Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has opened its 16th Sandals Resort, Sandals Royal Curaçao, racking up a number of firsts in the process. The resort company’s debut in the Dutch Caribbean sets in motion entirely new and innovative ways to experience the charming Caribbean island while reinforcing the company’s island-first approach to tourism and its impact on the local ecosystem.
“Our vision for the Sandals Royal Curaçao experience was inspired just as much by the island’s natural beauty and colourful culture, as it was by our guests and the many ways they can engage with this amazing destination,” said Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart. “This resort — a true labour of love years in the making with my father and our late founder, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, at the helm — is a testament to the transformative power of tourism via next-generation experiences that not only up the ante on all-inclusive vacations, but celebrate the local people, flavours and terrains every step of the way.”
Sandals Royal Curaçao is located within the exclusive, 3,000-acre Santa Barbara estate — just 15 miles from the Curaçao International Airport. Its signature, west-facing position on the southernmost part of the island authentically intertwines nature with the resort experience, while capturing one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular sunsets. Here, couples can discover the beauty and geographic diversity of Curaçao, known for its adventurous terrain, pristine beaches, limestone caves, spectacular diving sites, and vibrant capital city Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Among the ‘Sandals Firsts’ at Sandals Royal Curaçao is the brand’s first ever bi-level Dos Awa Infinity Pool, with views overlooking the Spanish Water and the rugged mountain landscape beyond. Lush garden and tranquil ocean views complement impeccable island chic design imbued with the Caribbean warmth of Curaçao — creating a welcoming setting for guests, without distractions, throughout the resort’s 351 rooms and suites. Luxury amenities and furnishings range from hardwood floors to vaulted ceilings, custom crafted king-size beds, fully stocked wet bars, smart TVs and beyond — with Sandals’ Signature Butler Elite service, airport transfers and 24/7 room service for select suites.
Sandals Royal Curaçao boasts 11 culinary concepts, including eight restaurants — seven of which are new to the brand and only available at this resort — along with three beachside gourmet food trucks and 13 bars. A sampling of all-new concepts include Aolos, home to an open-air Mediterranean dining experience; Vincent, an homage to the famous Dutch painter with a robust European fusion menu; and Toteki food truck serving up traditional Curaçao fare.
Further immersing guests in the unique flavours of the island, Sandals Royal Curaçao offers the brand’s first-ever off-site dining programme, Island Inclusive, which expands its all-inclusive dining options to eight partner restaurants around the destination.
Further encouraging guests to see, taste and feel Curaçao beyond the property, top-level suites include a complimentary convertible MINI Cooper to drive around the island, creating an immersive and enriching travel experience that simultaneously drives business to local establishments.
A Commitment to Curaçao
Continuing to strengthen the transformative link between tourism and the empowerment of its local Caribbean communities, Sandals Resorts International’s philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, joined forces with the Netherlands’ AFC Ajax team to launch Future Goals – a programme that turns fishing nets sourced from the ocean and recycled plastic waste into soccer goals for children.
Expanding opportunities for locals through the power of youth sports, particularly the beloved game known locally as football, the landmark partnership kicks off at primary schools across Curaçao – where the program’s official launch was celebrated last month at MGR Niewindt College as students received the first set of Future Goals. The program is one of the many projects underway on the island of Curaçao for the Sandals Foundation, including beach cleanups that have helped rid the planet of over 400,000 kilograms of trash to date, and the development of a digital hiking app in partnership with IVN Tiny Forest the Netherlands to make the magic of the island’s natural resources more accessible to visitors and locals.
