Curaçao Stuns in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2017
Southern Dutch Caribbean Island Graces the Pages of Iconic Issue
Check out all photos from Swimsuit 2017 on si.com/swimsuit and to see additional images from SI Swimsuit 2017 on location in Curaçao, click here: Swim Daily
WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO – FEBRUARY 15, 2017 – The colorful ABC island of Curaçao, famed for its picturesque cove-like beaches and shorelines, stunning European architecture, and unique natural beauty, set the stage for this year’s highly anticipated Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2017. With an unprecedented reach of over 60 million readers worldwide, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit went back to its beach roots to showcase the world’s most exceptional beaches, and Curaçao’s striking blue waters are prominently featured in the magazine, which hits newsstands, the web and mobile platforms today.
The tiny, yet bustling Southern Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao remains one of the most exceptional islands worldwide, offering endless choices for every kind of traveler. Whether exploring 300 year-old forts and the colorful capital city of Willemstad, sampling delicious cuisine at one of the local markets, or relaxing at one of the island’s 35 beautiful beaches, Curaçao provided no shortage of sensational backdrops for the SI Swimsuit shoot.
“Swimsuit hasn’t been to Curaçao in over 30 years!” says MJ Day, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Assistant Managing Editor. “Its unique characteristics like the beautiful brightly colored houses in downtown Willemstad set it apart from every other island in the Caribbean. The location really worked for our photographer, Ben Watts, as he loves to shoot in really colorful and vibrant environments…it was a match made in heaven.”
Overlooking the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, Curaçao’s historic and elegant Avila Beach Hotel welcomed the SI Swimsuit crew and top models Vita Sidorkina, Rose Bertram, Samantha Hoopes, Barbara Palvin and Myla Dalbesio for the 2017 photo shoot. Featuring luxurious accommodations fit for royalty, Avila Beach Hotel’s warm, white sands and expansive stretch of private beach was an ideal home base and setting for the two-week shoot, photographed by veteran photographer, Ben Watts.
“Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is known for selecting the most remarkable destinations worldwide for their shoots, and we are honored to have been chosen for this issue,” said Eugene Rhuggenaath, Curaçao’s Minister of Tourism and Economic Development. “Curaçao is a hidden gem in the Southern Caribbean, and we encourage readers to experience the island’s unparalleled beaches, welcoming locals, eclectic cuisine, rich culture, and authentic heritage for themselves in the near future.”
To celebrate Curaçao’s appearance in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2017, travelers can re-create the incredible experience that the models enjoyed on island with Avila’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit-themed “Strike a Pose and Get Spoiled” package which includes:
– A 3 night/4 day stay in Avila’s Octagon Deluxe room where the models’ stayed
– A one-hour Rolls Royce drive, including a one-hour photo shoot by Claudia Sanches from Wow Weddings, as well as makeup & hair on location by Hair & Beauty Experts from Cherie
– A $100 USD food and beverage credit at Avila’s Blues Bar & Restaurant
– A bottle of champagne upon arrival
– A couple’s massage at the Santai Spa
– A romantic dinner at Avila’s Belle Terrace restaurant, including a bottle of wine
– A private boat excursion provided by Small Field Adventures, including a snorkeling adventure, a private beach picnic for two, and a sunset ride along Curaçao’s beautiful coastline to explore some of the locations photographed during the shoot.
Package rates begin at $2,499 USD and are valid through December 22, 2017. Certain blackout dates may apply. To book, visit www.avilabeachotel.com or call 1-800-747-8162.
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2017 photos and video shot in Curaçao are available online at si.com/swimsuit and Swim Daily.
For more information on Curaçao, visit www.curacao.com. For additional details on Avila Beach Hotel, visit www.avilabeachhotel.com.
ABOUT SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (www.SI.com/Swimsuit) reaches more than 70 million US adults annually and more men 18 to 34 than the Super Bowl. The iconic brand spans 20 product extensions, along with a vibrant experiential marketing business. Since debuting in 1964, Swimsuit has become a pop-culture phenomenon and a revered launching pad for successful careers in TV, fashion, business and film, including those of Elle Macpherson, Kathy Ireland, Cheryl Tiegs, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Kate Upton, Chrissy Teigen and Ashley Graham. The fashion industry describes SI Swimsuit as the “Oscars of Swimwear,” as an appearance in the issue is a crowning achievement for swimsuit and accessory manufacturers.
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VIBES by SI Swimsuit Festival 2017: SI.com/SwimsuitVibes
ABOUT CURAÇAO
Home to more than 35 captivating beaches, a diverse heritage spanning over 55 different cultures, including Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese, a ‘live and let live’ attitude and stunning European architecture; Curaçao remains an unrivaled tropical escape in the Southern Caribbean. Curaçao’s natural beauty, world class diving and snorkeling sites are a favorite with divers and adventure travelers, and its pristine beaches and idyllic weather, situated on the outer fringes of the Hurricane Belt, has won it further accolade and recognition. Its capital city, Willemstad – a UNESCO World Heritage site – features an iconic colorful Handelskade backdrop, an eclectic roster of museums, monuments, flavorful restaurants and shopping; just a few of the many reasons why Curaçao continues to flourish as one of the most exceptional islands in the region. Air service to Curaçao is available from the United States on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays via jetBlue, flying nonstop from New York’s JFK, and twice daily from Miami with American Airlines. American Airlines also flies non-stop to Curaçao from Charlotte weekly. From Canada, non-stop service is available from Toronto year-round with Air Canada and seasonally from Montreal. Seasonal non-stop service from Canada runs via WestJet and Sunwing.
