Sandals Royal Curacao – Review and Guide for 2024

The Sandals Royal Curacao resort is the first of the Sandals Luxury Included line to be open in the Dutch Caribbean. You will find the resort in the 3,000 acre Santa Barbara Estate, just 15 miles from the Curacao International Airport. 

Curacao is well known for its geographic diversity and natural beauty. Indulge in a vacation complete with world class diving sites, limestone caves, pristine beaches and so much more. Plus, the capital city of Willemstad is the home of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The resort features an “island chic” design, with rooms offering both garden and ocean views. There are a total of 351 rooms and suites, with new room categories not found at other resorts. Choose from Beachfront suites, Walkout suites, Poolside Butler Bungalows, Seaside Butler Bungalows and more. The resort is also home to the first bi-level infinity pool overlooking the sea with a mountain backdrop. 

While at Sandals Royal Curacao, enjoy all the luxury amenities and furnishings you can expect to find at sandals. For the most inclusive service, choose a Sandals Signature Butler Elite service, which provides you with 24/7 room service and airport transfers. 

About Sandals Royal Curacao

Where is Sandals Royal Curacao?

You can find Sandals Royal Curacao at the Santa Barbara Estate in Porta Blancu, Willemstad, Curacao. The resort is located just 15 miles from the airport, an approximate 40 minute drive. 

Getting to Sandals Royal Curacao 

Fly into the Curacao International Airport in a couple hours if you are arriving from Canada or the United States. You can book direct flights from New York, Miami or Charlotte, North Carolina. The airport is just 15 miles or 40 minutes from the airport. 

Best Time to Visit Sandals Royal Curacao

Curacao has a tropical climate, and so it is hot there all year round. Daytime temperatures typically range between 82 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit or 28 and 29 degrees Celsius.  Between the months of December and February, you will find average temperatures of 88 degrees Fahrenheit or 31 degrees Celsius.

 December to April is the best time to visit Curacao, but with year-round warm temperatures and sunny skies, no matter what time of year you visit, you will find plenty of pool and beach time at this all-inclusive resort.

What’s Included at Sandals Royal Curacao?

 At the Sandals Royal Curacao Resort, you have a lot of luxury indulgences to enjoy. The resort is made up of unique and luxurious suites and includes unlimited 5-star dining at 8 signature restaurants offering Global for me. In addition to the eight signature restaurants, there are three diverse food trucks giving you additional meal options while on Resort.

 Enjoy Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks lines, which are exclusively provided at Sandals, along with unlimited premium liquors and entertainment both day and night. The property consists of 13 bars, including a swim up bar.   All alcohol is unlimited and all inclusive. Along with the 13 bars, your room also comes stocked with alcohol, juices, coffee and tea, which is restocked daily.

 When it comes to ways to entertain yourself, you can enjoy unlimited water and land sports. There is a state-of-the-art fitness center, which allows 24-hour access with the use of your room card. Round trip airport transfers are included, all tips and gratuities are included, there is free Wi-Fi in all rooms and in all public areas.

Special Inclusions

Special room categories get additional included services, such as the club sandals concierge service or the exclusive Butler Service.  Select rooms also include a convertible Mini Cooper, giving you the ability to explore Curacao on your own, and there’s also the option to explore the estate on a Dutch bike experience, which is included with select rooms as well.

 If you book a Butler suite for a minimum of seven nights, you will also be awarded an all inclusive dining option to 8 partner restaurants close to the resort. This is the first-ever off-site dining program offered by the sandals brand. FanDuel select reward members in the Diamond Pearl or Ambassadors Club, and also get a $250 voucher to dine out at one of the eight partner restaurants, with the off-site round trip transportation completely included in your booking. The selection of restaurants for this off-side dining experience offers a variety of selections, to include gastro-bars, international fusion and so much more.

Pros and Cons of Sandals Royal Curacao

Pros

  • Excellent food with a variety of cuisine choices
  • A delightful infinity pool with swim-up bar
  • Amazing, friendly and accommodating staff
  • Lush landscape
  • Beautiful sea views
  • High quality Furnishings in room
  • Great entertainment, both day and night

Cons

  •  Small Rocky Beach

What To Do at Sandals Royal Curacao

There are lots of activities to engage in when staying at the Sandals Royal Curacao Resort. Here are just a couple things that you can use to pass your time and enjoy the beautiful island of Curacao.

The Curacao National Park Jeep Safari

With this tour, you can learn about Curacao’s rich history. This jeep safari takes you across some very scenic vistas across the island. As you make your way across the island, you will get to see the flamingos in their natural habitat. Oh, you will also make your way through one of the highest points on the islands, known as the Orchid route. You will journey on to the Christoffel National Park, which is the most bio-diverse and largest park on the island. Here you will be able to see the Island’s flora and fauna. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the national white tailed deer.

Explore The Taste Of Curacao

 Enjoy this experience with bookings for a minimum of 7 paid nights in a Butler Suite or 7 nights in any room category for Sandals Select Rewards members at the Diamond level and above. This tour allows you to enjoy the traditions and flavors of Curacao that have been shaped by Caribbean Latin Creole and Dutch influences. You will enjoy five star Global Gourmet to satisfy your appetite, completing your luxury included vacation.

The $250 dine out credit can be used at select restaurants in Curacao.  You will find restaurants offering authentic cuisine that showcases the creativity of the local chefs. Round-trip transfers to and from the restaurants are included with this activity. 

The Klein Curacao Super Yacht Beach Experience

The Caribbean is known for having gorgeous beaches and beautiful seas. The Super Yacht takes you across beautiful blue waters for a spectacular offshore experience. You sail to an offshore island – Klein Curacao, a part of the Curacon shores. Once on the island, there are a range of activities to engage in. Explore the lighthouse or enjoy the beach’s powdery white sands. There are masseuses available if you’d like to get a massage and a customized beach house with a bar. Enjoy snorkeling towards the end of the day and explore the Curacao reefs. 

Willemstad E-Bike City Tour

You will love the architecture here with ornate facades on pastel colored buildings. You will enjoy your guided tour through the historic city, viewing the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The guided bike tour starts at Waaigat, which is located in Willemstad. You then journey through Scharloo, where you can enjoy the sights of picturesque villas painted by local artists and built in the 1800’s. This is a great place to stop for photos. Be sure to get the Wedding Cake House and see Fort Amsterdam. Ride by the picturesque Handelskade pier, home to the facade of Willemstad. You will cross the Emma Bridge on your way to Kura Hulanda. You will then ride through Otrobanda and visit the Colorful Stairs – another great place to take a memorable photo. 

Punda Vibes Curacao Night Experience

The city of Curacao remains awake during the night. For this tour, you enjoy a scenic ride through the capital. You learn about the history of the island and how the island came to be on your tour. 

You will get to enjoy artsy streets, simple building designs brought to life by the talented hands of local artists with their artwork. Enjoy the Bombokati, which is a special cocktail, as you enjoy the sea breeze. Walk through the streets and enjoy the authentic island vibes while you engage with the locals. 

Restaurants at Sandals Royal Curacao

Sandals Royal Curacao does not skimp when it comes to food. You will find flavors from across the globe here, including the freshest seafood and flavors of the Orient. Enjoy a culinary journey at one of the 11 unique dining options below. 

Vincent 

You can enjoy European Fusion cuisine at this restaurant. Reservations are required for dinner, and the dress code is resort evening attire. Dinner time runs from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm, so you can make your reservations accordingly. 

Pietra 

Here you will find Italian cuisine, more specifically Southern Italian dishes. This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also operates as a pizzeria. Pietra is open for breakfast from 7:30 am to 10:30 am. It is then open for lunch between the hours of 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. The pizzeria is open from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Then the restaurant opens for dinner at 6:30 pm until 9:30 pm. You can enjoy late night snacks here from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am. The dress code here is always resort casual, and reservations are never required. 

Gatsu Gatsu

Here you will find the most delectable seafood, including exotic sushi creations. This restaurant serves dinner only with a resort casual dress code, and no reservations are required. Dinner is served here between the hours of 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm. 

Strand 

Here you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood dishes served right off the shore. The Strand serves lunch and dinner, with no reservations required. Lunch is served from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm, and then dinner is served from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The dress code here is resort casual. 

Kanaal 

This dining option operates as a cafe by day, and then by night it operates as a Wine and Cheese Bar. The dress code is Resort casual, and reservations are not required. The Entity is open from 7 a.m. to 11 pm.

Aolos 

This is a Mediterranean restaurant, offering an open-air dining experience. You can dine at this restaurant for breakfast and dinner, with a resort casual dress code and no reservations required.  Breakfast is served between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., and then dinner is served between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9:30 pm. 

Zuka 

This restaurant offers Central and South American Cuisine and is a dinner only dining option. The dress code is Resort casual, and reservations are not required. Opening hours for dinner are from 6 p.m. to 9:30 pm. 

Butch’s Island Chop House

Here you will find the highest quality grain-fed Midwestern beef.  This restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is served between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dinner is served between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9:30 pm. The dress code for dinner is Resort evening attire, and reservations are required. 

Three Food Trucks

Sandals Royal Curacao is home to three food trucks. The dress code for all food trucks is Resort casual, and the opening hours are from midday to 10 p.m. Find the food trucks in the resort’s seaside food truck park. The food trucks include;

Kishi

This food truck serves up Asian fusion cuisine and Bao Buns.

Toteki 

Here you can enjoy traditional Curacao food options. 

La Palma 

Here you can enjoy Spanish tapas.  

Pools at Sandals Royal Curacao

There are six swim up pools here at Sandals Royal Curacao. There are also two whirlpools, a natural pool, two general pools, and the awe inspiring DOS Infinity pool, which is one of the attributes that makes this resort so unique. 

Bars at Sandals Royal Curacao

There are a total of 13 bars at Sandals Royal Curacao. Plus, your in-room bar, which is restocked daily. 

Activities at Sandals Royal Curacao 

Sandals Royal Curacao offers unlimited activities including diving, various watersports, land-sports and more. For watersports, you will have access to kayaks, paddleboards, boogie boards, snorkeling, canoes and more. When it comes to land sports, expect cricket, beach volleyball, table tennis, bocce ball and even yoga. The fitness center is full of gym equipment, and you can also join one of the group classes. 

There is live entertainment day and night in the form of beach parties, live music and chocolate buffets. Guests that booked the Awa Seaside Bungalows and Kurason Island Suites have access to a complimentary Convertible Mini Cooper, which they can use at will to explore the island. 

Spa Treatments

At the resort, you can enjoy the Red Lane spa at an additional cost. While not included, this spa allows you time to connect, relax and refocus. Enjoy one of the many services offered either by yourself or alongside your spouse. 

If you are getting married on the resort, check out the Red Lane Weddings package, allowing you to be pampered for your big day. Get a relaxing massage or a manicure and pedicure as you prepare for the first day of the rest of your life as a married couple. 

Fitness Center

Enjoy the fitness center on your own, or join in on one of the group fitness classes. There is also the option to obtain personalized training sessions. Chime in on a round-robin tennis tournament and enjoy your fitness time while on resort.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

                                                              

FAQ

Is Sandals Royal Curacao on a private beach?

Sandals Royal Curacao is home to a white sand beach bordered by the swimming lagoon. The beach is approximately 450 meters in length. 

What airport do you fly into for Sandals Royal Curacao?

To visit Sandals Royal Curacao, you will fly into the Curacao International Airport. 

Are there two Sandals in Curacao?

There is one Sandals resort in Curacao, it is the newest resort in the Sandals chain, having opened in June 2022. 

About The Author
Bevony
Bevony is a content writer for EpicCaribbean.com. She has an ongoing curiosity to learn new things that is satisfied by her writing career. As a nature lover, when she isn't writing or doing mom duties, she can be found enjoying the outdoors on her beautiful island of Jamaica.

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