show proof of their booking and they’ll receive a 20 percent discount on the green fee. Or head east past beautiful Jan Thiel Beach toward the Sandals resort and prepare for one of the most amazing golf rounds in the Caribbean at Old Quarry, easily one of my all-time favorite playing experiences.

Finally, complete the trifecta with the simple yet charming and historic 18-hole course at the Curaçao Golf & Squash Club, which was founded more than 90 years ago. While it lacks the ocean views offered at the other courses, this one is a favorite for locals and, really, anyone who just loves to play a fun round with some hidden challenges along the way. And it might just be the best choice for those of us who love to take lessons before playing. Again, Curaçao has some great hotel and resort options that will match all budgets, with some that also offer romance, family-friendly fun, and electric nightlife. But Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort is located right in the middle of it all, which makes it a top choice for anyone looking to play golf at three different and equally enjoyable courses. Best of all, there are deals all summer long.