Nothing says summer quite like a tropical background coupled with the turquoise hues of a Caribbean island. It’s a time when the days are longer, the clothes are fewer, and where many of us that crave an escape from reality instantly transport ourselves to beachy destinations, ideally where a passport is required. Curaçao is such a destination.
While I can confirm that most people I told about my trip to Curaçao started off with a question of, “Where is that?” or even more fondly, “Like the liqueur?” I can also assure you that with its 34 beaches, vivid colors, and rich culture, the dreamy sun-soaked location is working its way up the bucket lists of many, and with good reason.
The island is located in the Southern Caribbean Sea and is one part of what is commonly referred to as the ABC Islands. The three westernmost islands of the Carribean’s Leeward Antilles are comprised of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, respectively. The largest of the three, Curaçao has been touted as a favorite in the Caribbean and has 34 beaches, with each having its own personality due to much of the island’s untouched nature.
The sea is entrancing everywhere you look because of its three-toned appearance that occurs depending on how shallow the water is in its proximity to the shore. Its downtown locations of Pietermaai and Pandu offer vibrancy in another way through intricate street art and with buildings and homes that vary in shades, from bold yellows and pale pinks to deep greens and blues that rival the sky.
When I was invited to travel to Curaçao (pronounced cure-a-sow like ow) with Diamond PR, I was enticed by the itinerary’s emphasis on Curaçao as a “playground for wellbeing.” After engaging in a lot of inner healing work in the year so far, I wanted to tap into more experiences that gave me the opportunity to approach my healing work externally as well. The promise of relaxation, grounding nature, picturesque views, and slow-living laidback vibes assured me of the island’s potential to be a catalyst for being well.
After being immersed in all things Curaçao for a week, I can say without a doubt the country’s slogan, “Feel it for yourself,” has me singing a similar tune to anyone who'll listen.
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
I thought about it while indulging in a glass of merlot in Koral Bar, nestled on the cliffside of Coral Estate Luxury Resort, where I stayed for the bulk of my trip. It was my first day there, and I had arrived before the rest of my group. I felt a sense of calm wash over my body the second I exited the airport the day before. And at that moment, while seated at the bar of my hotel, feeling the breeze release gentle whispers against my skin and becoming mesmerized by the sunset, and how fluidly the lilac of the sky melted into the deep blue of the sea the bar overlooked, it was the perfect way to spend the evening and the relaxation my body called for after a long day of travel.
I thought about how everything I was feeling vibrationally at that moment was a result of my being there in person. But the vibe was only a taste of the magic Curaçao had to offer.
If you’re ready to tap into the island of Curaçao as a wellness escape, I rounded up the ultimate self-care itinerary that you should feel for yourself.
Day 1
Do a MOOD Table at Universal Alchemist
When it comes to providing the tools to get your vibrational healing and your aura all the way together, Elly Sambo is that girl. Alongside Universal Alchemist co-owner Femi Meaux, my group and I were able to bask in the shade of a decades-old mango tree before engaging in a guided group meditation. We shared stories and embraces. And the icing on the cake was the MOOD Table element created by Elly that focused on joy, the perfect segue to connect the other aspects of our workshop, which involved hacking happiness hormones. The feeling of being grounded by nature as well as using our hands to create DIY tools for our energy healing, like body oils and teas, was equal parts relaxing and energizing.
As an herbalist, alchemist, yoni steaming specialist, and more, Elly and the Universal Alchemist have an array of offerings that cater to one's vibrational healing and wellness lifestyle. Come for some healing, stay for the vibes.
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Have lunch at Fresh. by Bluemaxx Fresh
After some homemade nut milk and the Universal Alchemist has your vibrations running high, now's the time to get your health fix at a local eatery. Fresh. by Bluemaxx Fresh is an extension of BlueMaxx Health Club & Medi-Spa, a fitness center located in Willemstad Curaçao. The concept of the restaurant is based on wanting to provide food options that are healthy but also taste good. And I must say, mission accomplished. We ordered some yucca and quinoa-battered onions for the table to share.
For the main event, I ordered a steak bowl and a side of fresh pineapple juice. Everything we ate was the definition of fresh and flavorful.
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Do a breathwork session at The Space
What I loved about The Space was the inviting atmosphere. We were immediately greeted by warmth and the shining presence of founder Caroline Kolk who also gave us complimentary water. We removed our shoes and prepared to relax, relate, and release. The Space's approach to healing is holistic as they believe everything about the mind, body, and spirit is connected. When I thought about a yoga class right after lunch, my thought immediately went to yoga postures, and I was pleasantly surprised that our guide for that day was intentional about meeting us where we were, so we did a practice focusing on the breath instead.
The Space offers a range of classes, from basic Pilates to restorative yoga, as well as meditation circles, prenatal yoga, treatments, and even yoga teacher training.
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Explore Willemstad Kaya Kaya
Although you can definitely explore the very walkable area of Willemstad by yourself, I highly recommend booking a guided tour with Kurt Schoop, a local born and raised on the island. He also is one of the owners of a business in the neighborhood of Ser'i Otrobanda called Bario and has lived there for 19 years. Through his storytelling, we were able to get another layer to the mix of art, culture, and murals that we were introduced to over the hour-and-a-half exploration.
Kaya Kaya is a yearly celebration that takes place on September 2nd and is the biggest party on the island. The Ser'i Otrobanda neighborhood went from being an area of the island that wasn't really visited but since has been restored. It was incredible to hear how influential the beautification efforts had been as a tool for community building. Implementing various art projects throughout was a way of "changing the narrative" of the neighborhood and to see how much has changed through restoration in a matter of years was remarkable. So were the pastel-colored homes.
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Afterward, since you're already literally in the neighborhood, visit the Bario Hotel's on-site restaurant, Bario Urban Street Food. My favorite was the fried calamari dish, but I absolutely loved the drinks from the specialized cocktail bar.
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Day 2
Nature walk at Hofi Mango
The best part about the island heat is finding little respites where you can cool off. The 800 or so mango trees forming the shady center of the park felt like a cool drink of water on a hot day. The trees were mighty, they were lush and vividly green. The sounds of parakeets and other birds provided a soundtrack to our time there. Once a plantation in the 1700s, Hofi Mango has been transformed to be a playground for wellness. Though open to the public for walking and even lounging, the park is still in its development stages, but the hope is for it to be "a place in nature used for cultivating food but also as a space for gathering," which is what the Papiamentu word "hofi" can be loosely translated to.
The concepts for gathering in the park so far have been built with the intention of striking a balance between nature and development. As Bernice, the park manager who guided the tour for us, stated, "Nature doesn't compete, they coincide." And it is her intention that the people who visit Hofi Mango learn to coincide with the nature around them.
The walk is a pretty easy one, and at its mirador, you can see Santa Cruz (one of the island's many beaches) in the distance, closely neighboring the island's highest peak. The west side of the island is known for its beauty, and the views and landscapes you are introduced to during your time at Hofi Mango will highlight that even more.
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Do a spa day at 8 Experience Curaçao
I can confidently say that the spa experience at 8 Experience Curaçao is a luxurious slice of relaxation heaven everyone should partake in at least once in their lives. The massage I had there was the things dreams are made of, and it's considered one of the best spas on the island. Go there for a facial or a massage and enjoy the facilities for the day. The spa itself is immaculately designed with stunning attention to detail. In addition to a sauna, they also offer a steam room infused with aromas and an ice room kept at 5 degrees Celsius. The connection to nature can be felt throughout the luxe facility, especially when it's time to get your massage.
The rooms have huge windows that open up to the Caribbean Sea by way of wooden shutters. So the picturesque views are literally framed, and while you are taking in the aromas of your oil of choice during your massage (special shout out to Nilitsa, who did the damn thing), your sensory experience opens up even more with the help of the sounds of the water against the cliffside, the birds, and even the wind. The emphasis is on wholeness, and every service offered at the spa delivers a taste of that.
In addition to spa and salon services, you can opt to lounge by the pool or one of the two jacuzzis nestled right on the cliffside, overlooking the sea. Oasis doesn't even begin to cover it.
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Enjoy dinner on the beach at Karakter
Notably, Karakter is a restaurant known for being located in quiet and unique locations and chose Curaçao to be the home of their second restaurant. With the white sand and the blue sea and a special appearance of the sunset acting as our backdrop, we enjoyed the most decadent meal at this chic restaurant. There was careful care and consideration placed on incorporating the flavors the chef wished to highlight, like cauliflower, pumpkin, and dark chocolate, which went together seamlessly with some of the other elements of the dishes. Altogether, the elements provided a sensory experience to remember.
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Day 3
Dip your toes into the clear waters of Mambo Beach
If you haven't found a beach yet, take in the crystal blue waters of Mambo Beach, one of the island's most popular and trendiest beaches. While the tropical lagoon is man-made, it's one of the calmer beaches of Curaçao, making it perfect for kids and non-swimmers as well. I am always mesmerized by the undeniable beauty of the sea and the image of palm trees swaying in the wind. Lounge by the water, have a drink from the beach bar (Rileks Beach Bar comes highly recommended), or enjoy a swim.
Just off the shores of the far-reaching white-sand beach are a lot of amenities and shops the downtown area has to offer. Mambo Beach Boulevard has a plethora of bars, restaurants, and of course, shopping. So whether you want to relax, dine, or play, Mambo Beach has a little something for everyone.
Explore downtown Curaçao
Prepare to be blown away by the breathtaking beauty of a different variety with the sights and sounds of downtown Curaçao. The brightly colored houses lining the waterfront and cobblestone streets populate an area of an island that has strong Dutch influences. In search of the Kura Hulanda Museum, we stumbled upon the brightly colored Kura Hulanda Village that opens up to a little pavilion with local shops to peruse. In addition to making a pit stop at Rustiq, we were introduced to a local artist there whose work is featured quite prominently in the area named Bagira. You can also visit Punda for some of the higher-end shopping if that's your fancy.
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
Have tapas and cocktails at Soi95
Asian-inspired tapas served with a Caribbean twist are what you can expect at Soi95. We spent our last night dining on the scenic rooftop terrace, sharing light bites and sipping on unique crafty cocktails. The presentation was incredible, especially with the drinks that were sometimes served with flames or another element that upped the ante on its uniqueness. The flavors were eclectic, and every single bite had you yearning for more. A great dining gem worthy of a stop during your trip to Curaçao.
Sheriden Chanel/xoNecole
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RELATED
Anyway, I personally think that the less shallow folks out here may contemplate calling things “quits” or they at least distance themselves a bit from their partner (and what I’m referring to is serious relationships) due to all of the stress and strain that oftentimes comes with the holidays whether it be financial, familial, due to their tight schedules or something else.
Listen, I would hate for you and your man to miss the fun and happiness of experiencing this time of year, all because you are so overwhelmed or irritated that you can’t really enjoy it. That’s why I have a few practical tips for how to avoid allowing the typical holiday season stress from INFECTING your relationship.
Manage Your Expectations
GiphyUnmanaged expectations. If there is a main reason why the holiday season tends to be so stress-filled for so many people, I’d bet good money that this is the cause. And when you’re in a long-term relationship, expectations can manifest themselves in all sorts of cryptic and/or unexpected ways. You might have relatives who assume that you are going to be with them for Thanksgiving or Christmas when you have other plans in mind. You might be thinking that you are going to spend one amount for presents while your man is thinking something totally different. When it comes to scheduling, your signals may be crossed.
And you know what? To all of these scenarios, this is where clear and consistent communication come in. Don’t assume anything. Don’t dictate anything either. From now until New Year’s, mutually decide to check in once a week, just to make sure that you are both on the same page as it relates to the holidays and what you both are thinking will come along with it. The less blindsided you both feel, the less stressed out you will be. Trust me on this.
Set (and Keep) a Budget
GiphyOkay, so I read that last year, 36 percent of Americans incurred some type of holiday-related debt. Hmph. Last year, there was still some sense of normalcy in this country, chile, so I can only imagine what finances are gonna look like over the next several weeks. That said, since I don’t know a lot of people who don’t find being broke stressful, make sure that you and your bae set a budget and then stick to it this year — no ifs, ands or buts.
Because really, y’all — it doesn’t make sense to deplete savings and/or max out credit cards for a few days of giggles only to be damn near losing your mind because you don’t know how to make ends meet come Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
And by the way, this tip doesn’t just speak to things like food and gifts; I also mean travel. If it doesn’t make a ton of sense (or cents) to be all over the place this year — DON’T BE.
Keep Matthew 5:37 at the Forefront
GiphyIf off the top of your head, you don’t know what Matthew 5:37 says, no worries, here ya go: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” That verse right there? Oh, it’s a boundaries lifesaver! I say that because do you see “maybe” or “I’ll think about it” in there? Nope. LOL. It says that you should tell people “yes” or “no” and leave it at that — and that complements Anne Lamott’s quote, “’No’ is a complete sentence” impeccably well. Yeah, you’ve got to remember that anything beyond a yes or no to a request is privileged information; you don’t owe anyone details or an explanation.
Besides, if you are really honest with yourself, when someone asks you something and you give a “Umm, let me think about it” kind of reply, more times than not, you already know what your answer is going to be — so why not let you both off of the hook? Give your response. Commit to that. And let everyone (including yourself) get on with their lives and schedules.
I promise you that when it comes to those holiday parties, you are pissing more folks off by not RSVP’ing or doing so and not showing up than just saying, “Thank you but not this year” off the rip.
Remember That Your Personal Space Is Privilege Not a Right
GiphyA friend of mine recently bought a new house and invited me over to come see it. He’s a single man with no children, so as I was taking in all of the space that he had, especially as I walked through his finished basement, I joked about relatives coming to live with him. “Hell no” and “absolutely not” were pretty much his immediate responses as he went on to say that some folks even had the nerve to be offended when he told them that he had no intentions on taking DNA in.
Ain’t it wild how people think that your stuff is their right? And yes, that brings me to my next point. Your home is your sanctuary space. If you want to host folks this year — cool. If not, ALSO COOL. Please don’t let folks (family included) guilt you into how they want you to act or even into what they would do if the shoe was on the other foot. You are not them — and as one of my favorite quotes states, “If two people were exactly alike, one of them would be unnecessary.” (A man by the name Larry Dixon said that.)
Hell, my friends? They know that I am good for sending them random things that they need or even want all throughout the year. Coming over to hang out at my pace, though. Uh-uh. Chalk it up to being a card-carrying member of the ambivert club yet I like keeping my living space personal — and I sleep like a baby, each and every night, for feeling that way.
Always remember that your space, your time, your resources, your energy and shoot, yourself period (including your relationship), are all things that are your own. You get to choose how, when and why you want to share them. The holiday season is certainly no exception.
Cultivate Some “You Two Only” Traditions
GiphyIt’s not uncommon for some couples to hit me up after the holiday season to “detox.” Sometimes it’s due to the financial drama (and sometimes trauma) that they experienced. Sometimes it’s because they allowed their relatives (especially in-laws) to get more into their personal business than they should’ve. More than anything, though, it tends to be because they didn’t get enough quality time together and so ended up feeling “disconnected.”
Please don’t let that happen. Listen, I’m not even a holidays kind of woman and yet, I will absolutely sit myself down with some hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies to enjoy a Hallmark holiday film or two. Aside from the fact that most of them are lighthearted and sweet, I also like that they usually focus on couples loving on each other amidst all of the holiday beauty and ambiance — which is something that all couples should set aside some time to do.
Maybe it’s a vacation. Maybe it’s a staycation. Or maybe it’s my personal favorite, A SEXCATION. Whether it’s for a few days, the weekend or even overnight — don’t you let the holidays go by without setting aside time for you and your man to celebrate one another. Don’t you dare (check out “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry 'Christmas Sex'?”).
GET. SOME. REST.
GiphyI once read that 8 out of 10 people get stressed out over the holidays and 3 out of 10 lose sleep during to it — and when you’re stress-filled and sleep-deprived, that can absolutely lead to hypersensitivity, making mountains out of molehills and even not being in the mood for sex.
Your relationship can’t afford to go through any of this, so definitely make sure to prioritize rest. I don’t care how unrealistic it might seem during this time, sleep should never be seen as a luxury; it will always and forever be a great necessity.
That said, try to get no less than six hours of shut-eye in (check out “6 Fascinating Ways Sex And Sleep Definitely Go Hand In Hand”) and even ask your bae to take a nap with you sometimes (check out “Wanna Have Some Next-Level Sex? Take A Nap, Sis.”). Not only will sleep help to restore your mind, body and spirit but, when it’s with your partner, it’s an act of intimacy that can make you both feel super connected, even in the midst of what might feel like chaos.
___
Holiday season stress is real. Still, never give it the permission or power to throw your relationship off. Put you and your man first and let the holidays be what they are gonna be, chile.
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And so, since this is the time of year when catching a cold (and/or the flu) is common, let’s talk about the impact that sleep (and again, a lack thereof) has on your immune system. That way, you can remain as healthy as possible during the fall and winter seasons.
1. Less Sleep Means More Colds
GiphyLike I stated in the intro, I’m pretty sure you’ve heard somewhere that the fall and winter are the seasons when people are most susceptible to catching a cold or coming down with the flu. And that’s exactly why I thought I would start this all off by sharing the fact that some studies reveal that if you get less than six hours of sleep, on a consistent basis, you end up making yourself more vulnerable to coming down with both. In fact, some research says that only 18 percent of people who get six-plus hours of rest caught a cold while almost 40 percent who got less than that did.
The logic behind it all is sleep gives your body time to build up the proteins and cells (like cytokines and T-cells) that you need to fight off certain viruses. So, if nothing bothers you more than having a stuffy nose or stubborn cough when it’s cold outside, getting more sleep is one way to prevent that from happening to you.
2. Less Sleep Means More Allergy Symptoms
GiphyAt the end of the day, an allergy is basically what transpires whenever your immune system “overreacts” to something that other people’s systems do not. And since sleep is what helps to keep your immune system nice and strong — well, I’m sure you get how less allergy-related symptoms and more sleep go hand in hand. Also, since sleep helps to decrease bodily inflammation (more on that in a bit) and inflammation can also intensify allergy symptoms, that’s just one more reason to get as much shut-eye as possible.
3. Less Sleep Means Potential Diabetes and Heart Disease
GiphyDid you know that in 2024, Black women were diagnosed with diabetes 24 percent more than any other adult demographic. Also, it continues to be a reality that heart disease is the leading cause of death for Black women. These two sobering statistics alone should be enough of an incentive to do whatever you can to keep the risk of diabetes and heart disease way down.
One way to do that is by getting more sleep. Aside from the fact that sleep strengthens your immune system to where it is easier for you to fight off illness and diseases, sleep can keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy space; plus, when it comes to your heart, it gives it, along with your arteries and blood vessels a break.
4. Less Sleep Means Less Time for Your Body to Push “Reset”
GiphyIf you really stopped to consider all that your body goes through during the day (you can read some about that here), you definitely would respect it enough to do your best to thank it by giving it no less than six hours of sleep, each and every night. Sleep is what helps to slow your brain and body down so they are able to “refuel” for the next day. After all, how can your body prevent you from getting sick if your immune system is too worn out to fight ailments off? Exactly.
5. More Sleep Helps You to Fight Off Infections
GiphySpeaking of, in order for your body to fight off infections, there are certain cells and antibodies within you that need to be healthy and strong — one way that they get and stay that way is by you getting a good amount of sleep. For instance, remember when I touched on cytokines earlier? Well, the same way that they help to prevent colds, they also help to prevent infections too. And since sleep lowers your cortisol (stress) levels, rest gives your body the time and space to build up an army that can fight off free radicals and other health-related challenges while you are awake.
6. More Sleep Lowers Bodily Inflammation
GiphyWhenever a health-related issue is mentioned on this platform, inflammation is something that is mentioned quite a bit. Probably the easiest way to explain inflammation is it’s how your body responds/reacts whenever something is happening to your body that shouldn’t be, whether it’s an illness, an injury, a germ or something that you may be allergic to.
If you happen to have chronic inflammation, some symptoms that are associated with that include fatigue, stiff joints, skin rashes, weight gain and moodiness.
The interesting thing about all of this is if you aren’t getting enough rest, you could be triggering inflammation in your body. That’s because studies reveal that a lack of sleep can elevate molecules that are associated with inflammation. So, if you don’t want inflammation to increase within your system, you should definitely catch more zzz’s.
7. More Sleep Regulates Hormones
GiphyWhen it comes to hormones like serotonin, estrogen and cortisol, believe it or not, they play a role in how your immune system acts and overreacts. That’s because, if your hormones are out of balance, that can cause your immune system to work harder than it actually should and that can make you more vulnerable to sickness. One way to keep your hormones leveled out? SLEEP.
That’s because sleep gives your body the opportunity to rest, repair and restore your hormone levels. On the other hand, when you are sleep deprived, that can put/keep your hormones on the ultimate roller coaster ride. #notgood
8. More Sleep Strengthens Vaccines
flu shot GIF - Find & Share on GIPHYGiphyIf you’re someone who is good for getting some sort of vaccine around this time of the year, make sure that you rest up before and after getting your shots. Not only does adequate rest before a vaccination help your immune system to be better receptive to your shots but sleep also helps your body to build up enough antibodies to make your vaccinations effective after getting them. Because if you’re gonna get pricked, shouldn’t it be worth it? My thoughts exactly.
Get some freakin’ sleep! Your immune system depends on it.
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