Sandals Royal Curacao is an adults-only all-inclusive resort on the southern side of the island, on the Santa Barbara estate overlooking Spanish Water. It opened in 2022, and Caribbean Journal published a detailed profile of it on November 9, 2026. This article summarises what that profile reports about the pools, rooms, dining and activities, then explains what a prospective guest should verify before booking, since the profile is a feature rather than an official fact sheet and does not state a room count.
Where it sits
Curacao is a Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, known for its colourful capital, Willemstad, and for west coast beaches. Sandals Royal Curacao is on the opposite, south-eastern end of the island, on a bay called Spanish Water rather than the open sea. That affects what you can expect: calmer inland water views and a resort setting, rather than a long surf-facing beach. Check the resort’s own beach and watersports description, and our guide to resort beaches explains how to read these terms.
The pools
The profile highlights the Dos Awa infinity pool, which has two levels. The upper level has the broadest view across the water, and the lower level sits closer to the shoreline. For many guests, the pool is the centre of the day at an adults-only resort, so it is worth asking how busy it gets, whether loungers are reserved early and whether there are quiet zones.
Rooms and bungalows
Caribbean Journal singles out several accommodation types:
- Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows, each with its own pool and a terrace facing the water.
- Kurason Island bungalows, built around a shared heart-shaped pool, with a soaking tub on each patio.
- Swim-up suites, which include a terrace with direct pool access.
Private-pool bungalows and swim-up rooms sit at the premium end of the price range. Our comparison of swim-up and standard rooms and our guide on reading room names explain what to check, including whether the pool is private to your room or shared, how close you are to common areas and what the butler service covers. Our piece on butler and concierge service covers that last point.
Dining
The profile counts eight restaurants and three beachside food trucks. It names three venues: Vincent, serving European and Caribbean fusion; Aolos, an open-air Mediterranean restaurant; and Gatsu Gatsu, a sushi restaurant. The food trucks serve Curacaoan dishes, Spanish tapas and Asian fusion. As at most large resorts, specialty restaurants can require reservations, and some have dress codes. Read our guide to a la carte reservations and the one on dress codes before you pack.
Activities and extras
- Snorkelling equipment and scuba diving for certified divers are included, according to the profile.
- Dutch-style bicycles are available for getting around the property.
- A dine-out programme gives eligible guests a credit at participating local restaurants.
- A convertible MINI Cooper driving experience is offered for select room categories, including the Awa and Kurason bungalows. The profile advises checking the terms first, and that advice is sound for any perk that sounds generous.
Eligibility rules, minimum stays and blackout dates can apply to perks like these. Ask in writing what applies to your booking. Our guide to included activities explains how to tell free from extra.
Nearby attractions
The profile points to Willemstad, with its Punda district, the floating Queen Emma Bridge to Otrobanda and the Pietermaai dining area. It also mentions west coast beaches such as Grote Knip and Playa Lagun. These are drives from the resort, so plan transport; our guide to renting a car at a resort destination helps you decide whether it is worth it.
Curacao is also seeing new all-inclusive supply. Our reports on The Pyrmont Curacao and things to do in Curacao give context for comparing options.
What the profile does not tell you
The profile does not give a room count, rates, a list of included premium drinks or the resort’s age rules for guests. It also does not describe recent renovations or guest feedback. A feature article is not a substitute for the property’s fact sheet or recent independent reviews. Before booking, confirm the room category you want, what the all-inclusive plan covers, the cancellation terms and the total cost with taxes. Our guide to comparing two resorts side by side offers a method.
Who it suits
Based on the profile, the resort suits couples and adults who want private pools, a lengthy dining list and easy access to Willemstad. It suits less well travellers who want a long open-sea beach at the door or a family-friendly setting. Source: Caribbean Journal, November 9, 2026. Details may have changed since publication, so confirm with the resort.