Sandals Curacao is one of the newest Sandals resorts. Having opened in June of 2022, this luxury adults-only all-inclusive resort was initially met with a few negative reviews due to ongoing construction and some other issues.
Since then, Sandals Royal Curacao has made adjustments in order to match the standard of the other outstanding resorts in the Sandals portfolio. Today it is considered one of Curacao’s top adults-only all-inclusive resorts.
Here’s everything you need to know about Sandals Curacao to help you decide if it’s right for your dream vacation or honeymoon.
Sandals Curacao: Overview
Sandals Royal Curacao is a luxurious adults-only all-inclusive resort set on the south of the island. It spreads across 44 acres of the exclusive 3,000-acre preserve of Santa Barbara estate.
It features a wide range of rooms and suites, restaurants, bars, and activities–many of which are new to the Sandals brand–as well as a relaxing, fun, and romantic atmosphere.
Sandals Curacao: Location
Situated on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao off the coast of Venezuela, this Sandals resort makes for a truly picturesque getaway. Known for its sparkling blue waters, beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and adorable pastel-colored Dutch colonial architecture, Curacao is slowly but surely becoming a more popular Caribbean destination.
Sandals Royal Curacao has an almost perfect location in a tranquil and beautiful nature preserve. Just south of the capital of Willemstad, it is remote enough that you can enjoy a peaceful island escape, but close enough that you can head into the city for a day trip.
It’s also just a 40-minute drive from Curacao International Airport. As at all Sandals resorts, transportation to and from the airport is complimentary.
Sandals Curacao: Rooms and Suites
Sandals Royal Curacao offers an impressive selection of romantic accommodations to choose from including two luxury suite options that were introduced when Sandals Royal Curacao first opened its doors. With both of these amazing rooms, guests can enjoy private pools, 24/7 butler service, and even their very own MiniCooper convertible to explore the island at their leisure.
The first of these two new suite types is the Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows. These are situated along the water’s edge and boast great amenities such as a bistro set, Tranquility Soaking Tubs for two, sun loungers, walk-in rain showers, spacious private patios, dining tables, seating areas, large private pools, and even interiors with vaulted ceilings.
If you’ve been to other Sandals resorts before, you may be able to compare them to the overwater bungalows there. However, instead of sitting over the water, these villas instead have a large private pool.
The other new villa type well worth staying in is the Kurason Island Suites. These sit in a manicured, private garden, surrounded by a secluded lagoon. They overlook a private heart-shaped pool, which is reserved exclusively for the guests staying in these adorable villas. These suites have all the same amenities as the Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows, with the exception of the private pool.
Both of these accommodation types are a great choice if you’re looking to stay somewhere a bit more secluded. However, if you’re looking to be a little closer to the action, or if you’re on a tighter budget, there’s a wide range of other accommodation types to choose from at different price points.
Sandals Curacao: Dining
With 11 amazing restaurants, Sandals Royal Curacao is hailed by many guests as a haven for foodies. It has 7 restaurants that are new to the Sandals brand and exclusive to Sandals Royal Curacao.
Many guests particularly love the beachside food trucks, where you can enjoy Asian fusion, local cuisine, and Spanish tapas. They make a great choice for quick lunches, and they’re located near a beach bar so you can enjoy a refreshing drink with your meal.
The 11 on-site restaurants are equally diverse and range from casual eateries and cafes to mouthwatering gourmet restaurants. The selection of restaurants available at this resort includes Central and South American cuisine at Zuka, European fusion food at Vincent, Southern Italian dishes at Pietra, Butch’s Island Chop House for high-quality steaks, a sushi bar, the Kanaal Cafe and Wine Bar (a cafe which turns into a cheese and wine lover’s haven in the evening), an open-air Mediterranean eatery, and a seafood restaurant right by the beach.
Of course, all meals, snacks, and beverages are included as part of the all-inclusive package, but it’s worth noting that if you’re staying at the resort in a butler suite for 7 nights or more, you’ll be able to enjoy a concept unique to Sandals Royal Curacao. In Sandals’ first-ever offsite dining program, exclusive to Diamond, Pearl, and Ambassador Club Sandals Select Reward members, guests can take advantage of a $250 dining voucher for dinner at one of 8 restaurants in Curacao, as well as complimentary transportation to and from the restaurant.
Sandals Curacao: Beach
Many people commonly ask if there is a beach at Sandals Royal Curacao. There is a beach within the resort, but it is not the typical beach you find at other Sandals resorts. It is a man-made stretch of sand, placed on part of an inlet and separated by a dock.
That said, there’s plenty of space to relax here, and you can even go snorkeling in the surrounding waters to catch a glimpse of some of the gorgeous marine life. The dock is where you can hop on a boat ride or tour to explore the waters further with a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion.
Sandals Curacao: Pools
If you’re disappointed by the beach, you’ll be happy to know that Sandals Royal Curacao boasts a great selection of pools, including Sandal’s first-ever Dos Awa infinity pool. This incredible pool has both upper and lower decks and offers amazing views of the surrounding sea and mountains.
Guests can also enjoy relaxing at the swim-up bar, the main pool, the small pool located next to the main pool, or a quiet and secluded pool on the other end of the resort.
Sandals Curacao: Activities
Sandals Royal Curacao features a huge range of activities for you to enjoy day and night, in water and on land, so you can fill your vacation with unforgettable memories.
There’s a variety of watersports available, including Hobie Cat sailing, paddleboarding, scuba diving, kayaking, and snorkeling. If you’d prefer to stick to dry land, there’s a range of sports as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center. Be sure to check out the spa, where you can indulge in a relaxing treatment.
You may also want to spend time discovering the island. Unique to Sandals Curacao, you can explore the surrounding preserve on a Dutch bike, or by going on a hike. If you’re looking to go a little further afield, head out on one of the exciting area excursions.
There’s plenty of nightly entertainment to be enjoyed at this resort too, after you enjoy the incredible sunset views, including beach parties, talent shows, live music, and theme nights.
Sandals Curacao: Excursions
As we’ve just mentioned, one of the best ways of getting out of the resort and exploring the island of Curacao is by taking an excursion. (Note that these do come at an extra cost.)
Sandals Royal Curacao offers a variety of fun-filled excursions, including guided snorkeling tours, e-bike tours of the capital city of Willemstad, Jeep safaris through Curacao National Park, or bar-hopping in the capital city of Willemstad.
Whether you book an excursion or want to head out on your own, we recommend including at least one visit to the island’s capital city of Willemstad. Located just a short drive from the resort, this vibrant city is home to a colorful array of pastel buildings in a unique Dutch architectural style and is teeming with quaint cafes and adorable shops. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage historic center, where you can uncover the island’s rich history and culture.
Sandals Curacao: What’s Included?
As with every Sandals resort, all-inclusive truly means all-inclusive. For just one price, you can enjoy unlimited fine dining (including snacks!), unlimited nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages including premium liquors and Robert Mondavi wines, an in-room minibar that is refreshed daily, a variety of activities, and free Wi-Fi.
There are very few extra costs–even tips and taxes are already included! That said, if you’re staying in a butler suite, it’s recommended to tip your butler daily, especially if you’re using their services often. Spa staff also should be tipped if you go to the spa.
Not only are your airport transfers also included, but so is a huge range of activities and entertainment for you to enjoy while you’re at the resort. You’ll be able to enjoy unlimited watersports, scuba diving, and on-land activities, including Dutch bike rentals to explore the surrounding area.
There’s no need to pay any extra if you’re looking for a fun-filled night either; whether you want to enjoy a show, some live music, or simply some fun karaoke, this is all included in the rate too.
If that’s not enough, you may even be able to enjoy a free wedding! If you stay 7 nights or longer in a club or butler room at any Sandals resort, your destination wedding is on the house, as Sandals is committed to being the best resort chain for couples in the Caribbean. The Sweetheart Package, which usually costs $1000, is good for up to 10 people and also gives you a 15% discount at the spa as well as credits toward photography and videography packages. Free ceremonies are limited to Monday through Thursday, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Sandals Curacao: Weddings
Sandals Royal Curacao is wonderful for a destination wedding, with a variety of beautiful indoor and outdoor venues. As we discussed above, you can get a free wedding with a 3-night minimum stay. If you stay 7 nights or longer, you can add premium perks for free.
Or, you can choose from a wide selection of Sandals wedding packages to create the custom wedding of your dreams. The onsite wedding coordinator will make sure that your every desire is catered to for a stress-free and magical experience.
Sandals Curacao: Honeymoons
Whether you’re spending your honeymoon here after getting married at Sandals Royal Curacao or just coming within 30 days of your wedding date, you can receive a complimentary Sandals honeymoon package.
The package includes a bottle of sparkling wine, a delicious breakfast in bed one morning of your choosing, fresh flowers, and a turndown service with flower petals on your bed the first evening of your honeymoon.
Now that you’ve read all about Sandals Curacao, does it sound like the dream getaway spot for you? If you’re not sure, or if you’d like help making your travel arrangements, visit our Contact Us page to get in touch with one of our expert Sandals travel agents.