If you’re thinking about a Sandals vacation in 2025 but want something a little different from the usual Jamaica or Barbados options, Sandals Royal Curaçao deserves a hard look. It blends a modern, resort-fresh feel with a distinctly Dutch-Caribbean island vibe: pastel Willemstad architecture, clear turquoise water, and a quieter, more cultured island pace.
Below I cover everything you need to know: from where it sits and what’s included, to the rooms, beaches, diving, weather, travel logistics, and the honest trade-offs so you can decide if it matches your travel style.
Sandals Royal Curaçao sits on a 44-acre ocean-front estate and reopened under the Sandals brand after a major renovation. The property features roughly 351 rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, and a standout two-level infinity pool with sweeping ocean views. It’s adults-only and designed for couples looking for a romantic, all-inclusive stay with strong water-activity offerings.
Curaçao is one of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) off the northern coast of Venezuela but politically tied to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which gives the island a blended Dutch-Caribbean cultural flavour - pastel colonial buildings, a multilingual population (Dutch, Papiamentu, English, Spanish), and cuisine influenced by Europe and the Caribbean.
Sandals Royal Curaçao is located in the Santa Barbara/Nieuwpoort area on the southern coast of the island, about a scenic drive away from Curaçao International Airport (Hato).
Pro tip: Because Curaçao sits south of the main hurricane track, it has a reputation for steadier dry weather year-round compared with some Eastern Caribbean islands - though there is a slightly wetter period from October through early December. Short, tropical showers are common in those months but often pass quickly.
Sandals packages here are classic Sandals: all-inclusive dining, drinks, water sports, nightly entertainment, airport transfers, and gratuities included. Two things that make this resort notable in 2025:
Load-bearing facts to mention clearly in your planning: room inventory (~351 rooms), estate size (~44 acres), and the two-level infinity pool are facts guests love to see up front.
Sandals Royal Curaçao offers a broad spread of room categories, from comfortable club rooms to over-the-top butler bungalows with private plunge pools. If you want the full luxury experience (and lots of Instagram moments), look at the butler suites or the Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows with private pools and direct ocean views. For most couples, a Club Level or higher room gives a noticeable bump in service and perks without going full private-villa pricing.
Practical tip: Demand for the butler/privileged suites is high, so if you’re travelling in a peak month (Dec–Apr or major holidays), book early to secure the best locations and private-pool options.
The water is gorgeous (clear, Caribbean turquoise) but reviewers and on-site guides describe the main beach as narrower and a bit more rugged in places than some of the classic wide, soft-sand Caribbean beaches. That doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful; it simply means you’ll want to combine beach time with pool time and excursions to get the “best of” Curaçao’s shoreline.
Quick Snapshot: What This Resort Is (and Isn’t)
Sandals Royal Curaçao sits on a 44-acre ocean-front estate and reopened under the Sandals brand after a major renovation. The property features roughly 351 rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, and a standout two-level infinity pool with sweeping ocean views. It’s adults-only and designed for couples looking for a romantic, all-inclusive stay with strong water-activity offerings.
Where It Is & Why Curaçao Feels Different
Curaçao is one of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) off the northern coast of Venezuela but politically tied to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which gives the island a blended Dutch-Caribbean cultural flavour - pastel colonial buildings, a multilingual population (Dutch, Papiamentu, English, Spanish), and cuisine influenced by Europe and the Caribbean.
Sandals Royal Curaçao is located in the Santa Barbara/Nieuwpoort area on the southern coast of the island, about a scenic drive away from Curaçao International Airport (Hato).
Pro tip: Because Curaçao sits south of the main hurricane track, it has a reputation for steadier dry weather year-round compared with some Eastern Caribbean islands - though there is a slightly wetter period from October through early December. Short, tropical showers are common in those months but often pass quickly.
What’s Included (and the Things That Stand Out)
Sandals packages here are classic Sandals: all-inclusive dining, drinks, water sports, nightly entertainment, airport transfers, and gratuities included. Two things that make this resort notable in 2025:
- Dining variety: The resort features multiple 5-star Global Gourmet restaurants (several brand-new concepts for Sandals) plus a trio of food trucks offering casual beachside eats - great for variety and for blog-worthy food photos!
- Diving and water sports: Complimentary PADI-certified scuba diving for certified divers (equipment and guided dives available), plus the usual non-motorised water sports. If you’re a diver or want to learn, this is a major value add.
Load-bearing facts to mention clearly in your planning: room inventory (~351 rooms), estate size (~44 acres), and the two-level infinity pool are facts guests love to see up front.
Rooms & Which Suites Are Worth the Premium
Sandals Royal Curaçao offers a broad spread of room categories, from comfortable club rooms to over-the-top butler bungalows with private plunge pools. If you want the full luxury experience (and lots of Instagram moments), look at the butler suites or the Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows with private pools and direct ocean views. For most couples, a Club Level or higher room gives a noticeable bump in service and perks without going full private-villa pricing.
Practical tip: Demand for the butler/privileged suites is high, so if you’re travelling in a peak month (Dec–Apr or major holidays), book early to secure the best locations and private-pool options.
Beaches, Pools & Resort Vibe (The Honest Picture)
The water is gorgeous (clear, Caribbean turquoise) but reviewers and on-site guides describe the main beach as narrower and a bit more rugged in places than some of the classic wide, soft-sand Caribbean beaches. That doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful; it simply means you’ll want to combine beach time with pool time and excursions to get the “best of” Curaçao’s shoreline.
The resort’s two-level infinity pool (Dos Awa) is a signature social hub - great for sunsets, cocktails, and snorkelling practice if you’re nervous about open-water diving. For quiet downtime, aim for the private plunge-pool suites or ask staff about quieter beach coves on the estate.
If you like diving, this resort’s included guided dive options make it a top pick; if you prefer lounging and spa time, the butler suites and speciality restaurants deliver the romantic mood.
Most international travellers fly into Curaçao International Airport (CUR / Hato). Sandals provides complimentary airport transfers to the resort: the drive is usually quoted at roughly 20-40 minutes depending on traffic and pickup logistics (the official Sandals page lists a scenic drive of about 16 miles/26 km).
If you prefer private transfer or need early/late pickup, book a private airport transfer or check with the resort concierge.
Entry requirements: Standard passport checks apply; many nationalities do not need a visa for short tourist stays, but check current entry rules for your country before you travel. Always travel with a valid passport and a printed or digital copy of your booking confirmation for arrival checks.
Best months: Curaçao is a good year-round destination thanks to its location; high season runs roughly December-April (drier, cooler nights), while shoulder months can offer better value. October–early December see slightly higher rainfall but still plenty of sun.
Pack list highlights: Reef-safe sunscreen, lightweight layers for breezy evenings, smart-casual outfits for speciality restaurants, comfortable water shoes for rocky shorelines, and a basic snorkel mask if you prefer to use your own gear.
Best for: Couples, honeymooners, divers/snorkellers, and travellers who want upscale all-inclusive convenience plus a slightly more cultured island experience. The resort is ideal if you want easy access to diving and water sports without sacrificing speciality dining and romantic amenities. Mentioning Sandals as a bucket-list option for island lovers who want a luxury sandals location in the Caribbean can help readers place it among other Sandals properties.
Not ideal for: Travellers wanting expansive, soft-sand beaches or a loud party scene; families with kids (it’s adults-only); or travellers who want ultra-remote seclusion with no nearby towns.
Rates vary widely by room type and season. The all-inclusive model bundles food, most drinks, land and water activities, tips, and transfers - which can feel like strong value if you plan to dive, dine at the speciality restaurants, and enjoy on-site activities. If you’re budget-conscious, aim for shoulder-season dates or club-level rooms rather than private-pool villas to save without losing the Sandals experience.
Sandals Royal Curaçao in 2025 is a compelling option if you want a modern, romantic adults-only resort that places a premium on dining variety and ocean activities - especially diving. It’s less of the classic broad-beach postcard and more of a cultured, activity-forward destination that pairs luxury suites with exploring a unique Dutch-Caribbean island.
Activities You Can’t Miss (and How to Fit Them In)
- Daily scuba & snorkel: Guided dives for certified divers and discover-scuba options for newbies. Curaçao has world-class reefs with easy shore and boat dive access.
- Food truck crawl: Try the three beachside food-truck options across an afternoon for variety - a fun contrast to the sit-down speciality restaurants.
- Willemstad day trip: Explore historic Dutch colonial architecture, colourful Handelskade waterfront, and local markets - perfect for a half-day cultural outing.
- Natural highlights: Visit the Blue Room cave, Christoffel National Park, and flamingo viewing areas (off-resort excursions often available through the concierge).
If you like diving, this resort’s included guided dive options make it a top pick; if you prefer lounging and spa time, the butler suites and speciality restaurants deliver the romantic mood.
Travel Logistics: Flights, Transfers & Entry Notes
Most international travellers fly into Curaçao International Airport (CUR / Hato). Sandals provides complimentary airport transfers to the resort: the drive is usually quoted at roughly 20-40 minutes depending on traffic and pickup logistics (the official Sandals page lists a scenic drive of about 16 miles/26 km).
If you prefer private transfer or need early/late pickup, book a private airport transfer or check with the resort concierge.
Entry requirements: Standard passport checks apply; many nationalities do not need a visa for short tourist stays, but check current entry rules for your country before you travel. Always travel with a valid passport and a printed or digital copy of your booking confirmation for arrival checks.
When to Go & What to Pack
Best months: Curaçao is a good year-round destination thanks to its location; high season runs roughly December-April (drier, cooler nights), while shoulder months can offer better value. October–early December see slightly higher rainfall but still plenty of sun.
Pack list highlights: Reef-safe sunscreen, lightweight layers for breezy evenings, smart-casual outfits for speciality restaurants, comfortable water shoes for rocky shorelines, and a basic snorkel mask if you prefer to use your own gear.
Who This Resort Is Best For - and Who Should Look Elsewhere!
Best for: Couples, honeymooners, divers/snorkellers, and travellers who want upscale all-inclusive convenience plus a slightly more cultured island experience. The resort is ideal if you want easy access to diving and water sports without sacrificing speciality dining and romantic amenities. Mentioning Sandals as a bucket-list option for island lovers who want a luxury sandals location in the Caribbean can help readers place it among other Sandals properties.
Not ideal for: Travellers wanting expansive, soft-sand beaches or a loud party scene; families with kids (it’s adults-only); or travellers who want ultra-remote seclusion with no nearby towns.
Budget & Value: What to Expect in 2025
Rates vary widely by room type and season. The all-inclusive model bundles food, most drinks, land and water activities, tips, and transfers - which can feel like strong value if you plan to dive, dine at the speciality restaurants, and enjoy on-site activities. If you’re budget-conscious, aim for shoulder-season dates or club-level rooms rather than private-pool villas to save without losing the Sandals experience.
Final Honest Verdict
Sandals Royal Curaçao in 2025 is a compelling option if you want a modern, romantic adults-only resort that places a premium on dining variety and ocean activities - especially diving. It’s less of the classic broad-beach postcard and more of a cultured, activity-forward destination that pairs luxury suites with exploring a unique Dutch-Caribbean island.
