[Sponsored article] The small Caribbean island nation of Curacao, which is a popular destination among cruise ship tourists and coral-reef divers, is full of surprises. The 444 square km (171 square mile) island, situated about 65km (40 miles) from the coast of Venezuela, is home to about 160,000 people. Established by the Dutch in the 1600s, its picturesque, brightly coloured harbourfront capital, Willemstad – a designated Unesco World Heritage City – pays homage to a combination of the area’s colonial ancestry and local influences. The city’s atmospheric district of Pietermaai boasts a thriving arts and culinary scene and is also home to boutique hotels, cafes and top-rated restaurants. The cobbled alleyways of the historic quarter of Otrobanda – considered the city’s cultural centre and reminiscent of 17th-century Dutch provincial towns – are popular with visitors who enjoy wandering through the district’s vibrant architecture. The capital’s stunning colonial-style buildings reflect not only European urban-planning concepts but also embrace styles from the Netherlands and the Spanish and Portuguese colonial towns with which Willemstad engaged in trade. Curacao’s natural attractions, including beautiful beaches, such as the west coast’s Grote Knip, are just as much of a draw for tourists. Named by Forbes as one of the “10 Must-Dive Destinations For 2019”, Curacao’s coastal, crystal-clear waters offer water sports enthusiasts the opportunity to dive above magnificent shipwrecks and impressive underwater coral mushroom forests. They can also go snorkelling alongside a variety of marine life including seahorses and turtles. Those adventurous visitors who prefer to stay dry can explore the island’s intimate coves and stunning volcanic landscape in Shete Boka (meaning “seven inlets”) National Park. They can expect to discover a series of coves – carved from limestone – and the nesting grounds of three different species of sea turtle. All the while, the island’s Caribbean climate ensures travellers are bathed in the warmth of the sun. These days, Curaçao is also a burgeoning destination for businesses. With daily flights to and from Amsterdam, the island’s Curacao International Airport, 12km (7.5 miles) from the capital, is accessible from both Western and Eastern destinations, making it a prime hub, especially for Asian businesses. “It’s a good place to interact with, establish a business, or [be used] as a platform to do business in the Caribbean, Latin America or even with Europe,” Eugene Rhuggenaath, Curacao’s Prime Minister, says. “We are open for business and that has been our tradition throughout the years.” It’s a good place to interact with, establish a business, or [be used] as a platform to do business in the Caribbean, Latin America or even with Europe Eugene Rhuggenaath, Prime Minister, Curacao Business travellers can also enjoy a few rounds of golf at The Old Quarry Golf Course, at Curacao’s Santa Barbara Plantation – twice voted the Caribbean’s best golf course by USA Today . Opened in 2010, the 18-hole golf course, which follows the stunning natural contours of the hills and valleys around Tafelberg Mountain, overlooks the Caribbean Sea and the sheltered Spanish Waters bay. While it may be easy to regard one Caribbean island like many others, Curacao stands out from the crowd – thriving on the gamut of enticing opportunities it offers as a thriving destination for both tourists and businesses. The views and opinions expressed are those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of South China Morning Post Publishers Limited. Any content provided by our sponsors is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything