If you’ve been eyeing Sandals Royal Curaçao and wondering “Is this resort really that good?” — short answer: yes. Longer answer? It’s one of the most unique Sandals properties I’ve ever experienced, and it absolutely deserves its spot in my top three Sandals resorts.

This is a full, honest trip report based on my stay — what I loved, why it works so well, and who should (and shouldn’t) book it.

First Impressions: A Sandals… but Completely Different

The best way I can describe Sandals Royal Curaçao is this:

It has the polish of Sandals Royal Barbados, the relaxed openness of Sandals South Coast — but with an exotic edge that’s entirely its own.

The terrain alone sets it apart. You’ll see cacti, dry, desert-like landscapes, lush palm trees and expansive ocean views almost everywhere you turn

It doesn’t feel like a “cookie-cutter” Sandals dropped onto an island. It feels intentionally designed for Curaçao, and that matters.

How is the Beach at Sandals Royal Curacao?

Does Sandals Royal Curaçao have a nice beach? Yes — and I genuinely loved it.

Here’s what makes it special:

• One main swimming beach that’s beautifully maintained
• Soft white sand (not massive, but very well designed)
• Tons of loungers, umbrellas, palapas, and cabanas
• No vendors — peaceful, quiet, easygoing
• A relaxed beach bar + casual restaurant nearby
• Gentle music, great vibe

The resort stretches along a long section of coastline, so even beyond the main swimming beach, the views are stunning and incredibly photogenic.

Calm, Clear Water (and Surprise Depth!)

A breakwater dock keeps the water calm, which makes it ideal for swimming, kayaking, Hobie Cat sailing and paddleboarding.

The water is clear blue and deeper than you’d expect, and if you love snorkeling — you can snorkel right off the beach and see some fantastic marine life.

Also… yes, there are iguanas. They hang out under cabanas and wander the beach. Totally harmless, wildly entertaining, and something you definitely don’t see at every Sandals.

Personally, I preferred the beach over the pools. I’d go back and spend every single day there.

Food & Restaurants: Sandals 2.0 Done Right

This is where Sandals Royal Curaçao really shines. The dining feels very Sandals 2.0 — modern concepts, great flow, and excellent quality.

What I Loved Most:

• Restaurants are spread across the resort, not all clustered together
• Each venue has its own charm and personality
• Casual dining is exceptional here

Dining Highlights:

• Fresh seafood at Strand
• Japanese at Gatsu Gatsu
• Modern European at Vincent
• South American at Zuka
• Steakhouse at Butch’s
• Mediterranean at Aolos
• Food trucks (casual, fun, delicious)
• Italian restaurant, Pietra, with delicious buffet-style breakfast and lunch

Coffee Shop by Day, Wine Bar by Night

One of my favorite spots was Kanaal. It’s a beautiful café in the morning and transforms into a wine & cheese bar at 3 p.m. Perfect for a slow afternoon or pre-dinner stop.

Entertainment & Resort Vibe

The resort layout is excellent — open, walkable, and visually stunning.

Key areas include a gorgeous main lobby, where entertainment is hosted nightly. There’s also evening entertainment in the courtyard between Pietra (Italian), Kanaal (the coffee shop / wine bar) and Butch’s. Additional entertainment is hosted right on the beach. It never felt chaotic — just lively, social, and well-paced.

Destination Weddings and Vow Renewals: One of the Best Sandals Wedding Venues I’ve Seen

If you’re considering a destination wedding or vow renewal — this venue is stunning with modern, clean, architectural design. The turquoise water backdrop offers incredibly photogenic and intimate

Even though parts of the coastline aren’t ideal for swimming, the colour of the water is unreal — crystal-clear, bright turquoise, and perfect for ceremonies and photos.

The Property Size and Setting

This resort is larger than it looks on a map.

It stretches across a gated community within Santa Barbara, which includes a marina and the Old Quarry Golf Course (extra cost, but discounted for Sandals guests).

Even when you’re not swimming, you’re constantly surrounded by water, coastline, and open views — it’s what makes this property feel so special.

Things to Do Beyond the Beach

Sandals Royal Curaçao is perfect if you like an active, exploratory vacation.

On resort you can enjoy:

• Water sports
• Pickleball courts
• Biking (this was a highlight for me!)—they provided a fun, easy way to get around; I saw guests riding all over the resort!
• Scuba diving for certified divers
• Golf at the nearby Old Quarry Golf Course (guests receive a discount on green fees)

Curaçao culture is beautifully woven in with Caribbean and Dutch influences throughout the resort, with art installations and local design details.

It truly feels like you’re somewhere different.

Off-Resort Adventures: Don’t Skip Willemstad

One of the biggest perks of this location is how easy it is to leave the resort.

I visited Willemstad during the day and in the evening, which offered two completely different — equally incredible — experiences.

Highlights:

• Colourful architecture in Otrabanda and Punda
• Cobblestone streets
• Murals and street art
• Incredible dining
• Local cafés and shopping
• Queen Emma Bridge (see it day and night)

If you go to Curaçao and never leave the resort, you’re missing out.

Rooms: Club Level Is the Sweet Spot

Unless you are set on a specific Butler category, I truly believe Club Level is perfect here. My favorite resort sections are the Carisia and Sunchi areas for their outstanding views, excellent layouts and some of the best Club Level rooms I’ve seen at Sandals.

The décor is warm and inviting with candles, books on shelves and thoughtful design details. And yes — the rooms actually look like the photos.

Who Sandals Royal Curaçao Is Perfect For

✔ Couples who want something different from the typical Caribbean vibe
✔ Travelers who love design, culture, and exploration
✔ Guests who enjoy calm beaches + water sports
✔ Foodies who appreciate modern dining concepts
✔ Wedding couples wanting a unique, modern venue
✔ Guests happy with Club Level luxury

Who It Might Not Be For (More About Preferences Than Deal-Breakers)

✖ Travelers expecting a single, long, uninterrupted swimming beach as the main focus of their vacation
✖ Guests who prefer a uniformly tropical look everywhere rather than a resort that blends lush palms with Curaçao’s natural cacti and desert-meets-ocean terrain
✖ Those looking for a very small, boutique-style Sandals rather than an expansive resort with multiple zones and experiences

Final Verdict: A+ and Top Three Sandals Resort

Sandals Royal Curaçao is stunning, unique, and incredibly well thought out.
It doesn’t try to be every other Sandals — and that’s exactly why it works.

I would return in a heartbeat, and I recommend it confidently to my clients.

If you’re curious whether this resort is right for you — or want help choosing the best room category — I’m happy to help.

Reach out to Pink Palm Travel for a complimentary travel consultation.