Considering a Second Home in Curaçao? Here’s Why More North Americans Are Paying Attention.
If you’ve been following our travels, you know I have a personal belief: the world is too big to keep going back to the same place. And yet, I would go back to Curaçao in a heartbeat.
Steve and I recently spent a week working remotely in Willemstad, and it surprised us in the most refreshing way. Many Canadians and Americans think first of Aruba, Mexico, or Florida for a second home or winter escape. But Curaçao is quietly becoming the new favourite, especially among European buyers, particularly the Dutch from Holland, who have steadily increased property values, particularly in desirable neighbourhoods like Jan Thiel you will also see it spelled Jentil (pronounced “Yahn Teel”) and surrounding coastal communities. The investment confidence is already there, and that tells you something.
A Manageable Flight + Easy Transition
From Toronto, Curaçao is just about five hours away.
Because of daylight savings, the time difference was only one hour: so minimal jet lag, no adjustment period, and no feeling of “being too far from home.”
English is widely spoken, which makes daily life simple. (Though I have to share at the airport coffee counter there was no English, but I still got my extra-hot steamed milk just the way I like it. Part of the adventure!)
The Atmosphere: Chilled, Friendly, Welcoming
This is truly an island with soul. The people are warm, approachable, and relaxed. There is no pretentiousness here. Just easy conversations, sunshine, and a natural sense of calm. We felt welcomed everywhere. Zero antisemitism and many mixed cultures.
Healthy, Fresh, Ocean-Driven Food
We had some truly memorable meals. One of our favourites was 91 Bistro: a relaxed, elegant spot where you can feel your shoulders drop the moment you sit down. I’ll share a peek at their beautiful trio of tartares so you can get the vibe.
We’ll be sharing more restaurant highlights in upcoming newsletters, and I’d love your vote on what you’d like to see next:
• French–Peruvian fusion
• Latin–Caribbean coastal dining
• A historic icon with Dutch-meets-Caribbean flavours
Curacao’s food scene surprised us in the best way! Fresh, healthy, friendly, flavourful, and thoughtful. And like everything here, it’s unhurried. You settle in, breathe, and just enjoy. The healthiest way to eat! Just ask @Ciara Foy.
Beaches That Are Actually Comfortable to Walk On
This is worth noting. Many islands have rocky or shell-based shorelines. We stayed at Mood Beach and Cabana Beach, both sandy, walk-right-in beaches! No water shoes needed. Just warm sand, turquoise water, and gentle waves.
Better yet, swim just a few steps out and there’s beautiful coral with fish everywhere like snorkelling without having to be on a snorkelling trip. That said, we did take a one-hour drive to Cas Abao Beach for proper snorkelling, and it was spectacular!
Tip: Rent a car. Taxis add up quickly if you’re going for dinners, beaches, outings, etc.
A Few Things You May Not Expect
We visited the flamingo sanctuary and while beautiful, the flamingos stay a bit further back. Instagram expectations adjusted. 😉
But one of the highlights was our taxi driver (from the airport of all places!) who turned out to be an incredible tour guide. On our last day, we hired him to take us through different neighbourhoods, especially Jan Thiel, where some of the most beautiful waterfront homes are. It gave us a very real sense of lifestyle, daily rhythm, and what it would feel like to actually live there, not just vacation.
He also took us to a small, modern restaurant and library created by a Dutch-Jewish entrepreneur, an architectural gem filled with books, glass, air, and light. Unique, thoughtful spaces like that tell you a lot about a place’s culture and creativity.
Sunsets by Boat
One of our favourite experiences was the BlueFinn sunset catamaran. You see the coastline from the water, along with incredible private waterfront homes you’d never spot from the road. It’s a reminder that Curaçao has layers, and those who know, know.
So Why a Second Home in Curaçao?
Because it offers:
• Ease of access from North America
• Strong EU-driven real estate confidence (especially Dutch buyers)
• A stable climate with year-round warmth
• A growing expat community
• Beaches, food, and lifestyle that support well-being
• A culture that is friendly, relaxed, and unhurried
• Value that still stretches, especially compared to U.S. and Canadian resort markets
• And because it’s the kind of place that gets under your skin—in the best way
It may be a newer conversation for many Canadians, but it’s already an established haven for Europeans. And that momentum is what shapes long-term value.
If you’re curious about exploring Curaçao as a lifestyle investment as a second home, winter escape, or relocation, I’m always happy to share what we learned and connect you with excellent local agents, lawyers, and specialists.
We go where real life can feel a little lighter, and Curaçao has that energy.
Warmly,
Samantha
The Graff Group Toronto
Global Real Estate Network & Lifestyle Transitions
