From: Julie Le Mere [mailto:julezzz_93@hotmail.com] Breezes Curacao Trip

Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2002 7:35 PM

As you may know, we returned from our trip to Breezes Curacao on March 10th.

Here's the low-down:

There were many positives to our trip - I'll start by saying that. But, unlike our trip to Aruba's all-inclusive resort last year, this trip had it's negatives.

Positives:

- Beautiful weather - sand, sun, average 85 each day.

- Clean room w/ a neat view of the pool/ocean and prompt consistent cleaning service.

- Munahana restaurant (Japanese) was very good, fun, and elegant - nice dining in an outdoors open air atmosphere. - Pastafari (Italian) was a close runner up - good food - open air or indoor seating available.

- Nice pools and hot tub that was not busy at night (great to sit w/ a drink and relax)

- We visited some very very nice restaurants try: Govenuer (sp?) in Otrabanda/Punda - it is Dutch-owned and very romantic setting in nice candle lit courtyard (suggestion: take taxi straight to and from restaurant unless in group due to shady characters on downtown streets afterdark). The other awesome restaurant was Ole Ole. We are not sure exactly where - but any taxi should be able to bring you. (The reason we dined out is the fact that there were 3 restaurants to choose from and wanted to experience a little of the island's culture and flavor). One more: Jaanchie's located near WestPunt (we rented jeep w/ friends and toured the island) - this I would recommend for lunch as you are making the trek - not a lot to look at but good food.

- Our favorite bartender was Wendell - extremely nice and very good at making all kinds of drinks. (say Hi from Sean and Julie, hope he remembers?) - we didn't do it, but free scuba is included and you have to ask about it at front desk (suggestion: right when you get there because then you can get the "training" out of the way and dive each day thereafter if you want). - overall, resort is quiet (suggestion for nightlife - walk to Mambo Beach next door and that is only if you like techno/funky/strobe lights/dancing. - Beach bar has good burgers, quesadillas, and mahi mahi sandwiches at anytime 11-approx 4 pm. (we noticed that when working w/ the employees, a smile goes a long way along w/ a little speaking of their language: Papiamento - say "MoshaDanke" meaning "Thank you very much" - Shopping down in Otrabanda/Punda where the cruise ships port was great (no need to haggle because prices were so cheap).

Negatives:

- You can only make reservations at each of the 2 restaurants (excluding Jimmy's Buffet) only once. (suggestion: what we did was to go to a late dinner and ask if they could squeeze us in and everytime they did). - Overall, and in general, Customer Service lacked a bit because the island is new to all-inclusive resorts and also I think because the resort is new and employees undertrained? - Excercise room not finished - has stairstepper, some Nautilus machines and free weights, and a stationery bike (that doesn't work). But, I made the most and used the stepper. - There is a rock barrier off shore a bit that keeps waves out and so you cannot hear the crashing (which is integral, in my book, to a Carribean vacation). - Swim up bar closes early and sometimes doesn't open (but we took our drinks down in the water anyway) - Beach bar closes a bit early for our taste (at sunset) - If you have traveler's cheques and want to cash some - front desk will only cash $20/per day - go into Casino and see if they can? - Note that the swimming in the ocean is a little difficult due to steep sloping beach and coral bottom (bring aquasocks if you want) - Note that there are kids around but we weren't overwhelmed in the pool or outside of it by them. - This is a biggy: the shuttle from the Curacao airport to Breezes was not there when our flight came in at about 7 pm. We couldn't get a hold of Breezes and so paid a taxi $20 bucks - if you have to go that route, get a receipt! Breezes will reimburse, to my surprise.

Overall, we had a good vacation and met some lifelong friends that made it 10 times better than we thought it would be. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have questions at all. Good luck and have a great trip!!!