If you’re looking for an underrated paradise destination in the Caribbean, here’s why you should consider one of these two trending islands for your next getaway.
Curacao and Grenada are two lesser-known islands in the Caribbean that are currently setting new tourism records.
Unlike the Dominican Republic, which receives over a million tourists each month and is the most visited destination in the Caribbean, these two islands fly under the radar for many travelers.
However, they’re slowly growing in popularity — Curacao just had a record-setting month in March 2024 with over 63,000 visitors, while Grenada is on track to have a record-breaking first quarter of the year with more than 10% growth compared to the previous record of 2019.
Here’s why you should consider Curacao or Grenada for your next trip.
Fewer Crowds And Less Development
One of the biggest reasons to choose Curacao or Grenada for your next Caribbean getaway is because you can avoid the large crowds and over-development that plague many islands.
Although Curacao is close to the more popular island of Aruba, it’s far less developed than its ABC Island neighbor. You won’t find any of the high-rise resorts and chain restaurants of Aruba in Curacao.
Instead, you can discover pristine beaches and beautiful nature on this largely undeveloped island. (That being said, the capital Willemstad is a lively town with lots of opportunities for shopping and dining.)
Grenada is a similar story. It lacks the extreme tourist crowds and over-development of many popular Caribbean destinations while still boasting gorgeous beaches.
Amazing Beaches
Of course, one of the top reasons you’re taking a vacation to the Caribbean is for the beaches. Luckily, both Curacao and Grenada have some of the best beaches in the entire world.
Cas Abao Beach is my favorite beach in Curacao. It has some of the clearest, brightest blue water I’ve ever seen, and it’s a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
In Grenada, Grand Anse Beach regularly makes it into the rankings for best beaches in the world.
If an unforgettable beach holiday is what you’re after, these two islands will not disappoint.
New Resorts And Flights
One of the biggest reasons these two underrated islands are growing in popularity and setting new tourism records is because of new resorts and new flights.
In Curacao, Hilton just opened the Rif at Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao, a new all-inclusive resort. Dreams Curacao, another all-inclusive resort, just expanded to include an adults-only section.
When it comes to flights to Curacao, there are nonstop routes available from half a dozen cities in the U.S. and Canada, including recently relaunched flights from Atlanta to Curacao on Delta Air Lines.
In Grenada, Six Senses just opened a new luxury property, the Six Senses La Sagesse, this month. Another luxury resort, Silversands Beach House, just opened in February.
Currently, you can only fly to Grenada directly from a few cities. There are nonstop flights from New York, Charlotte, and Miami, and JetBlue just launched new nonstop flights from Boston. Additionally, Air Canada started nonstop flights from Toronto at the start of this year.
Get Back To Nature
Both Curacao and Grenada also offer amazing nature and a chance to immerse yourself in the unspoiled natural beauty of the island.
Curacao is more about beaches and underwater beauty, which is why it’s a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are some truly stunning dive sites around the island.
The northern side of Curacao is very undeveloped, but you’ll find the best beaches there.
Grenada is nicknamed the Spice Island because of its nutmeg production.
While Grenada boasts amazing beaches, it also has more diverse beauty, including waterfalls and lush rainforests.
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