Photo of Casino Royale in Willemstad, Curacao

SEPTEMBER Curacao Calendar highlight: The annual gay Get Wet weekend in late September has parties, beach outings, and movie screenings under the stars. The 411: Floating serenely about 40 miles north of Venezuela on the outer fringe of the Caribbean ...

Check in A short drive from Willemstad, gay and lesbian-popular Avila Beach Hotel (Penstraat 130; 599-9-461-4377 or 800-747-8162; www.avilahotel.com; from $210, suites from $320) offers the perfect combination of quiet escape and urban convenience ...