Santa Barbara is an iconic name that many pin to the region of Southern California. But did you know there exists another Santa Barbara in the south of the Carribean? Tucked away in the ABC islands lies Curacao, home to the lush Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, a beachfront slice of paradise.
A Coastal Gem
Similar to the Golden State, Curacao has a mountainous coastal topography, giving you plenty of opportunities to get a scenic view of the coastline from above. Just like California’s Santa Barbra, Curacao’s offers an idyllic mix of mountain and sea to enjoy. One of our favorite viewpoints is Tafelberg Mountain, one of the tallest peaks on the island, set right next to the ocean. The Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort is nestled right underneath this mountainscape so you can take advantage of the aerial views and soak in the beauty of the mountain itself from below. For a memorable keepsake, we recommend snapping a photo from the resort’s Old Quarry golf course.
Flavorful Cuisine
California’s Santa Barbara offers a great mix of farm-to-table restaurants and modern American cuisine. At Santa Barbara in Curacao, you won’t be left wanting either. As an off-the-beaten-track destination, Curacao has the advantage of keeping its traditional foods alive and well. With a history influenced by Spanish, British, and Portuguese cultures, Curacao is a melting pot when it comes to food culture. The main two culinary influences are African and Dutch, so you’ll easily find plates from both regions living side by side on any menu. Here are some of our favorite dishes:
- Bitterballen – A delicious fried ball filled with beef and served with a side of bitter herb flavored liquors.
- Kabritu – A rich, dense stew of cubed goat or lamb meat with garlic, tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos, served with Caribbean-style rice and beans.
- Stroopwafels – For a tasty dessert to snack, try these Dutch-style waffle cookies with a caramel syrup in between.
Set Your Sights on Santa Barbara
Ready to discover the Santa Barbara of the Caribbean? The Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort is a relaxing destination where you can take in breathtaking scenery and fill up on fresh and delicious cuisine, and also have access to a premier golf course and plenty of land and sea adventures to help you discover the wonders of Curacao along the way.
