I’ve heard such great things about Sandals Resorts, so I was excited when we had the chance to partner with them. My friend and I had a fabulous girls’ trip here, and I’m excited to give you an inside look at what it’s really like to stay at this luxury adults-only all-inclusive resort in the heart of the Caribbean. Spoiler alert: you’re going to LOVE it!
What It’s Really Like to Stay at Sandals Royal Curaçao
Table of Contents
- Where is Curaçao?
- Checking into the Hotel
- Room Options at Sandals Royal Curaçao
- Dining Options at Sandals Royal Curaçao
- Amenities at Sandals Royal Curçao
- Activities & Entertainment
- Final Thoughts
Where is Curaçao?
Curaçao is a small island in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela. It is part of the ABC Islands, which include Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
As a fun fact, it is also part of the Dutch Caribbean and is within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. When you visit the colorful waterfront town of Willemstad, you’ll see why it has earned the nickname, the “Amsterdam of the Caribbean”!
Although the island is relatively small, they do have an international airport. Several major cities offer direct flights to Curaçao, including Miami, Charlotte, Dallas, and New York. We hopped on a connecting flight in Miami, and it was only a short 3-hour flight!
Checking into the Hotel
After going through customs, you’ll see the Sandals information desk just past the baggage claim. This is where you’ll check in and hop on board the complimentary shuttle bus to the hotel.
It is about a 45-minute drive from the airport to Sandals Royal Curaçao Resort. We enjoyed getting a little taste of the island while on the drive.
Once you get to the hotel, you’ll be greeted with welcome drinks and bellhops who will take your luggage directly to your room.
Our first impression of the resort was a good one!
It has an upscale, breezy coastal vibe, with beautiful architecture and attention to detail.
Room Options at Sandals Royal Curaçao
I love that there are several room options at different price points for every budget.
If you want to splurge for a special occasion, like an anniversary or honeymoon, the Awa Seaside Bungalow is the way to go!
These exclusive suites are situated right on the shore with ocean views. They feature a private infinity pool, an outdoor soaker tub, a personal butler, and 24-hour in-room dining.
The rooms are absolutely beautiful and will elevate your vacation to a whole different level!
The Kurason Island Poolside Bungalows are also a popular choice for a romantic getaway. These swim-up suites have direct access to a heart-shaped lagoon.
More budget-friendly options include the Club Level Rooms with outdoor patios overlooking the ocean or gardens.
We thought the rooms were spacious, clean, comfortable, and tastefully decorated. There are several more room options to choose from, click the link for a full list.
Dining Options at Sandals Royal Curaçao
Sandals Royal Curaçao is an all-inclusive resort, so all of the food and drinks are included with your stay.
After checking in and getting settled into your room, you’re going to want to take advantage of the unlimited food and drinks!
There are 8 different restaurants, 3 food trucks, and a coffee shop at the resort. We were impressed with how delicious the food was, as well as how unique the ambiance is at each restaurant.
Our first meal was a quick stop at the food trucks for a fun outdoor dining experience.
You’ll find Toteki serving traditional Curaçao fare, La Palma featuring Spanish tapas, and Kishi specializing in Asian fusion dishes.
It’s hard to pick a favorite from the other restaurants, there is so much we liked about each of them. Zuka was my favorite for aesthetics. I loved the chic design of this Latin fusion restaurant.
My favorite food was at Gatsu Gatsu. I couldn’t get enough of their sushi, tonkotsu, and mochi ice cream!
Vincent had an air of sophistication. I loved the classy decor, and the elevated dishes were divine. A few of the restaurants, such as Vincent, require a reservation. See the list of restaurants for more information.
Aolos was my favorite breakfast spot.
We enjoyed eating blueberry pancakes while soaking in the ocean views.
We also liked eating breakfast on the outdoor patio at Butch’s. The food was delicious and beautifully plated. They also serve amazing steak and seafood for dinner.
I loved the ambiance at the Strand. This open-air restaurant is right on the beach, so we could enjoy fresh seafood while listening to the soft lapping waves.
We also loved the in-room dining option and enjoyed a few slow and relaxing mornings eating breakfast on our private balcony.
Amenities at Sandals Royal Curçao
We were impressed with all of the amenities offered at the resort. Here are a few of our favorites….
Complimentary Bikes
We quickly learned that the resort is huge! This oceanfront resort spans across 44 beautiful acres, and the best way to explore it is by bike.
There are adorable Dutch bikes scattered around the property that you can hop on for a leisurely ride, or to quickly get from one point to another.
On the first day, I would recommend taking the bikes around so that you can get a lay of the land. As you get an overview of the property, you’ll find some hidden gems like garden hammocks, secluded whirlpools, and beachfront firepits.
Swimming Pools
One of the first things you’ll notice when exploring the property is the Dos Awa Infinity Pool. This impressive 2-level infinity pool is hard to miss!
We learned that if you come early in the morning or later in the evening, you’ll have the whole place to yourselves. It was so peaceful and tranquil.
We also love the more intimate vibe at the adjacent smaller pool.
We booked a private poolside cabana for the day, and it was the ultimate in relaxation!
I loved sipping pina coladas while floating in the pool, taking a nap on the swinging bed, and eating pizza delivered poolside.
White Sand Beach
There are so many features we loved at the resort, but the beautiful white sand beach just might be my favorite!
The beach is dotted with swaying palm trees and lounge chairs shaded by thatched umbrellas.
I could easily spend all day here reading a book and listening to the gentle waves.
Water Sports
If you prefer to stay active at the beach, you’re in luck! The resort offers complimentary water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, Hobie Cat sailing, windsurfing, and aqua trikes.
A pier runs parallel to the beach, creating calm, protected water for swimming and water sports. You’ll also find floating discs perfect for relaxing.
Pickleball Courts
The pickleball courts are a newer addition to the resort, and we had a lot of fun trying them out. My husband is obsessed with pickleball and was very jealous that we were able to play his favorite sport at such a beautiful destination!
It’s a little bit of a walk to get to the courts, but if you ask the concierge, they will have someone whisk you up in a golf cart!
They also have tennis courts, beach volleyball, shuffleboard, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Red Lane Spa
One of my favorite luxuries in life is a massage. When we travel, I like to treat myself to an afternoon at the spa. It’s always the highlight of my trip!
We booked the 1-hour Jasmine Massage. It was heavenly and perfect for a girls’ trip! They offer 17 different spa services, so you’re bound to find something you’ll love.
Activities & Entertainment
We’ve stayed at other all-inclusive resorts, including Catalonia Costa Mujeres and Planet Hollywood. We had a great experience staying there, but one thing that sets Sandals Resorts apart is that select daily excursions are included at no additional cost.
We went on a snorkeling tour that took us out to a sunken shipwreck in the Spanish Bay. It was so cool to see the coral that had formed on the boat and all of the colorful fish swimming around.
There is also an option to book other paid excursions, such as an e-bike tour around Willemstad, a catamaran tour, an ATV tour, and so much more. The excursions are all seamlessly organized through the resort with reliable tour companies.
Guests staying a minimum of 7 nights in a butler-level suite are also eligible for the Dine-Out Program. This includes a $250 credit to be used at a restaurant in town.
We had a chance to do this, and it was so fun to get out and explore the charming town of Willemstad.
Reservations were arranged for us to dine at Kome.
The food was delicious, and the $250 credit is very generous. I don’t think we could have spent that much if we tried!
We loved walking around the city after our meal. It is such a happy town with brightly colored buildings lining the streets.
Be sure to visit the Queen Emma Bridge while you’re in town. This pedestrian swing bridge was built in 1888 and is named after a Dutch queen.
It is nicknamed the “Swinging Old Lady” because it swings open multiple times a day to let ships pass through. It’s cool to see, and you can even stand on the bridge while it is moving!
Along with the daily excursions, there are plenty of activities scheduled at the resort throughout the day and night. Some of the activities and entertainment included yoga, salsa dance classes, live musical performances, beach olympics, couples games, karaoke, a silent disco, and so much more!
I’ll be honest, we had big plans to enjoy the evening entertainment, but we were always exhausted by the end of the day! They do have a packed daily schedule, so if you have some downtime, there is always something fun going on!
Final Thoughts
We absolutely loved our time at Sandals Royal Curaçao and would genuinely recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing vacation in a beautiful destination. The service was amazing, the food was delicious, and the resort was impeccable.
Curaçao is a little under the radar, and I feel like the pricing is reasonable compared to resorts at more popular destinations.
Keep in mind that this is an adults-only resort and is a fantastic option for a honeymoon, anniversary, girls’ trip, milestone birthday celebration, or bachelorette party. Although you really don’t need an excuse to visit, it’s the perfect getaway for anyone just looking to escape the mundane and soak up the Caribbean sun!
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