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The reviews are in for Sandals Curacao! Well, kind of.

When the brand-new adults-only all-inclusive Sandals Royal Curacao began welcoming guests on June 1, 2022. Reviews were very mixed. Some people were giving the resort 5 stars, while others were giving it one star. The complaints were based on two things. First, construction and especially landscaping was not completed yet. Additionally, some guests had problems with the service. Additionally, the main pool broke and needed to be fixed.

Looking now, reviews on Sandals Royal Curacao are trending up. It looks like the opening kinks have been worked out guests are loving Sandals Royal Curacao and there are now more 5-star reviews than anything else.

So we will see in the coming months if Sandals Royal Curacao becomes one of the best Sandals Resorts or now. We will personally be visiting in March and will update you after that.

This idyllic and charming island is known for its stunning sapphire waters; beautiful beaches; warm, vibrant culture; and the pastel-colored Dutch colonial buildings in its capital city of Willemstad.

Curacao has been flying under the radar for a while, but is becoming more and more popular and is a wonderful place for a romantic escape or honeymoon. Read on to learn all about the perfect couples’ resort in Curacao: Sandals Royal Curacao.

Overview of Sandals Curacao

Sandals Royal Curacao is a luxurious adults-only all-inclusive resort and the newest Sandals property. The resort is set on the southernmost tip of Curacao, on 44 acres nestled into the exclusive 3,000-acre private preserve of Santa Barbara estate.

This setting gives guests incredible opportunities to explore the natural wonders surrounding Sandals Curacao, including the mountainous range behind the resort. Guests will also enjoy the white-sand beach, which stretches for 1500 feet along a calm, protected lagoon.

How far is Curacao airport from Sandals resort?

Sandals Curacao is 15 miles or about 40 minutes from Curacao International Airport. As always at Sandals resorts, transportation to and from the airport is complimentary.

How many rooms are at Sandals Royal Curacao?

Sandals Royal Curacao has 351 rooms and suites in 24 different categories (the most of any Sandals property).

Rooms and Suites at Sandals Royal Curacao

Sandals Royal Curacao has some incredible romantic accommodations to choose from, including two new luxury suite options that both offer butler service, private pools, and their own MiniCooper convertible for touring around the island!

The first-ever Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows are set along the water and feature large private pools for incredible ocean and sunset views, private patios with extended sun deck and Tranquility Soaking Tubs® for Two (with privacy curtains) plus loungers and a bistro set, vaulted ceilings, seating areas, dining tables, and walk-in rain showers.

The first-ever Kurason Island Suites are set in a lush private garden, surrounding a secluded lagoon and overlooking a heart-shaped pool with an island in the middle that is exclusively for guests in the suites. These Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalows feature private patios with extended sun deck and Tranquility Soaking Tubs for Two (with privacy curtains) plus loungers and a bistro set, vaulted ceilings, seating areas, dining tables, and walk-in rain showers.

Guests at Sandals Curacao can also choose from a wide variety of rooms and suites with ocean or garden views, including oceanview suites with private balconies; oceanview swim-up suites with Tranquility Soaking Tubs on the private patio; beachfront walkout suites with Tranquility Soaking Tubs on the private patio; beachfront suites with private balconies; and secluded walkout suites with three private patios (one with a Tranquility Soaking Tub) and access to a semi-private pool.

Dining at Sandals Royal Curacao

Curacao is a foodies’ paradise, and Sandals Royal Curacao delivers delicious cuisine befitting its location here. How many restaurants are in Sandals Curacao? The resort has 11 restaurants, 7 of which are exclusive to Sandals Royal Curacao (and new to Sandals). There are 3 beachside food trucks offering local food, Spanish tapas, and Asian fusion.

The 11 restaurants at Sandals Royal Curacao include Vincent, serving European fusion; Pietra, serving southern Italian; sushi; Aolos, an open-air restaurant serving the Mediterranean; Kanaal Café and Wine Bar, a Dutch café during the day and wine and cheese bar at night; Strand, serving fresh seafood by the beach; Zuka, serving flavors from Central and South America; and Butch’s Island Chop House, serving top quality steaks and more.

Couples staying at Sandals Curacao will have plenty of options for their tropical cocktail fix, as there are 13 bars on the property including a swim-up bar.

As at every Sandals resort, all meals, snacks, and beverages are included in your stay, so you can feast to your heart’s content!

A completely new concept is also debuting at Sandals Curacao: Island Inclusive, the first-ever offsite dining program. It is available to guests who stay in butler-level suites for at least 7 nights, or Diamond, Pearl, and Ambassador Club Sandals Select Reward members. This program provides a $250 voucher for dinner at one of 8 restaurants in Curacao, as well as complimentary transportation to and from the restaurant.

Is there a beach at Sandals Curacao?

Yes, there is a stunning stretch of white sand beach at Sandals Curacao, providing plenty of space to lounge in breathtaking beauty.

What to Do at Sandals Curacao

Is there a pool at Sandals Curacao? Oh yes! There are multiple pools at Sandals Royal Curacao, including Sandals’ first-ever Dos Awa infinity pool, a bi-level pool with upper and lower decks and fantastic views of both the sea and the mountains.

Get into or on that water with a variety of complimentary water sports including snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, scuba diving, and Hobie Cat sailing. There are also two marinas, if you want to bring your boat!

If you want to stay on land, there are plenty of sports options or you can work out at the state-of-the-art fitness center. Unique to Sandals Curacao is the opportunity to explore the surrounding preserve on a Dutch bike or by hiking.

Is there golf at Sandals Curacao? Yes, you can golf, at the neighboring Pete Dye-designed 18-hole golf course. The Old Quarry Golf Course is adjacent to the resort making it very convenient for guests. Check with the resort to inquire about green fees.

When you want to completely relax, the resort’s amazing spa is waiting for you, or you can just pick a sun bed on the beach and let the warm Caribbean sun soothe your body and soul. 

Daily and nightly entertainment includes theme nights, talent nights, beach parties, and live music. As night falls, honeymooners will want to be sure to watch the sunset. Sandals Curacao faces west and offers spectacular sunset views over the Caribbean.

You can also get out and see Curacao. Wander the charming capital city of Willemstad with its pastel-colored buildings and explore fun shops and cafés.  Or book an excursion such as guided snorkeling tours, Jeep safaris in Curacao National Park, a Willemstad city tour on an e-bike, or bar-hopping in the unique capital city.

Can you get married at Sandals Curacao?

Yes, you can get married at Sandals Curacao! Couples wanting to plan a destination wedding at Sandals Royal Curacao can take advantage of 38,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space and choose from multiple wedding venues.

Sandals offers a variety of customizable wedding packages, including a free wedding with a minimum stay!

Does Sandals Curacao have a spa?

Yes, like other Sandals resorts, Sandals Curacao has a full-service spa.

If you want the ultimate relaxation on your honeymoon, book a couples massage or other indulgent spa service. The Red Lane® Spa at Sandals Royal Curacao has a steam room and offers a full range of treatments (not included in your room rate) including West Indian massage and body scrubs.

For a truly incredible experience, have your massage in a beach cabana and listen to the waves as your stress melts away. You can also get spa services in your room.

What is included at Sandals Curacao?

At Sandals resorts, when they say all-inclusive, they really mean it. You can arrive at the resort without having to worry about what is included and what is not. Here is what is included at Sandals Royal Curacao:

Unlimited Fine Dining

You can feast at any of the restaurants or in your room; all breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and beverages are included in your stay.

Unlimited Alcoholic Drinks

As part of the 5-Star Luxury Included® experience, Sandals only serves premium brand liquors. You can order whatever you would like, including specialties you would expect at a tropical resort, like a Pina Colada, Margarita, Blue Lagoon, or a Bahama Mama. You can be sure the island’s signature liqueur, Blue Curacao, is served here!

In all rooms, there is a mini-fridge stocked with water, juice, soda, Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks Wine, and beer. Additionally, every room includes a coffeemaker with Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend coffee.

Tips

At Sandals resorts, even tips, taxes, and gratuities are included for most services you would usually tip for! There is no need to worry about tipping the bartender, the bellman, or your server at one of the specialty restaurants.

If you are staying in a butler-level suite, your butler can and will accept tips. We recommend tipping a butler $20 a day, depending on how much you use their services.

Spa therapists and airport transport drivers should also be tipped.

Roundtrip Airport Transfers

Sandals Curacao provides complimentary transportation to and from the airport.

Included Activities at Sandals Curacao

You have access to unlimited water sports at Sandals Royal Curacao, and scuba diving is included! Unique to Sandals Curacao, you can explore the surrounding estate on a Dutch bike.

Entertainment

Along with these amazing activities, there are plenty of entertainment options including theme nights, live music, performances, and karaoke.

A Free Wedding at Sandals

Stay 3 nights or longer at any Sandals resort and your wedding is free!

Room Service

If you book a room that includes butler service, room service is available 24 hours a day. For Club Sandals accommodations, room service is available between 7am-10pm.

WiFi

WiFi is included throughout the Sandals Royal Curacao.

Honeymoon package at Sandals Curacao

If you get married and then honeymoon at Sandals Royal Curacao, or if you come here within 30 days of your wedding date, you’ll get Sandals’ complimentary honeymoon package. This includes a bottle of chilled sparkling wine, a special turndown service with flower petals on your bed the first evening of your honeymoon, and fresh flowers and a decadent breakfast in bed one morning of your choice.

What to pack for Sandals Curacao

You can pack light when you stay at a Sandals Resort, since so much is provided for you. For example, you don’t need to pack a hairdryer, as there’s one in the room. A gift shop is available onsite in case you forget any necessities.

In terms of clothes, the dress code is casual during the day and resort elegant at night, which means a mix of shorts, t-shirts and tanks, lightweight short sleeve shirts, sundresses, casual slacks, and swimsuits, plus dressier outfits (including shoes) for dining in the nicer restaurants.

If you’re planning on golfing, make sure to bring the appropriate clothing. Women may want to bring a scarf, shawl, or light jacket in case they get chilly in air-conditioned places.

Bring several swimsuits since you’ll likely be wearing one every day. Women can bring a cute cover-up to throw on for walking around the resort, and may also want to pack some shorts to pull on over their swimsuit if doing any watersports. A rash guard will come in handy during watersports as well.

The type of shoes you bring will depend on what activities you want to do while in Curacao. You will probably want to bring water shoes, flip flops, and sandals; you may want to add tennis shoes if you’re going to go biking, do a lot of walking, or play sports. If you want to hike in the surrounding preserve, bring hiking shoes or sturdy tennis shoes.

You will of course need to bring your passport (make sure it’s more than 6 months away from expiring) and ID, including a valid driver’s license if you want to rent a car.

You will also want to bring a credit card (not that you’ll need it in the resort, since everything is covered, but in case you want to add extras like spa services or go exploring in Curacao) and some cash as well, for tips at the airport, taxis, and local shops that don’t take credit cards. You may need to pay a departure tax in cash at the airport, if it’s not included in your plane ticket, so be sure to ask in advance.

Tip: Bring two cards and hide one in a safe place for an emergency backup. Also, make sure you have a record of your credit card numbers, as well as the customer service contact information.

As with any trip, make sure you pack any medicine that you need. Put it in your carry-on bag so you don’t have to worry about your luggage getting lost. In addition to any prescription medication, you can bring over-the-counter drugs (like aspirin, ibuprofen, stomach remedies, seasickness medicine, antihistamines) so you’ll have them on hand if you need them. But in case you forget, these types of remedies will be available at the gift shop.

Tip: Keep all prescription medications in the original bottles when flying to avoid any issues.

Pack all the usual beach necessities including a bag to carry everything in (choose one that can get wet and sandy). These include sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen—the higher the SPF, the better when you’re in the Caribbean! If you’re going to be diving or snorkeling, make sure your sunscreen is reef-safe. You won’t need to pack beach towels, however, as these are provided for free at every Sandals Resort.

You may also want to bring a camera—especially a waterproof camera if you plan on watersports; a waterproof case for your phone, and your phone charger.

A few more items to consider: insect repellant and bite relief cream, bandaids, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, prescription snorkeling goggles if you wear them, a backpack for day trips, and a waterproof bag if you’re going to go on a boat.

However, you don’t need to pack toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion unless you want to—these items are included in your room at Sandals Royal Curacao, and they come from the onsite spa so they’re top quality!

Tip: Make sure all your luggage is labeled clearly with tags, and add something bright like a colorful ribbon to make your bags stand out at baggage claim.

Is Curacao safe to visit?

Yes, you can visit Curacao safely. It is a friendly island with a low crime rate, and some similarities to the U.S. that can help your vacation go smoothly. Cars drive on the right side of the road, and the phone number to call in case of emergency is 911, just as in the United States. If you need help while on your trip to Curacao, most residents speak English.

Now that you know everything there is to know about Sandals Royal Curacao, are you ready to plan your honeymoon or romantic escape today? If so, be sure to take advantage of the Grand Opening offer, where you can save up to $1000 off select rooms on stays of 7 nights or more!

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5

Google Rating: 3.9