I’ll be the first to admit: I never considered myself an all-inclusive resort person. Sandals Royal Curaçao completely changed my mind about what an all-inclusive can feel like and honestly, I’m still dreaming about it.
I always thought I preferred the adventure of planning every little detail, eating at local spots, and staying somewhere that felt personal. But boy, was I wrong.
It wasn’t just a resort stay; it was an experience. Picture beautiful seaside bungalows, tropical gardens you can bike through, shipwreck snorkeling and some of the best meals I’ve had both on and off property (yes, we even got to explore the colorful streets of Willemstad and dine out!).
Here’s just a glimpse into why Sandals Royal Curaçao might have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about all-inclusive resorts and maybe even planning your next trip.
Sandals Royal Curaçao is tucked away on the stunning southern coast of Curaçao, one of the beautiful islands that make up the Dutch Caribbean. It’s located within the private, 3,000-acre Santa Barbara Estate, giving you a perfect mix of beachy paradise and lush landscapes.
Even better? It’s less than a 3-hour flight from Miami, making it super easy to get to if you’re coming from the U.S.
Here are a few helpful things to know that’ll make your trip to Sandals Royal Curaçao even smoother. From what to pack to how the resort works, these little tips can go a long way in making your stay stress-free and unforgettable.
It’s Adults-Only + All-Inclusive
Sandals Royal Curaçao is for adults only (sorry kids), and literally everything is included, from gourmet dining to water sports and airport transfers.
The Flight Is Easy
It’s less than 3 hours from Miami, which makes getting to paradise pretty painless. Just don’t forget your passport. Curaçao is a Dutch Caribbean island, after all.
Currency + Language
The local currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder, but USD is widely accepted. Most locals speak English so language won’t be a barrier.
Pack Resort Casual + A Bit of Dressy
While swimsuits and cover-ups are perfect for daytime, some restaurants have dress codes. So toss in a nice outfit or two for those romantic dinners.
Spa + Extras Are Additional
The Red Lane Spa is amazing, but treatments are not included in your stay. Same goes for some off-site excursions. Budget a little extra if you want to treat yourself.
One of the things that really surprised me about Sandals Royal Curaçao was just how much is actually included in your stay and how good everything was. It never felt like a typical all-inclusive where you have to lower your expectations.
From dreamy pools to incredible dining (and even a few surprises like free bikes and underwater excursions!), I am sharing everything you can enjoy without ever pulling out your wallet…
As someone who can definitely be a little picky about food (especially when it comes to resort dining), I was blown away by how many options there were and how good everything tasted.
Every restaurant felt thoughtfully curated, from the menu to the atmosphere, and the quality was honestly better than a lot of places I’ve dined at back home.
Sandals Royal Curaçao gives you access to 8 Restaurants and 3 Food Trucks, ranging from fresh seafood to international flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual lunch by the beach or a fancy night out, it’s all included and honestly, every meal we had was incredible.
One thing I didn’t expect from an all-inclusive? The chance to leave the resort for some local dining. Sandals Royal Curaçao offers something called the Island Inclusive Dining Program, and it was a great way to see more of this beautiful Island.
So how does it work? If you’re staying 7+ nights in a butler suite or you’re a Diamond-level Sandals Select Rewards member, you can get a $250 dine-out credit to use at a curated list of six local restaurants in nearby Santa Barbara, Curaçao and they even include round-trip transfers.
We took advantage of it and had the best afternoon exploring the colorful streets of Willemstad after sitting down for an incredible meal. This kind of flexibility with dining was a huge win!
There are nine stunning pools to choose from, including a gorgeous two-level infinity pool overlooking the ocean. The beach is just steps away whenever you need a saltwater fix, but if you want a little extra luxury, you can even reserve a private sunset cabana by the pool!
We got to enjoy an afternoon lounging under our private cabana, complete with chilled towels, fresh fruit platters, sunscreen, lunch, and cold drinks delivered right to us. It felt like absolute heaven!
One of the best parts about staying at Sandals Royal Curaçao? All the water activities are included. We took full advantage of the free snorkeling gear and even swam around a nearby shipwreck (how cool is that?).
Kayaks and paddleboards were always available too, which made it easy to get out on the water whenever we felt like it. And honestly, just lounging on the beach or floating in the calm blue water was pretty perfect all on its own.
Okay, so let’s talk about the brand new pickleball courts at Sandals Royal Curaçao. They just opened, and they’re perfect for anyone looking to get a little competitive while you’re on vacation.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete newbie (like we were), it’s such a fun way to mix up your usual beach activities. Plus, the courts are in such a great spot. You get the energy of a game, but it still feels totally relaxed and enjoyable.
One of our favorite things about Sandals Royal Curaçao? The bikes! Every guest gets complimentary access to Dutch-style bikes, and we used them constantly, whether it was cruising to breakfast, pedaling through tropical gardens, or just enjoying the breeze by the water.
It’s such a fun and easy way to explore the property (and honestly made me feel like a kid again in the best way).
Even though everything already felt luxurious, the spa at Sandals Royal Curaçao was next level. Think super relaxing treatments, peaceful massages and a setting that feels like total escape.
Whether you’re going all in for a full afternoon or just sneaking in a facial, it’s absolutely worth it. (And yes, I slept like a baby after.)
Before this trip, I wasn’t exactly the all-inclusive resort type. But Sandals Royal Curaçao changed that fast and here’s why. It didn’t feel like a one-size-fits-all vacation.
From the moment we arrived, everything felt thoughtfully designed, from the modern rooms and seaside bungalows to all the incredibly fun activities on the property.
And beyond the food and activities, it’s the little moments that made it feel different, like hopping between nine pools (including a dreamy two-level infinity one), enjoying a cabana with drinks and snacks delivered right to us, or playing on brand-new pickleball courts before unwinding at the spa.
It’s luxury without being stuffy, and exciting without being overwhelming. Honestly, all the glowing Sandals Curaçao reviews make total sense now. It’s the kind of place that shifts your idea of what an all-inclusive can be!
While planning our trip back to Mackinac Island, I was also on the hunt for…
If you’re looking for the best places to visit near Traverse City Michigan, you’re in…
I had no idea Mackinac Island even existed until my Michigan-born husband took me there…
Spending 2 days in Iguazu Falls was an absolute dream! Ever since I was little,…
Super cute towns in Arizona? Yes, they exist, and they don’t get nearly enough credit!…
Where to see puffins in Newfoundland? I’d heard rumors about these cute little birds having…