SANDALS Royal CURACAO
Rooms, Beach, Reviews & Expert Tips
Sandals royal curacao Resort Guide
Sandals Royal Curaçao is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort set within the exclusive gated Santa Barbara community on the southern coast of Curaçao. With contemporary rooms, beautiful pools, excellent dining and a relaxed waterfront setting, it’s one of the most distinctive resorts in the Sandals collection.
The resort feels modern and sophisticated without being overly formal. It’s a great choice for couples who want plenty of resort amenities but still appreciate space, beautiful surroundings and a more relaxed atmosphere.
And yes — I like the beach here. It may not be the enormous stretch of sand you’ll find at some other Sandals Resorts, but the water is lovely, the setting is beautiful and I’ve always been able to find a lounger.
Why You’ll Love Sandals Royal curacao
AN INSIDER’S LOOK
- Set within the gated Santa Barbara community
- Modern, contemporary resort design
- Beautiful waterfront setting on Curaçao’s southern coast
- Two-level Dos Awa infinity pool overlooking the water
- Excellent selection of restaurants and bars
- Unique dining concepts you won’t find at every Sandals Resort
- Beautiful beach with plenty of loungers
- Fantastic sunsets
- Included land and water sports (pickleball!) and discounted golf at the nearby Old Quarry Golf Course
- Scuba diving included for certified divers
- Great choice for couples who enjoy pools as much as the beach
- Opportunity to experience the colourful Dutch-Caribbean island of Curaçao
Who Is Sandals royal curacao Best For?
I recommend Sandals Royal Curacao for:
- Couples who prefer modern, contemporary resorts
- Travellers who want a relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere
- Foodies who consider dining an important part of their vacation
- Couples who love beautiful pools and resort design
- Travellers who want a beach but don’t need an enormous stretch of sand
- Couples looking for great swim-up room options
- Repeat Sandals guests who want a resort that feels different from the more traditional Caribbean properties
- Travellers interested in exploring beyond the resort
- Honeymooners and anniversary couples looking for a more elevated resort experience
Sandals Royal Curaçao may not be my first recommendation if your number-one priority is a huge, expansive white-sand beach or if you prefer the lush, traditional Caribbean atmosphere of resorts in destinations such as Saint Lucia or Antigua.
Sandals Royal curacao Resort Highlights
Sandals Royal Curaçao feels different from many of the other Sandals Resorts — and that’s one of the reasons I like it.
The resort is located within the gated Santa Barbara community, giving it a private, upscale setting surrounded by the natural landscape of Curaçao.
The design is contemporary and open, with much of the resort oriented toward the water. One of its most recognizable features is the Dos Awa infinity pool, a two-level infinity pool that creates an incredible focal point overlooking the sea.
Dining is another major strength. There are several restaurant concepts that feel fresh and distinctive, along with plenty of places to grab a cocktail, enjoy the sunset or spend a leisurely evening.
It’s a resort that works particularly well for couples who want to divide their vacation between the beach, pool, dining and exploring Curaçao.
JEN’S TIP
Pay attention to room location when choosing your category here. Sandals Royal Curaçao is spread across a large property, and I’d rather choose a room based on where you want to spend your time than simply select the highest category within your budget.
Best Rooms at Sandals ROYAL curacao
Sandals Royal Curaçao has everything from relatively affordable Luxury Level rooms to beachfront swim-up suites and extravagant Butler accommodations. But, you absolutely do not need to book a Butler suite to have a fantastic room here. These are three of my favourite categories at different price points.
BEST VALUE
Carisia Luxury
The Carisia Luxury is one of my favourite choices for couples who want to experience Sandals Royal Curaçao without putting a disproportionate amount of their vacation budget into the room.
It gives you a stylish, contemporary home base while still having access to the same pools, beach, restaurants, bars and included activities as everyone else at the resort.
If you plan to spend most of your vacation out enjoying the property rather than hanging out in your room, I’d strongly consider this category.
Best for location
Sunchi Beachside Club Level Room
The Sunchi Beachside Club Level Room is one of my favourite options if location matters to you.
You’re staying in the beachside area of the resort while also receiving Club Sandals amenities, including concierge service and additional in-room conveniences.
For couples who want an upgraded experience without paying for Butler service or a swim-up suite, this is a great middle ground.
Best for SWIM UP LOVERS
Sunchi Beachfront Swim-Up Club Level Junior Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub
This is one of my favourite room categories at Sandals Royal Curaçao.
The Sunchi Beachfront Swim-Up Club Level Junior Suite combines two things people frequently ask me for: a great location and direct swim-up access.
You can step from your patio directly into the swim-up pool, and you’ll also have a Tranquility Soaking Tub on your patio.
Best of all, it’s a Club Level room rather than a Butler suite. If you want the swim-up experience but don’t particularly care about having Butler service, this category deserves a serious look.
understanding sandals room categories
Is Butler Service Worth It at Sandals royal curacao?
It depends on the room you want. I’m more likely to recommend Butler service at Sandals Royal Curacao when the suite itself is the reason for upgrading.
I’d consider a Butler suite if:
- You want a particular premium suite that happens to include Butler service
- You want a private pool or an especially spacious accommodation
- You’re celebrating a honeymoon or milestone anniversary
- You value highly personalized service
- You want assistance with dining arrangements and your daily resort routine
- Spending time in your suite is going to be a significant part of your vacation
If your priorities are a great location, direct swim-up access or simply a beautiful contemporary room, there are Club Level and Luxury options that may make more sense.
Not sure which Sandals room category is right for you?
MY TAKE
WHAT IS SANDALS ROYAL CURACAO REALLY LIKE?
Sandals Royal Curaçao is modern, sophisticated and a little different from the traditional Sandals experience.
The setting is a big part of its appeal. Being inside the gated Santa Barbara community gives the resort a sense of privacy, and the surrounding landscape feels distinctly Curaçao.
This isn’t the lush, tropical Caribbean you’ll find in Saint Lucia or Jamaica. Curaçao has a drier landscape, Dutch-Caribbean architecture and its own personality — and I think that’s part of what makes this resort interesting.
I also really enjoy the layout of the main resort areas. The Dos Awa infinity pool is a standout, there are plenty of places to relax with a drink, and the resort feels contemporary without losing the laid-back atmosphere you want on a Caribbean vacation.
The food is another highlight for me. Sandals introduced some different dining concepts here, and I think Royal Curaçao is particularly well suited to couples who consider food an important part of their vacation.
And don’t overlook the beach. I genuinely enjoy it.
THE BEACH
BETTER THAN YOU MIGHT EXPECT
The beach at Sandals Royal Curaçao sometimes gets overshadowed by the resort’s pools, but I really like it. It’s not one of the longest beaches in the Sandals collection, so I wouldn’t compare it to somewhere like Dickenson Bay at Sandals Grande Antigua. But bigger doesn’t automatically mean better. The water is lovely, the setting feels relaxed and I’ve always been able to find a lounger when I want one.
For me, it works particularly well because the beach is only one part of the experience here. You can spend the morning by the water, move to the Dos Awa infinity pool in the afternoon and find another spot for sunset cocktails later. If your definition of a great beach requires miles of uninterrupted sand, there are other Sandals Resorts I would recommend first. If you simply want a beautiful place to swim, relax and enjoy the Caribbean, I wouldn’t hesitate to choose Royal Curaçao.
EAT & DRINK
DINING AT SANDALS ROYAL CURACAO
Dining is one of the highlights of Sandals Royal Curaçao. There’s a strong variety of cuisines, and some of the restaurant concepts feel distinctly different from what you’ll find at other Sandals properties. These are three I’d put on my list.
JEN’S TIP
Don’t make this a pool-only resort just because the Dos Awa infinity pool is spectacular. Spend some time at the beach too. I’ve always enjoyed the water here, and I’ve never had trouble finding a lounger. And, if you have time, explore Curaçao beyond the resort. The island has a personality all its own, and experiencing some of it adds another dimension to a stay at Sandals Royal Curaçao.
NOT SURE SANDALS ROYAL CURACAO IS THE ONE?
Booking a Sandals vacation online is easy. Knowing you’ve chosen the right resort, room and offer is where expert guidance makes a difference. Owner Jennifer Gaskell is a Sandals Gold Elite Advisor and award-winning travel advisor.
Pink Palm Travel specializes in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, with firsthand resort knowledge, extensive Caribbean travel experience and relationships with on-resort teams.
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