Situated in the southwest corner of Curaçao, this Sandals property was the former Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort. The resort first opened at a Hyatt hotel in 2010 but subsequently underwent a few name and management changes until it was ultimately closed in 2020, during the pandemic. Sandals then bought the property and completely renovated it; however, the adjacent golf course currently remains in the name of the former owners. This is Sandals first resort located in the Dutch Caribbean.
Sitting on 44 acres, Sandals Royal Curaçao greets guests with an epic Curaçaon ChiChi doll that sits outside the entrance. The open-air lobby features a central bar and a variety of sitting areas with views of the resort’s two-level infinity pool (a truly unique feature and a first for Sandals) and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
Sunchi Swim-up Club Level Beachfront Junior Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub
This all-inclusive resort has 24 room and suite classifications that range from intimate bungalows to a variety of one-bedroom suites and junior suites, most of which feature different views, hardwood floors, and vaulted ceilings, and boast different room amenities such as swim-up pools, soaking tubs, direct beach access, and butler service. All accommodations are clean and ultra modern, decorated in light natural wood with blue and turquoise hues and splashes of white. They also include custom-crafted king-size beds, smart TVs, and fully stocked bars.
Located on the resort, guests will find a total of 8 restaurants and 3 food trucks, plus13 bars and lounges. There are also 4 pools, 2 whirlpools, and a well-equipped 24-hour fitness center offering various classes. Sandals’ signature Red Lane Spa is also on this gorgeous property, along with a nightclub, and a 38,000-square-foot conference center.
Ocean swimming is contained to a calm stretch of water located on the north end of the resort, due to delicate coral reefs lining the western shore. Large palapas (thatched roofs) are provided on the beach for guests preferring some shelter from the sun. Plus, there are plenty of on-site activities including Dutch bicycles, made available for guests to check out the property and nearby Santa Barbara reserve.
Mini Cooper for Top Tier Guests
Water sports include kayaking, paddleboarding, water tricycles, catamarans, and scuba diving. Although windsurfing is a popular watersport at Sandals’ resorts, it is not available at this location due to the rough waters along the west shore.
In another Sandals first, guests staying in the resort’s top-tier suites will be able to explore the island with a complimentary MINI Cooper.
Additional off-site excursions are available via Island Routes (a tour company partnered with Sandals) and include catamaran cruises, walking and biking tours of the capital city of Willemstad, plus there is an open-air bus tour of the island that includes a stop at Pirate Bay, a gorgeous and popular beach.