Years ago we traveled to Aruba, been there twice and that was it until we discovered Curacao. Been to Curacao somewhere between 18 and 19 times. Like Carol stated Aruba is too Americanized, think Miami Beach and Burger kings. Although Curacao has fast food, the locals love it!! LOL We usually stay at the Royal SeaAquarium, right across the lagoon from the Lions Dive which is also a good hotel. The diving and snorkeling is hard to beat in Bonaire and Curacao. lots of sea life, turtles etc. These are on the east end and Willemstead is in the middle of the island. The beautiful beaches are west in Westpunt. I disagree with Carol as IMHO they are great. The only turnoff for some is there are small rocks or coral when you enter the water, then it is all sand. Water clarity is fantastic! Most of the divers who go to Curacao stay in Westpunt. There are no hotels there but condo and apartment rentals, many have pools. I would research that area, you can scuba from shore. Curacao is very cosmopolitan, many Europeans travel there, friendly and nice, mostly Dutch. If I can offer you any help let me know. Otherwise TripAdvisor forum will answer your questions. Many divers post on that forum TTOL doesn't offer much. We also travel to Curacao in Feb. good month to go. You will enjoy, It's not VG, the topography is so different. Arid, desert like versus big beautiful green mountains Enjoy your trip!