Destination Weddings and Honeymoons

Despite the 4,881 miles that separate Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, and Amsterdam, Holland's capital, the two are remarkably similar. Both are decorated with narrow, gabled buildings crowned with red-tiled roofs, both tempt tourists with Dutch cuisine and hopping nightlife, and both brew a mean beer (though Curacao's Amstel stands alone: It's brewed with desalinated seawater).

Not to be missed in Willemstad is the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue. Erected in 1732, it is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. The traditional sand floor reminds the congregation of generations spent wandering the desert for the Promised Land.

Also in Willemstad, 17th-century fort Amsterdam encloses the Dutch Reformed Church (look for the cannonball embedded in the wall-it was fired by Captain Bligh) and the Governor's Palace.

After touring Curacao's natural sites, including the Hato and Boca Tabla Caves, refresh yourself with a tour of the Curacao Liqueur distillery at Chobolobo. Delight in the exotic taste of the bitter orange liqueur-like Curacao, it has a unique flavor.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

• Exploring the Curacao Underwater Park, one of the Caribbean's best marine reserves
• Munching local specialties such as stoba, funchi, pan bati and keshi yena
• Visiting the Mikvé Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest in the Americas
• Shopping Willemstad's floating market in Punda, the city's oldest section