Curaçao. An island buzzing with energy. Where your days effortlessly fill with beach-hopping, long lunches, and evenings that naturally drift into dancing under the stars. But somewhere, between all that liveliness, I discovered something else. Something softer. Something quieter.
During my time on the island, I lived it up fully: from beach clubs to museums, from restaurants to new hotels. My heart filled with impressions, conversations, and sun-soaked moments. But right when everything felt so vibrant and my energy kept flowing, I noticed something else rising to the surface: the need to pause for a moment. To turn inward. To give my body and mind the same attention I was giving my curiosity.
And honestly? I had expected that I'd need to go somewhere like Bali or Ibiza for that. But Curaçao surprised me. Because here — on this island you might know mostly for its beaches, cocktails, music, and culture — I found space for stillness. In a way that doesn't feel forced. Doesn't have to be spiritual. But is simply light, free, and with its own pure vibe.
Coming Home to Yourself, Curaçao Style
Being yourself and coming home — you do that on this island. Beautifully real, Curaçao style (no filter needed). Below I share the places that helped me embrace that feeling of peace and freedom. Places where body, mind, and soul come together. Places for wellbeing and the feeling of being truly free.
1. Movements Yoga & Pilates Studio: All About Balance
Sometimes you only remember why you love something when you've gone without it for a while. Yoga is like that for me. Something that's always been part of my life, but that I sometimes intentionally step away from while traveling. Until that moment comes — when you feel it: oh right… I've missed this.
That moment hit me at Movements, right in the heart of Pietermaai. After weeks full of impressions, I walked into the studio. Light, space, plants — an atmosphere that instantly brings calm. During the class, I remembered again why I love it: yoga and pilates. It finally gave me that feeling of grounding and stillness in my body and mind. In the days that followed, I kept going back. Sometimes to move and work on that beach body — and sometimes just to bring quiet to my head. All about balance.
What makes Movements extra special for me is owner Christel. She lives exactly what she preaches: a beautiful balance between moving, slowing down, and the real island vibe. She combines yoga with surfing, family life, and entrepreneurship — riding the waves of life along the way. No picture-perfect moments, just real. And you feel that in everything she does.
2. Landhuis Bloemhof: An Oasis Where Time Stands Still
On Curaçao, you cruise around the island with the windows down, a great beat through the speakers, and an arm casually hanging out the window. Zigzagging through traffic, singing along, laughing. It's lively. Sometimes even a little chaotic. But that's exactly what makes the contrast so special. Because when, in the middle of all that energy, you take the turn-off to Landhuis Bloemhof, it feels like stepping directly into another world. The busyness slides off you and makes way for calm. And wow. What a place!
One of the most remarkable spots here is the atelier of May Henriquez (1915–1999). Her workspace is completely intact. Brushes still sit in jars, her radio is still there, and her work is displayed everywhere. It feels like she could walk back in at any moment. As if time simply stopped here. You also wander through a garden full of art and discover spots like the 'book tree' — a tree with books hanging from its branches. I was told people sometimes hang a hammock there, grab a book, and just… be.
Finish up at Number Ten — where you can enjoy a wonderful lunch and the best coffee. The garden of Number Ten, at Landhuis Bloemhof, is the perfect blend of inspiration and relaxation.
3. Hofi Dushi Terra: Back to Basics
Taking care of myself also means: eating well. And preferably local. At Hofi Dushi Terra, I found exactly that. Fresh, pure, and grown with love. I got a tour from farmer August, who talked about everything growing on the farm with so much passion. You feel it: this comes from the ground, literally and figuratively. In the days that followed, I ate the most delicious vegetables.
What's also really cool: you can pick up fresh packages here weekly. For about 35 guilders, you can pick up a box full of fresh vegetables and herbs on Thursdays — as long as you place your order before Wednesday (via Instagram).
A fun fact: many restaurants on the island also work with their produce. So there's a good chance you've already tasted it without even knowing.
4. Club Forma: Slowing Down Through Movement
For me, body and mind are inseparably connected. At Club Forma, that comes together perfectly. Club Forma was founded by Michelle, driven by a deep passion for (reformer) pilates and the desire to create something special on the island. What started as a personal journey grew into a place where movement, luxury, and personal attention come together. The focus here is primarily on private (or small group) sessions, so you get truly personalized guidance.
What made it extra special for me was instructor January. I knew her from back in the Netherlands, and it immediately felt familiar. She's incredibly kind, deeply passionate, and has an enormous knowledge of anatomy. She sees exactly what your body needs, sometimes even before you feel it yourself. And it doesn't stop at the workout. Think a fresh juice after your session, a cold towel, or a glass of wine on Friday evenings (hello, balance). It's the small details that make all the difference.
You can book both private sessions and drop-in classes here — ideal if you live on the island, but also perfect if you want a body & mind boost during your vacation.
5. Bachata Curaçao: Dance Your Head Empty
After all that stillness… I felt like moving. Because sometimes relaxation is found in dancing. Through Bachata Curaçao, I ended up at an evening full of music and energy. Organized by Richard — who also organizes hikes, for example to Tafelberg at sunset (bring your yoga mat… and enjoy the view. Can you picture it?).
But more about dancing: when you dance, you come home in your body. And the beautiful thing is: when you're learning something new — like bachata in this case — your mind simply has no room to think about anything else. The classes take place at Surfspot Curaçao, with a view of the ocean and windsurfers in the background.
Thursday evening = music on, mind off. Classes are available for beginners and intermediates.
6. Zaza Studio: Deep Relaxation
At Zaza Studio, I did an Acupuncture Float & Flow session with sisters Mrinalini and Shalini. And honestly: I had never done this before, and it was a truly beautiful experience.
The evening began with breathwork and yoga. Then came acupuncture — focused on calming your nervous system. And then I was suddenly… floating on a mat in the water ;)
Everything went quiet. My nervous system calmed down and my mind found peace. Afterward, we enjoyed a cozy cup of tea. When I drove home afterward, I felt more relaxed than I had in a long time.
7. Hofi Cas Cora: Slowing Down Together
At Hofi Cas Cora, you immediately sense: this is more than just a place. What started as a personal vegetable garden grew into a farm-to-table concept where everything comes together. Here, people don't just cook or harvest — they nourish, create, and share.
I was here during a retreat, co-organized with Christel from Movements. An evening of slowing down, connecting, and reflecting. We did this through breathwork, yoga, painting, planting new seeds (literally and figuratively), and a wonderful dinner. A moment to pause and look at what has been — and what is ready to grow in the new season.
Hofi Cas Cora regularly organizes events and collaborates with great local initiatives. Always with the same intention: bringing people together and contributing to greater health.
Curaçao is everything at once. Lively and calm. Energetic and still. One moment you're dancing with a cocktail in your hand, the next you're lying under a tree with a book. And it's precisely that balance that makes the island so special.
So yes, come for the beaches, the colors, and the good vibes. But stay a little longer for the peace. Sometimes it's just right around the corner.
