Femi

Femi Meaux

IG: femimeaux

A Holistic Day in the heart of Curaçao: Nourish Your Body, Mind & Soul

Movements is my little escape in the heart of the city, the perfect way to start my day. Yoga wakes me up, clears my mind, and sets a calm, fresh tone for what’s ahead. Stepping outside, the city is alive with color and energy—the historic buildings, the sounds of people starting their day. I stop at James, a cozy breakfast spot in an alleyway in Pietermaai, for a comforting meal before wandering through BijBlauw and La Reina, two concept stores filled with unique fashion and home finds. From there, I walk through Marshe Bieuw, where the rich flavors of Curaçaoan cuisine bring locals and visitors together. Just around the corner, the floating market is buzzing with vendors selling fresh produce straight from their boats, a small but essential part of daily life on the island.

Crossing the Queen Emma Bridge, I take in the view before stepping into Otrobanda (“The Other Side”), where the city shifts. More lived-in, more local, yet full of hidden gems like Hirsch and Reich, a small bookstore packed with second hand cultural books and records. Walking through Otrobanda, I admire the murals that have turned the area into an open-air gallery, especially with the rise of the Kaya Kaya Festival. As the sun sets, I make my way to Kura Hulanda, where history, food, and culture come together. You can grab a plate of Lionfish for a more sustainable meal or go for a more fine-dining experience at Caleo, A day filled for mind, body and soul, with connection and the uniqueness of Curaçao.

For something more exclusive, there are experiences on the island that don’t happen every day but are truly special. Vittle Art is one of them, a dining experience created by chef Kris Kirindongo, a storyteller and artist who brings creativity and cultural heritage into his cooking. Every meal is an experience, full of history and meaning. Another unique experience is Dinner in the Field with Caribbean Chef, Helmi Smeulders, who once a month chooses a local farm and curates a menu using ingredients grown right there. It’s a beautiful way to highlight local farming and sustainability. For those who love exploring local products, Merkado Fresku happens on the last Saturday of every month, a small artisanal market where vendors sell fresh produce, plants, body products, and other handmade goods. These are the kinds of experiences that make the island even more special, moments that aren’t part of everyday life but leave a lasting memory.