Our Review of Sandals Royal Curacao
Sandals Royal Curacao
We’re excited to share an honest Sandals Royal Curacao review with you after our recent visit this past summer. This resort is a little off the beaten path, with a sprawling 44-acre property. We were surprised at how different it is from some of the other Sandals resorts we’ve visited. However, there are definitely some “wow” features at this resort that we enjoyed.
We’ll share some of favorite highlights below, cover the resorts main amenities and accommodations, and explain some of the pros and cons of staying here. But first, feel free to check out our full video tour!
A full video tour of Sandals Royal Curacao
Quick Resort Facts:
351 rooms and suites, including the new Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows
8 restaurants and 3 food trucks
13 bars offering unlimited premium liquors and cocktails
Two pools, including the Dos Awa Infinity Pool
Complimentary water sports, land activities, and island adventures
An Honest First Look
We actually loved our stay at Sandals Royal Curacao. After all, it is one of the newest resorts and has plenty to do. However, some clients have shared their opinions on the drawbacks. Each Sandals resort does have it’s differences, and this one has some big ones. I’ll share our hot take from a previous visit below.
Pros:
The Dos Awa Infinity Pool. This double infinity pool is honestly the coolest pool I’ve ever seen!
Several premium rooms to choose from, including the Rondovals, Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows, and Kurason Island Poolside Bungalows.
Many restaurants to choose from.
I vibrant atmosphere with plenty to do.
This property is huge and well kept, with plenty to explore and do.
Cons:
There’s not much of a beach compared to other resorts. You can get in and swim in one area, but it won’t be the experience you are looking for if beach time is a priority for you. Not everyone cares about this, but it’s a big thing for some.
They do have water sports. However, because the beach is lacking, the water sport offerings are a bit less than what you’ll find at some other Sandals Resorts.
Arrival and Location
Sandals Royal Curacao is only 16 miles from Curacao International Airport (CUR). Different reviews (depending on traffic) have shared 30 to 45 minute rides to the resort. Complimentary shuttles are provided which makes arrival an easy process. Compared to some 90 minute rides we’ve had in the past, this was welcomed, as we wanted to get there fast!
Accommodations
One highlight of Sandals Royal Curacao is the wide array of accommodations that are offered. The resort's 24 room categories fall into 5 distinct sections: Sunchi building, Carisia/Subi building, Melemele building, Rondoval Villas, Awa Seaside Bungalows, and Kurason Island Poolside Bungalows.
Sunchi/Carisia/Subi Buildings
Sandals Royal Curacao Sunchi Building Swim Up Rooms
These three buildings are located near the front of the resort. The Sunchi building is on the west side of the lobby and located in front the most prominent beach area. The Carisia and Subi buildings are located on the east side of the lobby and face the main courtyard and food truck park. These are going to be the more common resort-style rooms, but they come in many shapes and sizes. My personal favorite are the swim up rooms, as we love having that private pool space and a butler! Below are some room highlights from each building:
Sunchi Swim-up Club Level Beachfront Junior Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub - Situated on the ground floor, these suites provide stunning oceanfront views and direct access to the swim-up pool from the private patio, which also includes a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two.
Carisia One Bedroom Swim-up Butler Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub - Located on the ground floor of the Carisia building, these spectacular Love Nest Butler Suites offer zero-entry access to the swim-up pool from the spacious walkout patio, complete with a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two.
Subi Club Level Walkout Room with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub - These splendid rooms in the Subi building feature a private patio with a circular Tranquility Soaking Tub for two and stunning views of the tropical gardens and ocean.
Click Here for Other Rooms in These Categories
Want to see some video tours of these rooms? Check out the links below:
(Coming Soon)
Melemele Building
The Melemele buildings offer a smaller number of rooms and are more secluded, off on the west side of the resort. These may be nice to consider if you want something quieter.
Melemele One Bedroom Butler Walkout Suite with Patio Tranquility Soaking - These luxurious Love Nest Butler Suites offer three private patios, a semi-private pool, and a Tranquility Soaking Tub in both the bathroom and on one of the outdoor patios.
Click Here for Other Rooms in This Category
Rondoval Villas
Asombroso Rondoval Butler Villa w/ Private Pool
Sadly, I’ve not stayed in one of these, but I have toured several of them! The Rondovals are like having your own house on the resort property, complete with a private plunge pool and a ton of other cool amenities. If you want these, you’ll have to book way in advance, as they can sometimes book out a year in advance.
Asombroso Rondoval Butler Villa w/ Private Pool - The most luxurious accommodations at Sandals Royal Curacao, these villas feature a private plunge pool, separate living area, spacious bathroom with a skylight, and a rooftop terrace with a soaking tub and telescope for stargazing.
Awa Seaside Bungalows
Awa Seaside Butler Bungalow with Private Pool
I’ll be totally honest with you - these are hands down one of my favorite Sandals Resorts rooms of all time. They are set right on the ocean with a private infinity pool, so you get the best of both worlds!
Awa Seaside Butler Bungalow with Private Pool - These breathtaking seaside bungalows offer unmatched ocean views, a private infinity pool, extended sun deck, outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tub, and attentive butler service.
Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalows
Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalow with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub
These bungalows are also highly sought after. They are somewhat secluded, off to the side of the resort. They do sit right on a pool that is shared by some of the other bungalows, so it’s not entirely private.
Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalow with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub - Arranged in Sandals' iconic heart formation around a semi-private pool and lush island, these gorgeous bungalows feature an extended sun deck, Tranquility Soaking Tub, and personal butler service.
Levels of Accommodation: Luxury to Butler
For a more details look a Sandals’ accommodation levels, check out our blog:
Sandals Resorts Room Categories: Luxery, Club Level, and Butler
Before moving on, we need to look at the levels of service found in the different accommodations listed. At Sandals Royal Caribbean, you'll have the choice of three distinct levels of accommodations: Luxury, Club Level, and Butler. The level of service you receive will depend on the room category you select, as outlined in the room guide.
Luxury - The Luxury level is the standard offering at Sandals Royal Caribbean. While you'll still enjoy the resort's signature "no tipping" policy and all-inclusive amenities, you won't have access to the exclusive concierge or butler services.
Club Level - Upgrading to Club Level grants you access to additional services and amenities, including:
A dedicated concierge lounge offering drinks and assistance with booking excursions and making reservations
Exclusive weekly events for Club Level guests, such as martini evenings, shopping trips, and cocktail parties
Daily room service
A room stocked with premium drinks
Click Here for More Information on Club Level Rooms
Butler Level - For the ultimate in personalized service, select one of the room categories that includes butler service. You'll be provided with a cellphone to reach your butler, who will cater to your every need, much like having a personal genie on the beach. Your butler will assist with:
Reserving prime spots on the beach and by the pool
Delivering food and drinks directly to your suite
Packing and unpacking your luggage
Making reservations on your behalf
Click Here for More Information on Butlers
What’s Included at Sandals Royal Curacao?
One of the reasons we’ve been hooked on Sandals is that they really take “all-inclusive” to a level beyond other resorts. Going past room, food and drinks, they include water sports, land sports, and other shows and activities. Check out a list of inclusions below, then we’ll cover some of them in more detail.
Unlimited fine dining at 8 restaurants and 3 food trucks
Unlimited premium liquors
7 bars, including swim-up bar
Stocked bar in every room
Unlimited Water Sports and Land Sports
Two pools, including the Dos Awa Infinity Pool
Day and night entertainment and live shows
State of the art fitness center
Airport arrival lounge
All tips, taxes and gratuities
Roundtrip airport transfers
On-Call Nurse Station
Dining
The resort has a total of 8 restaurants and 3 food trucks. The majority have a casual dress code, but 3 of them request you to dress up and make reservations. We’ve included a rundown of information on dress codes and each dining spot below. First, I want to share our favorites with you!
The Strand - We love this restaurant for the vibes. Anything that is set on the beach near the sand is a perfect spot in our eyes.
Butch’s Island Chop House - This has always been our favorite of the “Resort Evening” restaurants at Sandals. I’ve even had clients ask to make sure their Sandals includes this restaurant, as they love the food here.
Kishi - This is the Asian fusion food truck. Sometimes you won’t want to mess with a traditional restaurant (or even the buffet) on a lazy pool day. These are easy to run up and grab some food. The Bao buns were our favorite lunchtime bites!
Aolos - The views here are so beautiful. This sits up on top of a hill, overlooking the food truck park and the ocean. I’ve been told that on a clear day you can see the mountain peaks from a neighboring mountain from this restaurant.
Most restaurants are resort casual, but a few have a dress code, so pack accordingly.
Dress Code: Some restaurants require a higher standard for dress than others. Here are the requirements from the resort page.
Resort Casual Attire - Shorts or jeans, t-shirts or polo shirts. Swimwear must be covered. Shirts and footwear required.
Resort Evening Attire - Dress pants/trousers or jeans for men, long or short sleeve dress shirts (with or without collar). Dress shoes or sandals. No shorts, t-shirts, sleeveless shirts, sneakers, flip-flops or slippers. No hats or caps.
Aolos
Sandals Royal Curacao - Aolos
Type of Cuisine: Mediterranean
Breakfast (a la Carte): 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Dinner (a la Carte): 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Dress code: Resort Casual
Pietra
Sandals Royal Curacao - Pietra
Type of Cuisine: Italian
Breakfast (Buffet): 7:30 a.m. –10:30 a.m.
Lunch (Buffet): 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Pizzeria: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Dinner (a la Carte): 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Late Night Snack: 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Dress code: Resort Casual
Click Here for Pizzeria and Late Night Menu
Gatsu Gatsu
Type of Cuisine: Sushi
Dinner (a la Carte): 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Dress code: Resort Casual
Kanaal
Sandals Royal Curacao - Kanaal
Type of Cuisine: Dessert/Wine and Cheese Bar
Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Dress code: Resort Casual
The Strand
Sandals Royal Curacao - The Strand
Type of Cuisine: Seafood
Lunch (a la Carte): 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Dinner (a la Carte): 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Dress code: Resort Casual
Zuka
Type of Cuisine: Latin Fusion
Dinner (a la Carte): 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Dress code: Resort Casual
Vincent
Type of Cuisine: Modern European
Dinner (a la Carte): 6:00 p.m. –9:30 p.m.
Dress code: Resort Evening (Reservations required)
Butch’s Island Chop House
Brunch (a la Carte): 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Dinner (a la Carte): 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Dress code: Resort Evening (Reservations required)
Food Trucks
Sandals Royal Curacao - Food Trucks
The food trucks were probably the dining spots we frequented the most for lunch. I love getting something fast so I can go back to being lazy by the pool. Between the three of them, there’s plenty to choose from.
Toteki
Type of Cuisine: Traditional Curacao Fare (Food Truck)
Open: 11:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
Dress code: Resort Casual
La Palma
Type of Cuisine: Spanish Tapas (Food Truck)
Open: 11:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
Dress code: Resort Casual
Kishi
Type of Cuisine: Asian fusion and Bao buns (Food Truck)
Open: 11:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
Dress code: Resort Casual
Bars
When I said Sandals Royal Curacao was sprawling, that doesn’t mean you’ll have to go far to find something to drink. The resort has 13 bars spread across it’s property. You’ll find a full list below.
Aolos Bar
Beach Club Bar Butch’s Bar
Gatsu Gatsu Bar Lobby Bar
Main Pool Bar
Pietra Bar
Tuin Container Bar
Strand Beach Bar
Kanaal Café
Wine Bar
Quiet Pool Bar
Vincent Bar
Zuka Bar
As always, you’ll find that Sandals has both standard cocktails and specialty cocktails. For the best bar experience, I’d recommend going to the swim-up bar at the Dos Awa Infinity Pool and ordering a Dirty Banana or the Bob Marley, which are both Sandals favorites.
On our last visit to Sandals Curacao, I asked the bartender near the food truck park for some drinks that were specials for the resort. He made us an Iguana Slider and a Blue Margarita (pictures below). These quickly became my go-to drinks for the week!
Blue Margarita
Iguana Slider
Water Sports
Sandals Royal Curacao - Aqua Center
This is one of my favorite things about Sandals Resorts. Their version of “all-inclusive” really means so much more! You can take advantage of unlimited water sports like sailing and snorkeling from the Aqua Center on the beach. A highlight of mine was taking sailing lessons on a Hobie Cat. A full list of this resort’s water sports are included below:
Kayaks
Paddle Boards
Hobie Cats
Water Trikes
Snorkeling
PADI® Scuba Diving* (2 Free Dives a Day)
Land Sports
On land, there’s plenty to do as well! While we didn’t really take advantage of these much, my personal favorite was the lawn chess in the main courtyard.
Volleyball
Bocce Ball
Cricket
Tennis (Two (2)Tennis Courts lit for night play)
Board Games
Pool
Table Tennis
Shuffle Board
Croquet
Chess Board
Entertainment
Beach Club
Sandals Royal Curacao has nightly events like cocktail parties, themed nights, and live music. There’s a spot out on the beach they’ve carved out for shows and events at night. Here’s the schedule at this resort:
Sundays - La Vie Est Belle
Mondays - Happiness is everyday
Tuesdays - Love is all You Need
Wednesdays - Spread Positivity
Thursdays - Be The Good
Fridays - Love Come in Every Colour
Saturdays - Love, Equality & Kindness
As an added extra, this resort also hosts the following three signature events that you may want to check out:
Sunset Toast - Every Evening (Magic Hour)
Bon Voyage - Nightly (Raise a glass & kiss)
Sahara Foam Party - Three times weekly
Island Inclusion Program
As part of Sandals' "Island Inclusion" program, guests in select room categories can enjoy complimentary dining at eight of Curacao's top restaurants. This is a great chance to get out and explore while trying some different restaurants. (Contact us for more information)
Mini Cooper Addition
Sandals Mini Cooper
If you are really into exploring the island without a group, reserve a suite that includes a complimentary MINI Cooper for the duration of your stay. You can cruise along Curacao's picturesque coastline, visit historic Willemstad, or discover different beaches and snorkeling spots on your own. (Contact us for more information)
Wedding Packages
Wedding Pavilion
Sandals Royal Curacao has several great spots on the property for destination weddings and honeymoons. There are 3 main points on the resort that weddings are held: the main wedding pavilion (pictured above), the main courtyard, and the smaller courtyard in front. Sandals runs some great packages for destination weddings at their resorts. If you’re interested, reach out and we’ll help you with the details!
Click Here for Sandals Wedding and Honeymoon Packages
If you’re looking at Sandals Royal Curacao for a wedding or “Re-Tie the Knot,” you may want to take a closer look at these locations. Check out our video here - (Coming Soon).
What's Not Included?
While most of the amenities at Sandals South Coast are covered, there are a few things that will cost extra. You’ll want to be aware of these, in case you want to budget for them.
Epix Photography
Epix is the official photography service at Sandals Royal Curacao. Their photographers are always out capturing special moments. If you'd like to take home some professional photos from your trip, you'll need to purchase them separately from the Epix store.
The Resort Shop
The Resort Shop at Sandals Royal Curacao is a place to find any essentials you might have forgotten to pack, such as clothing, hats, souvenirs, medicine, toiletries, and sunscreen. However, prices at the shop can be a bit steep. (We paid $60 for two extra tubes of sunscreen on our last stay). It's always a good idea to pack plenty of sunscreen to avoid having to buy it at a premium price.
Tipping Butlers and Drivers
One of the great things about Sandals is that tipping is generally not allowed or expected. Most staff members, including waitstaff and bartenders, are not permitted to accept tips. However, there are two exceptions to this rule: butlers and drivers. If you're staying in a butler suite, you'll want to bring some cash to tip your butler for their attentive service throughout your stay. Additionally, if you take any excursions or use the resort's transfer service to and from the airport, it's customary to tip your driver.
The Red Lane Spa
The Red Lane Spa at Sandals Royal Caribbean offers a variety of luxurious treatments, but these services come at an additional cost. We recommend booking a couples massage on your first full day at the resort to start your vacation off in a relaxed state of mind. It's also a good idea to get your massage before spending too much time in the sun to avoid any discomfort from sunburns.
Island Routes Excursions
Island Routes is the exclusive partner of Sandals for all off-site excursions. While these adventures are not included in your package price, they can be a great way to explore Curacao, while feeling safer with a local guide that’s partnered with Sandals. Some popular excursions near Sandals Royal Curacao include:
Curacao Shipwreck Snorkel Cruise
Private Discover Curacao Highlights Tour
Private Curacao and Hato Caves Experience
When booking excursions, we strongly recommend going through Island Routes to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Click Here for More Island Routes Excursions
Final Thoughts
If you’re wanting one of the newer Sandals Resorts and prefer to hangout by the pool with a livelier atmosphere, then this resort may be right for you. However, if having a beach is a priority, you may want to look at other resorts like Sandals South Coast or Sandals Dunn’s River.
Sandals Royal Curacao FAQs
Q: When is the best time to visit Sandals Royal Curacao?
A: Curacao enjoys a warm, sunny climate year-round, with average temperatures in the mid-80s. The driest months are January through August, while September through December see slightly more rainfall. Peak season runs from December to April.
Q: Is transportation included from the airport?
A: Yes, round-trip airport transfers are included with your stay at Sandals Royal Curacao. The resort is located just 15 miles from Curacao International Airport (CUR), about a 30-minute drive.
Q: What is the dress code at the resort's restaurants?
A: The dress code varies by restaurant, ranging from resort casual to resort evening attire. Resort casual includes shorts, jeans, t-shirts, and swimwear with a cover-up. Resort evening attire requires dress pants or jeans, collared shirts, and closed-toe shoes for men.
Q: Are there any COVID-19 travel requirements for Curacao?
A: As of March 2024, visitors to Curacao are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. However, we recommend checking the latest guidelines before your trip, as requirements may change.
Conclusion
Whether you're celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply looking to escape, Sandals Royal Curacao can take your vacation to the next level. If you’d like help making sure this trip goes perfectly, contact us at Coastal Compass. We’ll help you pick the right room at the right budget, while ensuring you plan the best trip possible.
