The Real Deal: Five nights' accommodations, four days of unlimited shore diving and one day of two-tank boat diving, and buffet breakfast daily from $560 per person — including taxes.
When: Through Dec. 20, 2007.
The fine print: Taxes are included. Based on double occupancy; single supplement $560. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
Contact: Lodge Kura Hulanda & Beach Club, 877/264-3106, kurahulanda.com.
Why it's a deal: Consider that the standard room rate is $200 per room per night, which would be about $1,000 per room — or $500 per person — for the five-night stay. For an additional $60 per person, this package covers the accommodations as well as the diving.
Trip details: The Undersea Paradise dive package includes a five-night stay in a garden-view room at the Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club on the Playa Kalki strip on island's west side. You'll receive a welcome drink upon arrival and will start each morning with a buffet breakfast.
The package covers four days of unlimited shore diving and one day of two-tank boat diving, including tanks and weights. Note that the dive boats depart from the lodge's own pier and that there is a PADI dive shop right on the property.
Use of the fitness facilities is included as are chaise lounges at the pool and beach, and transportation from the lodge to its sister property, the Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa and Casino, in downtown Willemstad, whose brightly colored buildings are a mix of Dutch and colonial Spanish architectural traditions.
Curaçao, the largest of the Netherlands Antilles lies outside the hurricane belt. However, the island did recently experience heavy rains when Hurricane Felix skirted it.
For tips on what to see and do, visit Curaçao's official tourism website. Package deals are often available at other island properties, such as Lions Dive & Beach Resort and the Habitat Curacao Resort.
Before you go, check the weather forecast, the exchange rate, and the local time at BudgetTravel.com.
Getting there: Airfare is not included in the package price. The lowest round-trip fares we found on Kayak for travel in early October are: $293 from Miami (American), $404 from New York City (American), $411 from Chicago (Air Jamaica), $454 from Los Angeles (American), and $523 from Houston (American).
This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.