Curacao has been on our list of countries we have been dying to visit for quite some time. With perfect weather nearly all year round, rich history and deep rooted culture, this stunning Caribbean Island is picture perfect!
The Sandals Royal Curacao Resort is one of the newest luxury properties added to the every changing and growing Sandals brand. Sandals uses the term ‘Luxury Included’ Vacations, and it is very easy to see why. Premium dining experiences, wine and liquor as well as water-sports were all included in our stay.
In this blog post we are going to share our full experience at the brand new Sandals Royal Curacao.
Read about our stay at Sandals Royal Barbados here!
Things To Know Before You Go
Best Time to visit
Curacao does not technically have a rainy season and the best time to visit the Island is considered from December to April. The Island’s minimum daily temperature falls around 78 Degrees Fahrenheit. So in short, there really isn’t a bad time to Curacao.
Currency
The currency used in Curaçao is the Antillean Guilder (ANG), also called the Florin. However, they do widely accept USD and all major credit cards around the Island.
Tipping
Sandals Resorts are known for their “All Inclusive” vacations, meaning tipping is already included in the price of the vacation. Tipping is NOT allowed at Sandals Resorts. The only employees that are allowed to accept tips are Personal Butlers and Private Drivers.
Accommodations
Sandals Resorts have paved the way for some of features we have all grown to love. Hair dryers in your room? Sandals Resorts did that first! Swim Up Suites? Sandals Resorts also did that first!
There are many different room types at Sandals Royal Curacao. We are going to touch on some of our favorites!
Awa Seaside Butler Bungalow with Private Pool
For a portion of our stay, we were in the Awa Seaside Butler Bungalow with the Private Pool. From the spacious bedroom, to the oceanfront infinity pool, and the dreamy outdoor tub, this would be the perfect room for couples looking for the ultimate level of luxury! This Bungalow comes with Butler service, who attend to every need during your vacation! Upon check in, they ensure that you room is stocked with your preferences, they handle all of your restaurant reservations, and even reserve chairs at the pool or beach on your behalf. You even receive a personal phone to contact your butler at ANY time during your stay.
We HIGHLY recommend getting a suite with a Butler during your stay with Sandals Royal Curacao, it saves a lot of time and planning, so you can fully relax and enjoy your vacation. Anything you want or need is just a quick phone call away!
You can check out the Awa Seaside Butler Bungalow with Private Pool that we stayed in, and all of the other Suite categories here!
Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalow with Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub
This room is a unique spin on an over-water bungalow! Your spacious Bungalow is arranged in the Sandals iconic heart formation around a semi-private pool and lush, man-made island. Each Bungalow has Butler service and comes with the tranquility soaking tub of your dreams on the patio!
Sunchi One Bedroom Beachfront Butler Suite
During the second portion of our stay, we had the pleasure of experiencing the Sunchi One Bedroom Beachfront Butler Suite. This spacious suite has separate living space and bedroom areas. The double wide balcony overlooks the white sand beach along the canal, as well as the lush tropical gardens. This suite also comes with Butler service, to allow us to relax and enjoy our vacation without having to worry about any of the details.
Restaurants
Sandals Royal Curacao has a total of 8 restaurants on the property, a few of the Sandals brand familiar favorites and a few new restaurants. They also have 3 food trucks which are a Sandals first! There is a cuisine for every craving and every palate. While most restaurants do not require reservations, there are some that do! That is another benefit of having a room with Butler Service included, they will make the reservations for you, meaning less to worry about during your stay.
Butch’s Chophouse
Butch’s is a popular Sandal’s restaurant that is present at many other Sandals Resorts around the Caribbean. And it is popular for a reason! They are best known for their Surf and Turf offerings on the menu. There is not one thing we ate here that we didn’t like. You will need reservations for this restaurant, if you have Butler service, they would be more than happy to do that for you!
Butch’s is also open for an a la carte breakfast. No reservations required!
Gatsu Gatsu
This Asian inspired restaurant was one of our favorite meals of the trip! There is a variety of options from Sushi, to Ramen to delicious seafood. There are no reservations required for this restaurant.
Vincent
This European inspired, fine dining restaurant is a new addition to the Sandals family and perfectly compliments the luxurious nature of Sandals Royal Curacao. We loved every dish that we ate here! This restaurant requires a reservation.
Food Trucks
New to the Sandals family, and only available at Sandals Royal Curacao, are 3 food trucks offering a variety of incredible dishes. From Asian Fusion, to Spanish Tapas, to traditional Curacao food there is food for every palate! We loved the Asian Fusion truck and a few of the traditional Curacao dishes the most! This is the perfect spot for lunch and a late afternoon snack.
Things To Do
On and off resort, there are so many things to do and see in Curacao. There are a few new features to Sandals Resorts that you can only partake in at the Curacao location and we need to tell you about those!
2 Level Infinity Pool
A first for Sandals, is a two level infinity pool offering incredible views of the ocean. There are afternoon activities around the pool, a DJ, and a swim up bar. If you have butler service, you can ask for a reserved cabana by the pool during the day to soak up the sun and enjoy the 2 level infinity pool views!
Explore CURAÇAO IN A CONVERTIBLE MINI COOPEr
A Sandals first for guests staying in the Kurason Island Suites and Awa Seaside Bungalows! They get access to a Convertible Mini Cooper for half a day to explore Curacao’s best sights. The convertible comes with a map that highlights some things you can’t miss around the Island. We spent the afternoon exploring Willemstad with the top down!
Dine Around Curacao
What we love about Sandals, is that they always try to include local influence during your stay. New to Sandals, and exclusive to Sandals Royal Curacao, you enjoy a $250 Dine Out Credit for night out at select restaurants around the Island when you book a 7-night stay in Butler suite! This dining credit gives you the opportunity to try a local restaurant and have Sandal’s pick up the tab!
We dinned at one of the top rated restaurants in Curacao, The Wine Cellar. This place did not disappoint, the food and service was excellent. We had transportation arranged for us to and from the restaurant.
Visit Klein Island
Klein Island, also known as little Curacao came highly recommended as a must do excursion while in Curacao! We booked the Klein Curacao Yacht Beach Experience through Island Routes. They walked us right from Sandals Royal Curacao, down the beach to the Marina! From here, we boarded the Yacht and sailed off to stunning Klein Island. Included with our adventure were all inclusive drinks on the Island, luxurious beach chairs and breakfast and lunch! While on the Island, we walked over to the abandoned lighthouse and the sea turtle beach!
This is a must do excursion during your visit to Curacao!
Water Sports
Activities like canoes, Kayaks, Paddle Boards, and Hobie Cats are included with every stay. These offer such a fun way to get out and enjoy the ocean!
PADI Diving
Scuba diving is included for guests who are already certified – you can dive every day (except departure day) at no extra charge. And if you’re not yet certified, but want to learn more about Scuba diving, you can take a short course for a small fee and be out exploring the very same day!
Nightly Shows
Sandals Royal Curacao is home to some world class entertainment. Each night there is a show put on by the entertainment staff. From epic dance numbers to reggae night, to silent discos, be prepared to dance the night away under the stars with some unforgettable shows! The main stage is located on the beach.
Final Thoughts
Sandals Royal Curacao is a new Resort offering a luxurious all inclusive experience from the moment that you step onto the property. From the spacious suites with private pools and tranquility soaking tubs, to the many restaurants and bars, and 2 Level Infinity Pool, we highly recommend a visit to Sandals Royal Curacao!
