Netherlands Antilles Hotels

The Netherlands Antilles (or Dutch Antilles) is the name given to a group of islands in the Caribbean. Since October 2010, however, this arrangement has been dissolved and two new countries, Curacao and Sint Maarten, have been created. Curacao is situated off the Venezuelan coast and is 171 square miles in size with a population of just under 150,000. The dry season runs from January to September and the wet season from October to December, although, due to the trade winds, the temperature is pretty constant throughout the year. Curacao is also outside the hurricane belt making it an attractive holiday destination.

There are coral reefs, popular with scuba divers and some beautiful beaches around the coast. Curacao’s airport is Hato International Airport on the north side of the island and quite close to its capital, Willemstad. After a long day sightseeing or soaking up the sun, be sure to try Curacao’s famous blue alcoholic, orange flavoured drink.

Sint Maarten is made up of the south side of Saint Martin Island. Sint Maarten is Dutch territory and former part of the Netherlands Antilles, whilst the northern part of the island is under French control. Sint Maarten’s capital is the port of Philipsburg and is a popular stop for cruise ships.

The climate is similar to that of Curacao and English is widely spoken throughout both.