Sandals Royal Curaçao Review: A Luxury All-Inclusive Escape

In late summer 2024, my wife and I had the pleasure of experiencing Sandals Royal Curaçao, and from the moment we arrived, we knew we were in for a truly luxurious getaway. Nestled in the beautiful Dutch Caribbean, this all-inclusive resort offers a perfect blend of elegance, relaxation, and adventure. As avid travelers, we have visited many tropical destinations, but Sandals Royal Curaçao stood out in ways we couldn’t have anticipated. From world-class dining and breathtaking ocean views to unique experiences this resort exceeded our expectations. Some of the most remarkable features that attacked us to this resort were the huge menu of unique activities available to resort guests. Activities which included private tours, catamaran cruises, tours, snorkeling and so much more. Plus, Curacao lays just outside of the hurricane belt, so we knew our vacation would probably not get cancelled due to weather.   If you’re considering a romantic escape or an anniversary trip, this review will give you an inside look at what to expect.

First Impressions & Arrival

After a smooth flight, we arrived at Curaçao International Airport, where Sandals had already arranged our seamless transfer to the resort. The 40-minute drive gave us a glimpse of the island’s stunning landscape, with vibrant architecture and crystal-clear waters welcoming us to paradise.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with a refreshing welcome drink and warm smiles from the staff. Check-in was swift and personalized, making us feel like VIP guests from the start. We stayed in a club-level room so one of the staff members escorted us to our room and gave us a quick room orientation and described all the room’s features, amenities and explained the highlights of the resort. We did not have to touch our bags because the porter brought our luggage to the room while the orientation was occurring.  The resort’s unique layout, open-air lobby and pool ocean views, set the tone for the relaxing days ahead. One of the first things we noticed was the resort’s laid-back yet elegant atmosphere, superior and friendly customer service—exactly what we were hoping for in a Caribbean escape.

Accommodations & Room Experience

For our stay, we chose a Subi Club Level Room with Tropical Garden View, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Our room featured a spacious bedroom, a lavish spa-style bathroom, and a private patio with a lovely view of the well-manicured property and a view of the swim-up rooms below.

The room’s design was modern yet cozy, with Caribbean-inspired decor that reflected the island’s charm.

Dining & Culinary Experience

Sandals Royal Curaçao is a haven for food lovers, boasting eight gourmet restaurants and several casual dining options. Each meal was an experience, and we made it our mission to try as many lunch and dining spots as possible.

• Butch’s Island Chop House quickly became our favorite for its perfectly cooked steaks and top-tier service.
• Pietra, Italian restaurant, delighted us with its many pasta and pizza dishes.
• Strand Seafood House, an open-air restaurant, where I was first introduced to Island Jerk Chicken.

For lunch, the food trucks by the beach offered quick yet delicious bites like local seafood and authentic Curaçaoan dishes. The unlimited premium drinks were a highlight, with creative cocktails served poolside and at the many bars scattered across the resort.

Pro tip: Make dinner reservations for Butch’s and Vincent as soon as you arrive—they fill up fast!

Resort Amenities & Activities

At the resort, we found ourselves spending several hours at the Infinity Pool, which offers panoramic ocean views and a swim-up bar. The private beach was another highlight, with soft white sand and crystal-clear water that made for perfect snorkeling conditions.

For more adventurous travelers, Scuba diving and watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking are included in the stay. We also indulged in a couples’ massage at the Red Lane Spa, which was the perfect way to unwind after a morning of exploring.