TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Original Karakters Owners

I did a search on this subject before posting but couldn't find the info so I have a question for you...

The original owners of Karakters on Simpson Beach moved to Curacao to start a restaurant there many years ago. Has anyone ever visited them in Curacao and if you did, do you know if it is the same family? Or have they moved on? I'm looking for a little more info because we're pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone (and special happy place - St. Maarten) and heading to Curacao for a visit. I found Karakters on Coral Estate beach in Curacao and might visit. Any intel on the original owners would be great because I thought they were a wonderful family!

They are still in Curacao and they were the original creators/owners in Simpson Bay. Jorrit Heekelaar and Marleen Gerritsen

A much different experience in Curacao

Thank you bdeeley! I've had a look at their newer, bigger operation in Curacao online and you're right it's quite different.

We have fond memories of the early days of the "School Bus"....sigh. It was rustic, beachy and so much fun. We used to love driving there, setting up on the beach and then enjoying their sandwiches or the big appetizer platter while looking at beautiful Simpson Bay.

Anyone else have memories of the "Good Ole Karakters" Days when the Bus first opened?

Teresa--yes, it was much better back then. Food and service exemplary.

MJ and I visited them a few years back, they seemed to be doing well. Note you don't have beaches in the league of SXM and it has a much more industrial feel. Very different from SXM. There are some very good places to eat, and having a car is a must if you want to see much. Mambo Beach area you could do with out a car but still suggest having a car.

Carol - The first time we went there I was so scared about the food coming from an old bus that I would only order a beer because it was contained in a bottle with a cap on it. LOL Then when I read people on TTOL saying the food was good I got daring and they were right - it was awesome. I still can't believe the food coming out of that bus in the old days. I would watch them and think, "how did they do that?"

Teresa--somehow, I think you probably never went to Andy and Cheryl's place on Orient. Now, there was a place where one should have been concerned!

Have visited Karacter in Curaçao and enjoyed it a great deal it but you find it much different than SXM. There are very nice hotel accommodations, a very nice pool area , and a great restaurant right on the water. We dined there one evening and loved it. There is also a dive shop. There is not a beach but beautiful water and you enter and exit by way of ladders. If I remember correctly It is immediately over your head. With regard to the island beaches, they were beautiful typically lined with rocky cliffs. As Todd said a car is a must unless staying in Willemstad which I would not recommend. Will certainly go again one day.

Do not miss Karacter in Curacao. Awesome place!!

Couldn’t agree more Carol about Andy and Cheryl’s. Andy always looked filthy, but the food and service was great. After getting over the appearance, we were pretty regular there.

bob--agreed.

Sorry to take the thread off course!

Was born on Curacao and the food from the trunk is called Carni Stoba , stew beef on pan bread , just awesome and cheap too.

It's been a few years since we have been to Curacao but when we found Karakters there, they said they were no longer affiliated with the SXM Karakters, they were at one time but now two separate entities.