Stay & Play
Sandals Royal Curaçao
New All-Inclusive Luxury Sprawls Across Santa Barbara
by Susan Campbell
I was well-acquainted with the Santa Barbara Beach Resort that was formerly located on the historic site of the old Santa Barbara Plantation on Curacao’s southeastern coast. And though she was a grande old dame, she had begun to show her age over the past decade. So, I was excited to check out everything that Sandals’ had done to rejuvenate and reintroduce this often off-radar region of the island. It was impressive.
The Sandals brand is well known as providing comprehensive all-inclusive offerings at their various adults-only escapes throughout the Caribbean. Though not exclusively couples’ only, they are designed with couples in mind. Each of their 350 rooms offer one king bed options only. (Be forewarned on the sleeping accommodations if you’re planning to share a room with a buddy here.) But the vibe is very social, it’s not all canoodling couples at every turn. In fact, I found the crowd to be a happy welcoming party style group enjoying all kinds of on-site activities together.
The original estate crests 3,000 acres of Spanish Waters about 45 minutes from the airport, and this resort now sprawls over 44 oceanfront acres of it. The lovely coconut palm studded property also basks in the shadow of Mt. Tafelberg (Table Mountain-so named for its flat top,) and it’s right beside the scenic Old Quarry Golf Course. Their private beach is a stellar strip of white sand with aqua waters protected by a long jetty that leads to the marina where yachties dock, and where activity boats pick up guests for excellent sea outings. (I highly recommend the snorkel the sunken tugboat trip!) And though it is remote, complimentary airport transfers are always included. And a LOT more is included as well.
Beyond all food and drink at 8 stand- alone dining spots, 13 bars, and 24/7 room service included, this resort has the cool addition of a food truck park reflecting the island’s “good-stuff-to-go” local foodie culture. They also offer a generous dining credit at off-property restaurants for those staying in qualifying suites, and complimentary Mini Coopers for island explorations. And unique to this resort are also the complimentary coaster bikes which you will certainly appreciate to traverse the massive property in the heat.
Also unique to this resort are the new Awa Seaside Bungalows with private translucent plunge pools looking onto the ocean. These cool peek-a-boo pools match their awesome Dos Awa double tier infinity pool, which is the focal point of the resort, and unique to this property as well. And in keeping with their romance theme, their new Kurason Island Suites are centered around a massive heart-shaped pool. They’ve also added some lovely swim-out circuits to pre-existing wings where there were none before.
In all, I think they have done a marvellous job here. And the service, though tipping is strictly prohibited as per Sandals’ policy, I found to be exemplary on many levels. Many staff members went way above and beyond to make my stay special.
