Why book?
This place forges all-inclusive luxury experiences that embrace the local community and heritage of Curaçao (the ‘C’ of the Caribbean's ABC islands). Think: all-inclusive to the extreme, with butler-service (in select suites) use of a convertible Mini Cooper for independent exploration, unique excursions, complimentary land and water sports and an exclusive selection of 11 on-site dining experiences incorporating Dutch Caribbean flavors and cuisines from all over the world.
Coveted within the Leeward Antilles, Curaçao remains an unsung sanctuary of natural beauty and wildlife. Dedicated to upholding the natural ecosystem, the pristine beaches, and inexplicably blue sea provide some of the most spectacular diving sites in the world, all within a short driving distance of the local towns and UNESCO World Heritage site and capital, Willemstad. Shaped largely by Dutch, Caribbean, Latin, and Creole influences, Willemstad provides an eclectic mix of traditional local markets and stores surrounded by colorful enclaves of Dutch-inspired architecture and murals by local artists. A guided walking tour is the best way to see the capital by day. Under the curtain of night, the vibrant capital transforms, coming alive with music, laughter and lights and the rich aroma of culinary cuisines pouring out from the local bars and restaurants.
Set the scene
Desert-meets-tropical-island, where succulents flourish like daisies in spring, and prickly cacti forests line the local roads into the capital of Willemstad. Surrounded by some of the most exquisite and unique landscapes within a 3,000-acre exclusive estate, it's laden with pastel-colored buildings, grand stone hallways with white archways, and what can only be described as regal entranceways. West-facing balconies and outdoor dining areas have unencumbered views of the best sunset in the Dutch Caribbean. Shimmering blue water, be it the crystalline sea or one of the numerous pools including the Dos Awa infinity pool, provide ample opportunities to cool down in style. Omafiets, also known as the grandmother bike, are dotted around the resort—a fun yet whimsical Dutch element for getting from point A to point B.
The backstory
Synonymous with all-inclusive Caribbean vacations for people in love, Sandals is undisputed as one of the most well-known, award-winning brands in the luxury hospitality industry. Born out of a single flagship resort in Montego Bay in 1981, on the north coast of Jamaica by Founder and CEO Gordon “Butch” Stewart, the Sandals name today is home to 5 brands and 24 properties in 8 countries including Antigua, the Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Turks and Caicos. The first venture for Sandals into the Dutch Caribbean, Sandals Royal Curaçao is a celebration of the vibrant culture the island has to offer.
Food & drink
Early morning pick-me-ups delight during the buffet at Pietra—a selection of European and American continental and cooked breakfast options including made-to-order omelettes are washed down with all-you-can-drink tea, coffee, and pressed fruit juice. From midday, Pietra transforms into an Italian restaurant offering up Neapolitan style pizzas from the open-fire pizza oven.
Kanaal is king for indulging elevenses hunger pangs, providing cakes, cookies, tea, coffee, and made-to-order traditional Dutch sweets including stroopwafles and puffertjes. If the sweet life is not for you, this traditional Dutch-inspired coffee shop doubles as a wine bar offering a myriad of divine cheeses alongside wines by the glass.
Inspired by the nightlife of Curaçao—where restaurants close early and food trucks are the savior of afterparty dining on-the-go—three new beachside food trucks have been brought on site: Toteki, offering traditional Curacao food, La Palma for Spanish tapas, and Kishi for Asian fusion bao, bowls and curries.
Wonder west to Gatsu Gatsu (also known as the cat restaurant) for fresh sushi. Located on the beach, alfresco dining is a must; with a menu divided and designed for tasting, order a selection of dishes for the table to discover the decadent flavors of Champagne lobster rolls, ishiyaki, sashimi, and more.
The rooms
The natural elements surrounding the retreat have been incorporated into the room decor. We stayed in one of the newly introduced Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalows, an intimate, cozy space designed for comfort. Stepping over the threshold into a stylish kitchenette, you can’t help a feeling of being in a home away from home. Every detail has been accounted for; warm oaky furnishings; his and hers sinks with a ring-lit mirror; a walk-in closet perfect for getting ready for supper. The shower has a separate door which opens onto the decking and pool—ideal for pre- and post-swim bathing (and avoiding water tracking in the suite). The pool itself is unique, with its own man-made island in the centre, surrounded by the most beautiful tropical gardens. Opposite is a floor-to-ceiling window the full length of the bungalow looking out onto sun loungers and your very own tranquillity soaking tub, for intimate bathing under the stars or breakfast in bed while watching the sunrise.
The spa
The secret to skincare is here. The humidity alone is enough to Benjamin Button the aging process but in addition, the Red Lane Spa on-site provides beauty and spa treatments such as massages, facials, and manicures to keep skin hydrated, refreshed, and looking glam during the stay. Red Lane Spa products are also provided in each room. Ingredients include shea, jojoba, Icelandic moss, and lotus to help soothe the skin after a long sun-soaking day. Butler service includes the exclusivity of spa treatments from the comfort of the suite. For the dedicated, a 24-hour gym is set next to the spa.
The neighborhood
Sandals Royal Curaçao offers excursions hand-in-hand with local businesses and the Curaçao tourism board to promote the island holistically. The new island-inclusive dining incentive, a first for the brand, invites guests in butler suites to explore Willemstad at night with $250 credit to spend in one of eight local restaurants. For Latin-Caribbean fusion, MosaCaña bar and kitchen provides an electric atmosphere, eclectic flavors, and easygoing, friendly staff. Cocktails to share come in ceramic bowls and dishes are brought sizzling to the table as soon as they are ready.
Caribbean cuisine is learnt as part of off-site cooking classes with renowned Curaçao Chef Helmi Smeulders. Learn how to cook lionfish ceviche, jerk chicken, and more with a group of like-minded people from all over the world, concluding with an alfresco feast—a true one-of-a-kind connection between strangers.
Arrival by superyacht with the Miss Anne Island Routes crew to the nearby uninhabited Klein Curaçao island is the cherry on top of the tropical ‘des-sert’ island experience. For the eagle-eyed, dolphins and flying fish can be spotted en route and on the horizon, an abandoned pink lighthouse sits at the center, and a weathered shipwreck sits on the coast waiting to be explored. The entire island is a corralled landscape, carpeted with succulents and small blue lizards, with straw umbrella beach huts dotted along the beach and clear waters perfect for snorkeling. For an additional cost, there is a masseuse on the trip offering massages on the beach for added luxury.
The service
The staff have an excellent sense of humor and are friendly and accommodating—often seen whizzing around on golf buggies, helping guests in any way they can. For those with Butler-Elite Service, three butlers are assigned to you during your stay accessible via a personal mobile phone, between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. each day. The butler service goes above and beyond, catering to your whims including in-room dining (available 24 hours a day for butler suite guests) dropping off bug spray to the room, organizing your clothes into the closet upon arrival, and will even pick you up for dinner in style. Like genies, the sky's the limit for making your holiday wishes come true.
Eco effort
All Sandals resorts participate in the EarthCheck program to ensure a culture of green thinking through energy-saving practices such as turning off inactive appliances and encouraging guests to reuse towels. Dedicated to maintaining the ecosystems their resorts reside in, working alongside organizations such as Caribbean CoastLine Protection allows Sandals to maintain the natural integrity of the resort surroundings.
Accessibility
Situated at the heart of the resort, reception connects rooms, villas, restaurants, and facilities with the natural beauty of the island via a broad network of undulating paths meaning Butch’s Island Chop House; Gatsu Gatsu; Kanaal Café & Wine Bar; Pietra; Vincent; Zuka and all three food trucks—Toteki, La Palma, and Kishi are wheelchair accessible. There are three elevators on site giving access to all floors and several accessible bedrooms available on request. Guests staying in the MeleMele building can easily access the pool in the area and all guests have access to the quiet pool on the ground floor opposite the spa and fitness center. For more information please read the accessibility guide.
Anything else to mention?
The evening entertainment is not to be missed.
Santa Barbara Estate, Porta Blancu
Curaçao
https://www.curacaotouristboard.com/
(888) 726-3257