Welcome to Sandals' first-ever beach resort on the beautiful island of Curaçao! Before anything else, let me tell you that this island is absolutely gorgeous, filled with cozy little cottages that make you feel like you're walking in a fantasy wonderland. Curaçao is part of the Dutch Overseas Country and Territory and one of the three constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, making it a truly unique destination for those looking to create lifelong memories during their next vacation.
The beach resort is just as beautiful as the island, by the way. Sandals Royal Curaçao launched in 2022 and, like the newest Sandals resorts, is considered part of the Sandals 2.0 collection. What does that mean? It means Sandals is introducing some completely new, innovative and awesome features.
Remember, you can always contact us for more information about Sandals, so make sure to click that Request a Quote button! Reaching out is completely free, and even better, you won’t pay anything extra when one of our travel advisors books your trip. In fact, we might even have access to exclusive offers that can save you money in the end!
For example, Sandals Royal Curaçao offers 8 restaurants, most of which are new to the brand and rank among the best of any Sandals resort. Not only that, this resort has a unique layout with two different beaches, a brand-new type of infinity pool, dutch bikes for you to explore the state, and even lends Mini Coopers - yes, the Mr. Bean car - to guests staying in select top-tier Butler Elite Suites, giving them a chance to drive around the island.
Curaçao is located about 3 hours and 10 minutes from Miami, and Sandals Royal Curaçao is about 40 minutes from the airport. Once you arrive, get ready to relax. This is a beautiful resort, after all, and the fact that it’s less than five years old means it still looks new and fresh. The resort is filled with beautiful trees, plants, and flowers, along with plenty of secluded romantic spots, like hammocks scattered throughout the property and covered couple loungers.
The pools at Sandals Curaçao are incredible, especially the double infinity pool right in front of the beach. It’s basically a huge two-level infinity pool with transparent walls that blend with the beach and ocean. It's a Sandals first, and it's definitely an amazing spot for a swim. However, it can get crowded, so you’ll need to act quickly to secure a chair next to it as soon as you wake up. Or, if you're staying in a Butler Elite Suite, you can always ask your awesome butler to handle it for you.
Are there any drawbacks to this resort? It’s beautiful, has amazing restaurants, and some of the best pools, but I think that the beaches are a little disappointing. As you can see from the map above, Sandals Curaçao actually has two beaches: one on the western side of the resort and one to the south. The southern beach is in front of the main area, but it’s quite rocky, so be careful when swimming. The western beach, located in front of a canal, is much calmer and more relaxing. However, there’s a pier that limits the swimming area, so you can’t venture very far.
The resort can also be a bit noisy, especially in the more affordable Luxury Rooms. Keep in mind that some of the buildings resemble charming European villages and are positioned close together. While they look cute and colorful, this also means that some rooms lack privacy, as you can hear people talking nearby or room service carts moving around at certain times of the day. Opting for a Club Sandals room could help you avoid this issue.
What about the prices? I think they're pretty fair for a new Sandals resort on such a unique island. Luxury Rooms start at $280-$330 per night, per guest, which is similar to the pricing at the new Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica. Club Sandals Rooms start at $360, compared to $340 at Sandals Dunn’s River.
So, do I recommend this resort? Oh yes! It offers some of the best pools and restaurants you’ll find at any Sandals, and gives you the opportunity to explore this incredible island that few people know about. If a great beach is a top priority for you, I’d consider skipping it. But you know what? Curaçao is famous for its stunning beaches, and you can always take a day to visit another beach outside of Sandals Royal Curaçao if you really want to.
Reviews of Sandals Royal Curaçao
The Good
Sandals 2.0: Some of the newest Sandals resorts are now called "Sandals 2.0" because they bring something entirely unique to the traditional Sandals experience. Sandals Royal Curaçao is a perfect example. The resort features an amazing layout with lush gardens and beautiful flowers, brand-new restaurants exclusive to Curaçao, a two-level infinity pool, and even the opportunity to drive a Mini Cooper if you stay in one of the top-tier Butler Elite Suites. This is a fantastic resort that demonstrates Sandals' commitment to innovation and the future of the brand.
It's Beaaaautiful: Do you love the idea of a romantic, brand-new, and gorgeous resort? Of course you do! Sandals Royal Curaçao is stunning. Many of the buildings resemble classic cottages from medieval movies, giving the resort a fairytale charm. The grounds are equally beautiful, filled with lush trees, vibrant gardens, and plenty of romantic spots to create lifelong memories. You'll find hammocks scattered throughout, lounge chairs, and everything else waiting for you and the love of your life.
Some of the Best Sandals Restaurants: Thanks to Sandals 2.0, Sandals Royal Curaçao has some of the best restaurants across all Sandals resorts, all included in your stay. Names like Gatsu Gatsu, Butch’s Island Chop House, Zuka, and Strand are definitely worth your time at least once. If you enjoy the Soy Sushi Bar at other Sandals resorts, you'll love the sushi offered at Gatsu Gatsu. There are also three food trucks scattered throughout the resort, offering comfort food for those looking for a quick bite. A romantic resort with good food? Yeah, can’t ask for much more.
Great pools: Technically, there are multiple pools at Sandals Royal Curaçao if you count the swim-up pools that belong to some Club Level Rooms and Butler Elite Suites. We decided to put “Great Pools” here mainly because of the infinity pool right in front of the beach. This is a double-deck (or double layer? I never know the right name) infinity pool that looks absolutely amazing. It’s like a big, beautiful box with transparent walls that mixes with another infinity pool, and then the beach! Its like an infinity poolception, and it's great.
All inclusive: As is the case with Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Sandals Royal Curaçao is also all-inclusive. This means that almost every activity is free for you to enjoy, and every restaurant at your disposal is also free. Even tips are included in your package (although you can tip your butler if you are staying in a Butler Elite Suite). Want to save money? You can't go wrong with Sandals.
The Bad
The Beaches: There are two beaches at Sandals Royal Curaçao, but neither is particularly impressive. The main beach, located just in front of the infinity pool, is rocky and not great for swimming. The other beach, located on the western side, is limited by a pier and faces a canal. While it’s okay for a quick dip, it’s not great for snorkeling or water activities. If you primarily choose a beach resort for its beautiful beaches, then Sandals Royal Curaçao might not be the right fit for you.
A Few Nitpicks: There are some minor issues that don’t warrant their own sections, so I’ll address them here. As I mentioned earlier, the resort can be a bit noisy, especially if you stay in some of the Luxury Rooms near the main pool. From there, you might hear noise from the rooms above, room service, and some of the parties taking place at the beach. Another minor concern is that service at some bars and food trucks can be a bit slow, with drinks taking a while to arrive. However, Sandals has already acknowledged this and is working to improve it.
How to get to Sandals Royal Curaçao?
Flying to Sandals Royal Curaçao
You will be landing at Curaçao International Airport (CUR), the only airport on the island. The airport is located 16 miles from Sandals Royal Curaçao, and the transfer to the resort typically takes 40-45 minutes. A free airport transfer is available - just look for the Sandals kiosk upon your arrival, and you’re all set.
Curaçao is situated in the Southern Caribbean, near Venezuela. A flight from Miami to Curaçao takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes.
Transportation Options to Sandals Royal Curaçao
Once you've completed immigration, look for the small Sandals kiosk nearby and introduce yourself. Remember, transportation from the airport to the resort is included in your stay! You'll board an air-conditioned bus for the journey to your resort. The bus drivers are from a third-party service, and it's okay to tip them if you wish.
Where is Sandals Royal Curaçao?
Sandals Royal Curaçao is situated in the southern part of the island, while the airport is located in the center of Curaçao. The transfer to the resort takes about 45 minutes. The buses are new and air-conditioned. Although there are some bumps along the way, the route is not winding enough to leave you feeling dizzy. Still, if you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication before boarding.
If you need a specific address, Sandals Royal Curaçao is located in Santa Barbara Estate, Porta Blancu, Willemstad, Curaçao.
Staying at Sandals Royal Curaçao
Sandals Royal Curação offers rooms separated into three distinct levels: Luxury, Club Sandals and Butler Elite. Luxury is actually the budget option, while Club Sandals tends to bring more upscale rooms and a few additional perks to guests, like a private check-in, a private lounge and a mini-bar with more items. The Butler Elite rooms offer guests their own private butler, who can make reservations for couples, bring meals to their rooms, and assist them in various ways during their stay.
As is the case with many of the Sandals 2.0, most rooms at Sandals Royal Curaçao are Club Sandals and Butler Elite Suites. Out of the 25 different room categories, only 3 are Sandals Luxury Rooms. While Sandals Luxury Rooms offer some advantages, they also come with drawbacks. These rooms are typically located in noisier buildings, but booking in advance can yield great prices. A Luxury Room starts as low as $280 per night, per guest, while a Club Sandals room starts at $360. Definitely a big difference.
Sandals Luxury Rooms do not include any new amenities. Some Club Sandals rooms feature a soaking tub and access to a swim-up pool. Butler Elite Suites are the most expensive options, with some offering swim-up pools and others providing private pools. Certain Butler Elite Suites even allow you to drive a convertible Mini Cooper to explore the island. The Mini Cooper Butler Suites are the “Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalow with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub,” with rates starting at $1100 per guest, per night.
The great news about every room at Sandals Royal Curaçao is that they are brand new and colorful, featuring modern layouts. Launched in 2022, the rooms here aren’t even three years old! I mean, who doesn’t love fresh beds and new bathrooms?
Dining at Sandals Royal Curaçao
Ahh, we’ve arrived at the best part: the food at Sandals Royal Curaçao is truly amazing. While it features “only” 8 restaurants - slightly fewer than other Sandals resorts like Montego Bay that offer 11 or more - let me assure you that these dining options are among the best the brand has to offer. Plus, there are three food trucks scattered around the property for those looking for a quick bite.
Some standout restaurants include the Latin-inspired Zuka, the sushi bar Gatsu Gatsu, the modern European restaurant Vincent, and Butch’s Island Chop House.
Here’s a list of restaurants you can find at Sandals Royal Curaçao, along with the types of cuisine they offer:
- Butch’s Island Chop House (Steak & Seafood)
- Gatsu Gatsu (Sushi)
- Zuka (Latin Fusion)
- Vincent (Modern European)
- Pietra (Italian)
- Strand (Seafood)
- Kanaal (Cafe)
- Solos (Mediterranean)
At the time of this writing, only two restaurants require an advanced reservation: Butch’s Island Chop House and Vincent. Make sure to book a spot as soon as you get to the resort. Reservations for dining can only be made once you arrive at the resort.
The restaurant Vincent also requires Resort Evening Attire, which means you need to dress fancy, so make sure to pack your favorite long sleeve shirt or dress! All other restaurants are Resort Casual.
Activities at Sandals Royal Curaçao
There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Sandals Royal Curaçao. Many guests love the beach parties that take place every day and night, where you can even catch violinists performing on the beach from time to time, which adds a lovely touch. Of course, the incredible pools are also a highlight of this resort, so be sure to take a dip in the infinity pool at least once!
You also have access to the Red Lane Fitness Center, which is equipped with various machines to support your healthy lifestyle during your vacation. Uhhh, I’m not too familiar with what that means, so I can’t comment on it.
Here is a list of what you can find at Sandals Royal Curaçao for the absolutely amazing price of… free!
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling
- Kayaks
- Paddle Boarding
- Hobie Cats
- Land Sports (beach volleyball, table tennis, tennis)
- 24-hour Fitness Center
- Spa
- Beach parties, Karaoke shows, Live shows, talent nights…
Sandals Royal Curaçao Weather Guide
Good news, friends! Like most tropical destinations in the Caribbean, temperatures in Curaçao remain fairly high throughout the year. The average temperature is around 86°F (30°C). To put things in perspective, January is the coolest month, with lows of 75°F (24°C), while August is the hottest month, reaching highs of 91°F (33°C). As you can see, it never gets incredibly hot or super cold, making it perfect for a romantic vacation.
The rainy season in Curaçao starts in October and ends in January. As is the case with many tropical destinations, rainfall is typically heavy but short-lived. In Curaçao, rain usually occurs more often at night or in the early morning, which is great news for your daytime plans.
The Caribbean hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, but hurricanes are rarely a threat to Curaçao, as the island is geographically located outside the hurricane belt. So, you shouldn't worry about the chance of a hurricane during this period.
Best Times to visit Sandals Royal Curaçao
When it comes to weather, I’d say that every month is a good time to visit Curaçao. December to March are particularly great months, offering a pleasant breeze and slightly cooler temperatures, although these are also considered peak season. September and October tend to be cheaper, but the weather can be a bit hotter, and it’s less windy.
The best time to visit is really whenever you can make it. We can help with that, of course! Check your schedule to see when you can visit, compare airfare and room prices, or let us do the research for you. Every month is a wonderful time to enjoy Curaçao!
However, if you’re looking for our recommendation, I’d say that December to March is the best time to visit, regardless of room prices. During this period, temperatures are great, there’s minimal rain, and the skies are sunny - yep, perfect for enjoying that infinity pool!
I also really like May and June for visiting Curaçao. The temperatures remain pleasant, rainfall is minimal, and prices are better than in February and March. These months tend to be underrated, so don’t overlook them!
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Packing list for Sandals Royal Curaçao
Packing for a beach resort isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While you’ll need several swimsuits, don’t forget to pack at least a few nice outfits for romantic evenings, formal events, or special dinners with the love of your life.
Also, bring essentials like sunscreen and bug repellent from home, as these items are usually much more expensive on-site. It’s always wise to come prepared and bring all the essentials with you instead of waiting to buy them at the resort. Your wallet will thank you later.
We will separate this list into essentials to bring on your beach resort trip and a few nice-to-haves.
Essentials
At least 3-4 swimsuits: Since you're going to a beach resort, swimsuits are essential. Think of it like going to Alaska without a warm coat. For a week-long trip, bring at least three swimsuits so you can change styles daily and have an extra in case one gets lost. They also will not dry hung up overnight, so make sure to bring more than two.
3-4 swim cover-ups: For the ladies, swim cover-ups are incredibly useful at a beach resort. They are great for transitioning from the beach to a nearby restaurant and provide warmth against the chilly wind after a swim.
Rash guard: It protects from the sun. It doesn’t let you burn. You do the simple math and quickly realize it’s a very good item to bring to a beach vacation.
Shorts & t-shirts/skirts & casual dresses: Especially for the guys, shorts and t-shirts are essential. You'll wear them frequently, even pairing khaki shorts with a cozy shirt for dinner. This combo ensures comfort and relaxation during your beach stay.
Flip flops/comfortable sandals: Since you'll be walking a lot on sand and exploring the beach, sandals or flip flops are a must. Let your feet breathe and enjoy the feel of the beautiful, warm sands.
Nice outfits: Bring at least two to three elegant outfits, such as trousers paired with a dress shirt and dress shoes, or an elegant dress. This will also give you a great reason to dress up and enjoy the night parties.
Sun hat: you know those big hats that almost make you look like a Samurai? Yeah, you are probably going to need one of those in a beach resort. They look stylish and they really protect from the sun. Remember, at a beach resort, the sun will be like a new member of your party for the duration of your vacation.
Beach bag: remember to pack a beach bag to take to the… uh… beach. They’re simple, lightweight and perfect for you to throw it on the sand without feeling bad for it. Put all you need inside and you are good to go.
Sunglasses: they protect your eyes from the sun. You only have two eyes, and you should love them, so keep them safe since you will be under the sun for a long time.
Sunscreen: Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! Bring your favorite one, and consider bringing more than one since you'll be using it a lot. While sunscreen is available on-site, it's much more expensive than what you're used to.
Lip balm: sunscreen and lip balm are a perfect pair. Unfortunately you can’t slather sunscreen on your mouth (or maybe you can, I don't know) so it’s a good idea to pack a Lip balm to protect against cracked lips. They’re not expensive, they are very small and won’t occupy a lot of space, so let’s put them into the essential list.
After-sun lotion: Since you'll be spending days under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin. These lotions are perfect for moisturizing your skin after sun exposure and soothing any redness or inflammation.
Some cash: there is a very good chance you won’t ever need cash during your vacation, but it’s always good to bring something in case you need to tip an additional service like a spa treatment, your butler or your bus driver. Cash is also used for transportation outside the beach resort. Better to be safe than sorry!
Nice-to-haves
Bug Spray: this can be a lifesaver against those pesky mosquitoes, though in some beach resorts, it may feel like insects don't exist. Mosquitoes can be particularly bothersome during rainy seasons when humidity rises. It's usually a good idea to bring one along if you have space in your luggage.
Laundry detergent: if you plan on doing laundry during your vacation, you should bring your own detergent. Don’t pack a lot, tough. While some of the most expensive rooms may have washing machines, many do not, and using them often incurs additional charges. For shorter vacations, I’d recommend packing more shirts and skipping laundry, but the choice is yours.
Water shoes: If you plan to walk near the water, especially around rocks and corals, water shoes are essential. They protect your feet and provide added stability while exploring.
Waterproof portable speaker: Planning to enjoy Taylor Swift by the beach? Portable speakers can add to the fun. Just remember to keep the volume at a considerate level, as not everyone may share your love for “Shake it Off” at full blast.
Portable charger: we just know that some of us will spend 25h a day on our cellphones, taking pictures for Instagram in front of the most beautiful vistas in the world. It might be a good idea to pack a portable charger if you plan on using your cellphone a lot while you are out at the beach or just exploring.
Should I go to Sandals Royal Curaçao?
You probably have a good idea by now if this beach resort is right for you. You’ll enjoy your time at Sandals Royal Curaçao if:
- You want a new and updated beach resort
- You want to eat at great restaurants
- You love the idea of relaxing in a great pool
- You want to explore a beautiful island
- You don’t care too much about a great beach
One of the most important things to know is that Sandals is geared towards adults and couples. This is an adults-only resort, so children are not allowed. If you're planning a vacation with children or your entire family, you'll have a better experience at sister brand Beaches Resorts. Oh, you know what? We also have in-depth guides for every Beaches Resort available!
Book your dream vacation at Sandals Royal Curaçao!
Now that you know a lot about Sandals Royal Curaçao… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at Sandals Royal Curaçao? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the water during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
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