Review: Sandals Royal Curacao

Given Sandals Resorts’ high profile in the Caribbean hospitality industry, it’s no surprise that the grand opening event for its newest property, Sandals Royal Curacao, was decidedly grand. 

In June, I joined Sandals CEO Adam Stewart, Sandals executives, international media and top-selling travel advisors on Curacao’s sunny shores for the hotel’s opening celebration. The property is the 16th hotel in the Sandals portfolio and marks the company’s first foray into a destination where English isn’t the primary language. 

Set on 44 acres that are located within the 3,000-acre Santa Barbara estate, Sandals Royal Curacao is less than an hour from Curacao International Airport and the capital city of Willemstad. The 351-room all-inclusive resort is the result of a major renovation and upgrade to what was once known as Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort. 

As an attendee of the opening, I was able to experience firsthand some of the resort’s unique features, including several that are firsts for the Sandals brand.

One of the first things I noticed upon arrival to Sandals Royal Curacao was the giant “Chichi” sculpture near the entrance — a modern, large-scale sculpture of a female figure that pays tribute to the island’s big sisters (smaller versions are among the destination’s most popular souvenirs). I was also taken with the dramatic main infinity pool, which, according to Sandals, is its first “bi-level” pool; one section is stacked on top of the other, and a clear wall around part of the upper pool makes for memorable photo opportunities. (Editor's Note: The pool is currently closed and under repair.)

Brand-New Options

In addition to the eye-catching new pool concept, Sandals Royal Curacao also features several enticing, newly built room categories: Two include Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalows and Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows. All accommodations in these categories feature vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors and upscale amenities. 

My own room was more standard in size, featuring bright and cheery decor, as well as attractive design elements such as electric mood candles and a bathroom with beautiful blue vertical subway tiles and a giant flower-shaped mirror. 

I was particularly impressed with the extensive dining options — one of which is especially unique for an all-inclusive property. Unlike most all-inclusives, which encourage guests to stay on property, Sandals Royal Curacao features the brand’s first-ever off-site dining program, which makes it easy to get to know the destination’s local cuisine. Available only to guests staying in Butler Suites, as well as Sandals Select Reward Members, the Island Inclusive Dining program offers a $250 voucher that’s valid at any of the eight partner restaurants around the island (roundtrip transportation is included). 

Guests staying in the property’s high-end suites also receive access to complimentary use of a convertible Mini Cooper, opening up even more opportunities to explore. 

Of course, there are lots of reasons to stay on property, too. Sandals Royal Curacao is home to 11 dining options, including eight restaurants. Concepts new to the Sandals brand include Aolos, which offers an open-air setting for Mediterranean culinary experiences; Vincent, a European fusion venue named after Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh; and Toteki, a food truck specializing in traditional Curacao dishes. I especially loved the fresh fish kebabs there, as well as the tasty pizza at Pietra, mouthwatering steak at Butch’s Island Chop House and Spanish-style tapas at the La Palma food truck. And although I didn’t experience a candlelit dinner on the beach firsthand, I noticed it was a popular choice for couples.

Guests can partake in a variety of activities at the resort, including PADI-certified scuba diving, bike riding and exercising at the expansive fitness center. They can also sign up for rejuvenating and relaxing treatments at Red Lane Spa. 

As with other properties in the company’s portfolio, Sandals Royal Curacao aims to have a positive impact on the local community through the nonprofit Sandals Foundation. The organization recently launched the Future Goals initiative with the Netherlands’ AFC Ajax football club to encourage youth involvement in sports by distributing soccer goals for children made from fishing nets and recycled plastic waste. The Sandals Foundation also continues to support activities such as beach cleanups and endeavors such as developing a hiking app in conjunction with IVN Tiny Forest to make Curacao’s natural beauty more accessible. 

With its attractive style, sumptuous room categories and array of local initiatives and unique features, Sandals Royal Curacao is likely to set a new standard for the brand moving forward. And, based on the enthusiasm of the travel advisors present during the grand opening, the new property is likely to generate new interest in the destination of Curacao, too.