When dreaming of a trip to the Caribbean, you’re likely thinking of pristine white sands, tropical palms wafting in the warm breeze, and pure, zinging-blue waters lapping the shore.
From Antigua to the Bahamas, the region is well-known for idyllic, paradise-like beaches, laid-back island charm, rugged natural landscapes and swoon-worthy food and drink scenes that have made the countries of the Caribbean Sea popular with visitors the world over, with 28 million people visiting the region last year.
But while the area offers spectacular tropical destinations, potential visitors should be wary of the region’s infamous hurricane season.
Running between 1 June and 30 November, the season produces tropical storms which can have devastating effects on countries in the hurricane belt; 2017’s Hurricane Maria is a prominent recent example, affecting Dominica, the Bahamas and Anguilla among others.
If you are planning a trip during the high-risk months, give yourself the best shot at swerving storms by considering a stay on one of these islands that are usually unaffected by hurricane season.
Curacao
An aerial view of Willemstad, the capital of Curacao
(Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Curacao is the principal island in the Dutch Caribbean, part of the ABC islands (formally known as the Leeward Antilles) along with Aruba and Bonaire. The island is home to a unique blend of Dutch architecture, European and Creole cultural influences and untainted natural beauty. These are all showcased in the capital, Willemstad: colourful colonial buildings line the streets and the waterfront in the Punda district, while beaches such as Mambo and Parasasa provide seaside relaxation and locals communicate in Papiamentu (a language influenced by colonial-era Portuguese and Spanish).
Unsurprisingly considering the setting, many of the ‘things to do’ on the rest of the island consist of visiting beaches (Cas Abao and Kleine Knip are highly rated) and other natural sites including the Shete Boka National Park and the Hato Caves, although Willemstad offers plenty of opportunities to learn about the island’s history and culture.
Where to stay
The Avila Beach Hotel is located just five minutes’ drive from the centre of Willemstad and has its own section of pristine private beach, as well as an outdoor swimming pool.
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