Sandals Royal Curacao
Sandals Royal Curaçao offers a completely different take on the Caribbean, set on an island where desert landscape meets the ocean. The setting feels more like Aruba or Turks and Caicos, with a drier, more dramatic backdrop that gives the resort a distinct, upscale feel compared to the more lush islands.
The design here leans modern and open, letting the desert landscape take center stage. We spent a week here with our team, and what stood out most was how much Curaçao feels like a slice of Europe dropped into the Caribbean, a mix of Dutch, Caribbean, and Latin influences that make it a great base for exploring somewhere different.
One feature worth knowing about: Butler-level guests staying seven nights or more can take out a MINI Cooper through the Drive-a-MINI program, plus a $250 dine-out credit, one of the few Sandals resorts where getting off property is part of the experience.
When you’re ready to book, we can help you find the right Sandals resort for you. Explore our Sandals resort guide from Caribbean experts for more detail.
VIBE
exotic, stylish, relaxing
PERFECT FOR
golf lovers, best Sandals honeymoons, exploring locally
WELLNESS
With a focus on the most elusive of all luxuries – time – Sandals Resorts signature treatments are designed to engage the senses, giving the mind and body time to openly receive the benefits of each therapy.
Overview of Sandals Royal Curaçao: A Mini-Guide
Sandals Royal Curaçao sits on a stretch of beachfront that looks and feels different from most of the Caribbean, and the resort’s design leans into that instead of fighting it. It’s adults-only and all-inclusive, with Dutch, Caribbean, and Latin influences showing up in the architecture, the food, and the overall feel of the place.
It’s also a good honeymoon or anniversary choice, quieter and more design-forward than some of the other Sandals properties. If you’re weighing it against other options in the region, we’ve compared it to two nearby sister resorts, Sandals Grenada and Sandals Saint Vincent, further down this page.
Accommodations at Sandals Royal Curaçao
Sandals Royal Curaçao offers an exceptional array of suites and bungalows, each designed to provide ultimate privacy and luxury. Guests can choose from accommodations with breathtaking ocean views, lush garden settings, and exclusive swim-up options. Each room is outfitted with modern touches and indulgent amenities, including plush bedding, private terraces, and oversized soaking tubs making the resort a great choice for where to stay after you say “I do”.
- Kurason Island Suites: Located around a heart-shaped pool at the center of the resort, these suites offer garden views and direct pool access, a good option if you’d rather stay away from the beachfront bustle.
- Awa Seaside Bungalows: Beachfront bungalows, each with its own private infinity pool right on the patio. They’re not overwater structures, despite how they’re sometimes described, but a private pool steps from the sand is a strong feature on its own. See our roundup of Caribbean hotels with private plunge pools if that’s a priority for your stay.
- Swim-Up Suites: Enjoy direct access to a lagoon pool from your suite’s terrace, day or night. We stayed in one of these during our week at the resort and can vouch for how easy it makes it to just step outside and swim, no walk to the pool required.
Several of the suite categories here include Butler Elite Service, giving guests personalized attention around the clock, and many also come with Sandals’ signature Tranquility Soaking Tubs™ for two.
Dining & Cuisine
Sandals Royal Curaçao has eight restaurants plus three food trucks, and we made a point of eating at every one of them during our week there. A few stood out:
- Zuka: South American food, and it shows. Curaçao sits close enough to the continent that the kitchen leans into it, and this was one of our favorite meals of the trip.
- Aolos: Mediterranean cuisine that pairs naturally with a warm coastal climate. We’d go back for this one alone.
- Strand: Seafood, done the way it should be done on a Caribbean island. We ate here more than once during our stay.
- Butch’s Island Chop House: The resort’s steakhouse. Reservations are required, so book this one early once you arrive.
- Vincent: International cuisine, also reservation-required.
- Kanaal: A Dutch-inspired café for pastries, coffee, and lighter lunches.
- Gatsu Gatsu: Sushi.
- Pietra: Italian, with handmade pasta.
For something more casual, three beachside food trucks round things out: Toteki (Caribbean), Heart & Sol (American deli), and Kishi (Asian fusion).
From premium wines to craft cocktails made with local ingredients, each meal is a chance to try something different without leaving the resort.
Activities & Experiences
At Sandals Royal Curaçao, activities split fairly evenly between water-based options and inland excursions, so plan for a mix of both if you want to see more than the beach.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Explore Curaçao’s world-renowned coral reefs, teeming with vibrant marine life, and uncover hidden underwater treasures.
- Island Excursions: Take advantage of curated excursions, like sunset cruises, cultural tours, and visits to historic Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colorful Dutch colonial architecture.
- Adventure Sports: For those seeking excitement, enjoy windsurfing, paddleboarding, and a variety of other water sports available directly on the resort’s shores.
- Dos Awa Infinity Pool: A two-level infinity pool at the heart of the property, overlooking Spanish Water rather than the open sea. It’s a great spot for a cocktail at sunset.
- Golf at Old Quarry: Old Quarry Golf Course is a short trip from the resort, though it’s booked and paid separately from your all-inclusive stay. See our guide to the Caribbean’s best golf courses if you’re planning to play while you’re on the island.
For couples, Sandals Royal Curaçao also offers private beachfront dinners and couples’ spa treatments, and it’s a strong option among our adults-only beachfront resorts for a Sandals honeymoon.
Why Choose Sandals Royal Curaçao for Your Next Getaway
Between the rooms, the dining lineup, and Curaçao’s Dutch-Caribbean culture, here’s why Sandals Royal Curaçao is worth a look for your next trip:
- Romantic Atmosphere: Designed for romance, this resort offers private, intimate spaces and experiences perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, and couples seeking connection.
- Amenities: Butler service on select suite categories, private-pool bungalows, and Tranquility Soaking Tubs for two.
- Cultural Immersion: The resort captures the spirit of Curaçao’s rich heritage, allowing guests to connect with the island’s unique blend of Caribbean, Dutch, and Latin influences.
- Diverse Activities: With a wide range of activities, from beach relaxation to adventure sports, Sandals Royal Curaçao caters to every type of traveler, making it the perfect setting for a tailored vacation.
Ready to start planning? Let us know what you’re looking for, and we can help you put together the right trip, or browse our full Sandals resort comparison if you’re still weighing your options across the portfolio.
Good to Know Before You Book
- The beach is on the smaller side. It’s not a long stretch of sand, but the water clarity more than makes up for it, our team noticed this firsthand during our stay.
- Drive-a-MINI is a Butler-level perk. It’s available to guests staying seven nights or more in a Butler-level suite, and comes with a $250 dine-out credit.
- Golf costs extra. Old Quarry Golf Course is nearby and easy to arrange, but it’s not included in the all-inclusive rate.
- Scuba diving requires certification. The included program is for certified divers; ask about on-site options before you go if you’re not certified.
Other Sandals Resorts You Might Like
If Sandals Royal Curaçao is on your list, it’s usually because you’re drawn to something a little more unique and less traveled. Curaçao has a very distinct feel compared to other Caribbean islands, and we find that clients who love it are often looking for something beyond the typical beach vacation.
In that case, it’s worth looking at Sandals Grenada and Sandals Saint Vincent as well. Grenada offers a more classic, lush Caribbean setting with one of the best beaches in the Sandals portfolio, so it’s the better call of the three if a long, walkable beach matters most to you. Saint Vincent has a newer, more nature-driven feel with a quieter, more tucked-away atmosphere. We often have clients compare these three side by side when they’re looking for something a little different.