The island of Curacao is located in the southwestern Caribbean, 35 miles from Venezuela. It has 69 dive locations and underwater visibility there is up to 150 feet. Besides the 40 popular beaches, there are a few secret spots called "Bocas" that only the connoisseur beach comber knows about. They include:

• Barbara Beach — topless
  
• Cas Aboa — snorkeling
  
• Playa Jeremi — private
  
• Playa Kalki — family

Curacao is outside the Hurricane Belt, so savvy travelers take advantage of low- season savings of up to 40 percent from April 15-December 14, and still have wonderful weather.

Christoffel National Park covers 4,500 acres at the northwestern end of the island and was pieced together in the 1970s from several former plantations, many with Baroque architecture. Driving time from Willemstad to the park is 45 minutes, but be forewarned that there is only one gas station west of Willemstad, at Barber.

Another insider's tip: Although Fort Nassau is known for its panoramic harbor views, the restaurant's other side overlooks an oil refinery, which can be an eyesore and occasionally emits unpleasant odors. Dine indoors and harbor side on breezy evenings.

Resources

Floris Suite Hotel
Willemstad, Curacao
Off-season (April-December) rates start at $135 US.
www.florissuitehotel.com
The Floris Suite Hotel's 72 units have stone floors, mahogany detailing and simple
furnishings.

Ocean Encounters Curacao
A single-tank boat scuba dive costs $40 US per person.
www.oceanencounters.com

Fort Nassau restaurant
Contact information coming soon.
The chef at Fort Nassau recommends the sesame seed-coated shrimp on papaya strips.