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I just returned from a few nights at Sandals Royal Curacao, and as the fourteenth Sandals resort I have visited, I can honestly say I was super impressed. This is a gorgeous adults only, all-inclusive resort in the incredible island destination of Curacao. This resort would be perfect for your honeymoon, couples getaway, or a destination wedding. Keep reading for my full Sandals Royal Curacao review.
Sandals Royal Curaçao Review
Where is Curacao?
The first question you might be wondering is, where is the island of Curacao? Curacao is a former Dutch colony in the Southeastern Caribbean, 40 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Curacao lies between Aruba and Bonaire, and makes up the ABC islands.
The location of Curacao means you will have incredible sunny weather year round, and outside the hurricane belt. It will be hot, but there is amazing breeze to keep you cool.
The island is a desert and I loved seeing cactus trees intermixed with the beautiful flowers at this resort.
Curacao is also a very safe island to explore. I highly recommend doing an island tour (and when you book with me, I give you the info for a great guide). If you book the top two suites at Sandals Royal Curacao, the Kurason Island Suite or Awa Seaside Bungalow, you get a mini Cooper for a day!
Yes, 6 hours to explore the island, with a full tank of gas and a cooler of snacks and drinks – how cool is that?
And if you book 7+ nights in a butler suite or any amount of nights in the two highest categories, you get an off property dine around credit of $250 to use in one of 5 island restaurants (5 star of course) and a taxi is provided!
How Far is Sandals Royal Curacao from the Airport?
Sandals Royal Curacao is about a 35-45 minute drive from the airport. With your Sandals vacation, your round trip airport transfers are provided.
So even though you might have a longer trip to get to Curacao, once on the island you will be at the resort in no time!
Rooms at Sandals Royal Curacao
The rooms at Sandals Royal Curacao are really the stand out. As this resort was just opened in 2022, all of the rooms are modern and inviting. But this resort has some amazing new concept spaces –
I stayed in a Sunchi Club Level Beachfront Room, which was perfect. Great views, updated decor, everything I needed for a great stay. Plus I ALWAYS recommend Club level rooms – I love the inclusion of room service and access to the concierge lounge with this level of stay.
Sandals Royal Curacao Beach Bungalow Villa
This is honestly the most beautiful room I have ever seen in a hotel. The interior looks a lot like the overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean, but instead of being over the water, you have a private infinity pool overlooking the beach – I think that’s even more amazing!
Sandals Royal Curacao Heart Suites
Tucked in the garden is an enclave of villas around a heart shaped infinity pool. The inside of these villas are the same as the beach bungalows.
Sandals Royal Curacao Rondovals
Sandals Royal Curacao just opened 10 new Rondovals – I love these. I toured these at Dunns’ River (the two story ones) and Sandals Grande St Lucian. These circular huts have private plunge pools, and butler service. Such a secluded, romantic option.
The manager who toured us noted the Melemele One Bedroom Butler Walkout Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking room was his favorite. I didn’t get to tour this room, but the room description is below. Maybe next time I visit!
Discover a more intimate atmosphere with three private patios, and access to a semi-private pool from a secluded villa. The ample master bedroom features a plush king-size bed, sofa chair, HD Smart TV, and a private patio with a bistro set and lounge chairs. Luxury continues into the bathroom complete with a Tranquility Soaking Tub, double vanity sink, and a walk-in shower. From the bathroom leads to another outdoor patio with a second Tranquility Soaking Tub and water features. The spacious living room includes a second HD Smart TV, a fully stocked wet bar with premium liquor and wine, a guest half bathroom, and access to a third patio with a bistro set.
Planning a trip is tough! As a gold level Certified Sandals Specialist, I can help you find the perfect island, resort and room type for you – plus my travel planning services are FREE. Click the banner below to get started.
SHOP: SWIMSUIT, SUNGLASSES
Restaurants at Sandals Royal Curacao
Before my trip to Sandals Royal Curacao, I kept hearing about how amazing the food was at this resort. And I was not disappointed!
Sandals Royal Curacao has all new dining concepts, except for Butches’ your tried and true Sandals staple. Dinner options include:
Gatsu Gatsu for Asian fusion (sushi and hot rock cooking)
Pietra for Italian (I love the antipasto buffet here, just like at Beaches Turks and Caicos)
Vincent’s for European elegant
Zucca for Latin Fusion
Alovo for Mediterranean
Strand for Seafood
Butches for Steaks
For lunch, head to the Strand for the best lunch views in the Caribbean, Pietra for a buffet, or head over to the food trucks.
For breakfast, opt for the buffet at Pietra, or an ala carte breakfast at Alovo.
You can also visit the coffee shop/wine bar Kaneel for a quick snack, pastry, or charchuterie plate.
Remember, all day room service is available for club level guests, and 24 hour room service for butler level guests.
Does Sandals Royal Curacao have a beach?
Prior to my stay, I was concerned about the non-swimmable beach and the man made swimmable beach. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and friends, you have nothing to worry about regarding the beach here.
The entire resort is oceanfront. In front of the double level infinity pool is the rocky beach. You can sit there, there are chairs, but swimming here is not permitted. It’s rough and rocky and an area with a high amount of boat traffic.
Around the bend is the swimmable beach, with gorgeous powdery sand, lots of chairs and palapas. There is a bar here and this is where the Strand restaurant is located.
The “lagoon” is just a cordoned off part of the ocean where you can swim in calm, clear water, seaweed free. You can also snorkel, paddle board and kayak here.
I enjoyed the private beach (no peddlers) very much and don’t overlook this resort because of the beach – trust me!
Things to do at Sandals Royal Curacao
This resort is great for relaxing OR if you want a more active vacation. I highly recommend getting out to explore the island (something I did not have time to do).
Curacao is also a top destinations for SCUBA diving and remember SCUBA is ALL INCLUDED at Sandals for certified divers. You can also get SCUBA certified at Sandals Royal Curacao.
On the resort, you can opt for hanging at one of the three pools. The double level infinity pool is where the swim up bar is located. This is the heart and vibe of the resort.
But if you are looking for quieter pools, there is a quiet pool at the far end of the resort (so quiet, they don’t have a bar, but a cooler with self-serve drinks) and smaller pool near the main pool.
Look in the lobby for the schedule of activities – there are fun things going on all day and shows at night. Our group loved the late night karaoke!
Sandals Royal Curacao has a full spa, salon and fitness center.
As of this writing, they are working on adding pickle ball courts.
Tips for Sandals Royal Curacao
I knew you will love your stay at Sandals Royal Curacao, but here are some tips to maximize your time at the resort:
Bring European outlet adapters – there are only one or two American style outlets in the room.
Visit the food trucks for lunch, open from 11-7
For dinners, you only need reservations for Butches and Vincent’s.
Men need pants and closed toed shoes for some restaurants.
Look at the tiles on the floor in your room, they are from a local quarry.
Every restaurant has a signature cocktail – see if you can try them all!
At Sandals Royal Curacao, you can book golf through the front desk. Transportation is included (or it’s a 5 min walk) but greens fees are not included.
Visit the quiet pool – go past Avolo restaurant
There are 4 spa cabanas on the water. Book an outdoor treatment
Bring your own snorkel gear, so you can snorkel in the lagoon.
Try out a clear bottom kayak.
Pietra serves pizza until 2am
On a clear day, you can see the mountains of Venezuela from Alovo
Consider renting a beach or pool cabana – complete with a butler, and you can order food from any open restaurant.
Bikes are available for use – just grab one and go!
Sandals Royal Curacao also has the largest conference space on the island – so this could be a great resort option for an incentive trip, corporate retreat, or other events.
Sandals Royal Curacao Review
I loved my stay at Sandals Royal Curacao. Their theme is “Where Amazing Comes Together” and what a great vibe it is. This is the fourteenth Sandals Resort I have been to (including Sandals Grande Antigua, Sandals Grenada, all three Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia, Sandals Barbados and Royal Barbados, and in Jamaica I’ve been to Ochi, Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay, Negril, Dunns’ River and Royal Plantation) and to be honest, Sandals Royal Curacao might be my favorite – definitely top three!
I loved the modern décor throughout the resort. The staff and service were fantastic. The resort is a fun time, but plenty of places to chill and relax.
I love the new concepts in dining, cafes and the inclusions with the higher category rooms – makes your stay really special.
Sandals Royal Curacao is a large resort – its long so something to consider when choosing a room. Certain areas of the resort you will be doing a lot of walking. Of course I can help you choose the perfect room type for you and I can always request rooms closest to the lobby (or not if you prefer to be more secluded)
I know you will love your stay at Sandals Royal Curacao and I cannot wait to get you all booked for this gorgeous resort. Be sure to reach out for all your Sandals Resorts bookings!
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