Discover the Elegance of Sandals Royal Curaçao
- paigelandrum
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Contributed by
Crystal Weiser, AMAAB Travel Advisor
I had the privilege of visiting Sandals Royal Curaçao for the first time. From the resort amenities to the exquisite cuisine and beautiful beaches, every bit of our experience was exceptional. This is a destination I would highly recommend to clients looking for a luxurious getaway.
A Smooth Arrival in Curaçao
Our journey began with a seamless arrival at Curaçao’s modern airport. A week before departure, we completed the Digital Immigration Card, which simplified the customs process. After landing, the well-organized system ensured we were through customs in just 15 minutes. As a side note, part of our services at A Mouse and A Beach include preparing our clients on how to arrive seamlessly, and the Digital Immigration Card is a great example of this.
Once we exited baggage claim, we were greeted by clear signage directing us to the Sandals transportation check-in. After a short 10-minute wait, we boarded a spacious charter bus for the hour-long drive to the resort. The roads were well-kept, and the scenic city added to the pleasant journey. Without a doubt, Curaçao is one of the most pristine Caribbean islands I’ve visited!
Welcoming Check-In Experience
Sandals Royal Curaçao, located on the southern coast, immediately impressed us with its welcoming staff. Upon arrival, we were greeted with drinks and escorted to our room.
While checking in, my husband headed to the dining reservations desk to book spots at the resort’s acclaimed restaurants, Butch’s and The Vincent. Unfortunately for us, both options were fully booked for all four nights of our stay. This was disappointing as we were eager to sample their elevated cuisine. Thankfully, we secured a last-minute reservation at The Vincent for the last night of our stay, which turned out to be an incredible experience. Always check back is a good rule of thumb if you miss out on the initial booking window. Butch’s Steakhouse, however, remained unavailable, leaving us wishing that we had chosen a butler-level accommodation. Butler level rooms guarantee certain experiences on property and access to these sought-after dining reservations. Good to note for our future stays at Sandals Resorts.
Culinary Highlights
Even without Butch’s for dinner, the resort had plenty of other dining options that were incredible. Our favorite was Zuka, which serves exceptional South American cuisine. Other highlights included:
Gatsu Gutsu- This had the BEST SUSHI we've had at any resort.
Vincent – Incredible appetizers and desserts.
Aolos & Strad – Outstanding entrée selections.
Pietra – Delicious breakfast buffet. Though we didn’t eat there often, it was still amazing.
Food Trucks – A hidden gem for a quick, flavorful, convenient lunch option.
Butch’s- This is an excellent sit down breakfast to try, especially if dinner isn't available.
Every meal we had was amazing, with only a few minor hiccups, like slightly overcooked steaks. Overall, we were extremely impressed with the resort’s culinary offerings.
Luxurious Accommodations
We stayed in a Carisia Luxury Room, which provided ample space, breathtaking views, and a tranquil location at the resort’s edge. Its light and airy decor made it a perfect retreat.
While we loved our room, the club-level or butler-level accommodations would have elevated our experience even further. These higher-tier rooms, some with private pools or infinity bungalows, offer more luxury, services, and a better location to the resort’s amenities. I’d recommend that guests consider upgrading to enjoy exclusive services and added convenience. However, one of the best reasons why we choose Sandals Resorts? Regardless of your room type and budget... everything on property at a Sandals or Beaches location is available and ready for you to enjoy. No wristbands, no butler only areas, and no specialty restaurants only for club level or above. This makes it an incredibly relaxing and easy vacation for every guest, in every room type.
Exceptional Amenities & Activities
Sandals Royal Curaçao is packed with activities and amenities to suit every guest’s interests.
Pools & Recreation
The double infinity pool overlooking the ocean was an absolute highlight. With its incredible views and swim-up bar, it was the perfect spot to relax. A second, smaller pool provided a livelier atmosphere, especially during water sports.
Other amenities included:
Games like lawn chess, shuffleboard, ping pong, and Connect Four.
A well-equipped gym that accommodated guests comfortably.
Cabanas available for daily rental.
Exciting Water Sports
We especially loved the water sports, including:
Riding the water tricycle.
Sailing the Hobie Cat (only available on weekdays).
Snorkeling in the calm inlet waters, which required reservations but frequently had last-minute availability.
Beach Experience
The beach at Sandals Curaçao is unique. While the waters behind the resort were too deep and rocky for swimming, the inlet beach offered calm, protected waters perfect for snorkeling, floating, and relaxing. The beach was well-equipped with chairs and umbrellas, and the butler-level seating provided extra comfort. One unique feature was the availability of bikes, which allowed us to explore the expansive resort with ease.
Additional Highlights
The resort’s proximity to the Old Quarry Golf Course was another standout feature. The 18-hole course, available for an additional fee, offers breathtaking views and is conveniently located right behind the resort. We also appreciated the available tennis and pickleball courts, which were always bustling with activity.
Island Route Tours Experience
To explore more of Curaçao, we booked a tour through Island Route Tours, conveniently located in the resort lobby. The process was effortless, with guest services delivering our confirmation tickets in advance. The tour itself included roundtrip transportation, and the driver kept us well-informed throughout. Visiting Willemstad was a wonderful way to experience the island’s vibrant culture. Many choose Curaçao for its beauty and safety when it comes to exploring the island.
Final Thoughts
We absolutely loved our stay at Sandals Royal Curaçao. The resort’s incredible staff, luxurious amenities, and delicious cuisine made for an unforgettable experience. Sandals truly lived up to its reputation on this one, and I’d confidently recommend this destination to anyone seeking a combination of relaxation, adventure, and world-class service.
AMAAB Travel Advisor
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