We visited Curacao last Oct/Nov (in place of our SXM trip) and really enjoyed it. Don't try to compare it to SXM (easier said than done, I know), just enjoy it for itself. It does have a more European feel to it, being a favorite among the Dutch. Good restaurants, but not up to SXM standards. The beaches on Curacao tend to be smaller, they are not your typical mile-long extended beaches, but they are quite beautiful. There are a few where you could be the only ones there if you time it right. We agree that the most beautiful beaches are the ones up west, so make sure to visit those. Our favorites were Playa Knip, Cas Abou, and Daaibooi. Playa Knip was gorgeous with beautiful turquoise water surrounded by cliffs (including a jumping off cliff, if you're into that). There's no entrance fee at Knip, but there is a reasonable rental fee for chairs and umbrellas. There is a small snack stand, but don't expect anything fancy. Make sure you have a few guilders for the restroom. As already said, the beaches are a little rocky at the beginning, but nothing terrible. I wore water shoes, hubby didn't.

We did visit Karakter, but didn't stay long as the weather that day was very warm and all the umbrellas were taken. As noted above, it is very different from the one on SXM. We didn't like the beach as much, pretty rocky, and a favorite with the divers, it seems. But a nice bar nonetheless. It's in a gated neighborhood, so a little weird to get to. Don't let that put you off.

We will definitely return to Curacao one day -- while not SXM, it's pretty special in its own right. Have a wonderful time!

Edited to add: watch for the flamingos on your drive to the western beaches.