The-Magic-of-Curacao

Curaçao is still new to many travelers. What sets the island apart from other Caribbean destinations, and what do first-time visitors often underestimate about it?

What truly sets Curaçao apart is its remarkable cultural diversity. Over centuries, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, African, Jewish, Lebanese, Latin American and many other influences have shaped the island into a vibrant cultural mosaic. This is reflected in our UNESCO World Heritage city of Willemstad’s architecture, cuisine, music and the fact that many people of Curaçao speak four languages. First-time visitors often arrive expecting beautiful beaches and sunshine, but they leave talking about the warmth of our people, the island’s rich history, authentic culture and incredible natural beauty, which are experiences that inspire them to return.

The theme of this edition of Escape is “Off the Beaten Path.” What does that phrase mean to you in the context of Curaçao and the experience offered at Sandals Royal Curaçao?

For me, “Off the Beaten Path” means discovering the authentic Curaçao beyond the resort. One of the island’s greatest strengths is how comfortably guests can explore its charming neighborhoods — from the east side to Willemstad on to the west side — discover wide secluded beaches, visit inspiring museums and enjoy nature parks such as Hofi Mango. At Sandals Royal Curaçao, we actively encourage that through our Island Inclusive philosophy. Eligible guests can enjoy our MINI Cooper program, Enterprise Rent-A-Car on property or curated Island Routes excursions. We want guests to experience not only our resort, but also the culture, people and character that make Curaçao unique.

Sandals Royal Curaçao is located within the Santa Barbara estate, along Spanish Water. How does this setting shape the guest experience and distinguish the property from a more traditional Caribbean beach resort?

From the moment guests arrive, they are surrounded by expansive landscapes, tropical gardens, Spanish Water, walking and cycling paths and the championship golf course, Old Quarry Golf. The spacious setting offers a rare sense of tranquility while still providing vibrant restaurants, pools and entertainment. Guests can choose complete relaxation or an active day exploring the estate by bicycle, making the destination itself an integral part of the vacation.

How does the resort’s architecture, interior design and overall atmosphere reflect the landscape and cultural identity of Curaçao?

From the very beginning, the vision was to create a resort that reflects Curaçao’s natural beauty and rich multicultural heritage while incorporating the signature design elements guests know and appreciate from Sandals. The open-air design keeps guests connected to the ocean, the tranquil Spanish Water, lush tropical gardens and the island’s constant trade winds. A feature I particularly love is the coral-inspired installation in our lobby, which pays tribute to Curaçao’s vibrant underwater world. As guests stroll through the resort, they’re welcomed by the cheerful song of the Trupial bird, the fragrance of tropical flowers and breathtaking views — so much so that many even join our complimentary landscape tours to learn more about the resort’s diverse flora.

From the Dos Awa infinity pool to the resort’s dining concepts and suite categories, which features or experiences tend to make the strongest impression on guests?

The Dos Awa infinity pool overlooking the sea is certainly one of our signature experiences, but what often surprises guests most is how deeply Curaçao is integrated into their stay. Through our Island Inclusive program and Dine Out experience, guests discover outstanding local restaurants and vibrant events like Punda Vibes on Thursday evenings, where music, culture, local cuisine and fireworks bring Willemstad to life. Combined with our spacious Butler Suites, exceptional dining options and personalized service, these experiences create memories that extend far beyond the resort itself.

What distinguishes Royal Curaçao from other resorts within the Sandals portfolio, and what type of traveler or couple is especially well suited to this property?

Sandals Royal Curaçao is unique because it combines the signature Sandals luxury experience with an authentic connection to the destination. Through initiatives like Island Inclusive, the MINI Cooper program and Dine Out, we encourage guests to discover the island’s culture, history and people rather than staying exclusively within the resort. It is especially well suited for couples who enjoy balancing relaxation with exploration. They can spend the day discovering Curaçao’s hidden gems and return to world-class dining, luxury accommodations and exceptional service each evening.

The Island Inclusive program encourages eligible guests to dine and explore beyond the resort. What inspired this concept, and how does it help travelers build a deeper connection with Curaçao?

The inspiration behind Island Inclusive is simple: Curaçao is far too special to experience only from within a resort. While we offer everything guests need for a luxurious vacation, we also want them to discover the island’s culture, history and people. Through experiences like our Dine Out program, local excursions and independent exploration, guests connect with Curaçao in a much more meaningful way. They return home not only remembering an exceptional resort, but also the vibrant city, welcoming communities and authentic experiences that make the island unforgettable. At Sandals Royal Curaçao we don’t keep guests inside the resort, we invite them to discover Curaçao.

If you were planning one ideal day for a first-time visitor who wanted to experience authentic Curaçao, where would you send them from morning through evening?

I would begin with a guided island tour in the morning, allowing guests to experience Curaçao’s diversity — from the colorful streets of Willemstad to the rugged north coast, scenic viewpoints and beautiful western beaches. After some time to relax or snorkel, I would recommend an evening Dine Out experience at one of our local restaurant partners. If it’s a Thursday, I would absolutely include Punda Vibes, where live music, local cuisine, shopping, entertainment and fireworks create one of the most vibrant and authentic evenings on the island.

What is one lesser-known beach, neighborhood, natural site or cultural experience that deserves more attention, and what does it reveal about Curaçao?

One experience that deserves much more attention is diving in Curaçao. Our waters offer exceptional visibility, healthy coral reefs and incredible marine biodiversity, making the island one of the Caribbean’s premier dive destinations. It also highlights Curaçao’s commitment to marine conservation. Through the Sandals Foundation, we proudly support coral restoration initiatives in partnership with the Branch Coral Foundation Curaçao, helping to restore and protect our reefs for future generations. It’s an unforgettable experience that also tells an important sustainability story.

Food is often one of the best ways to understand a destination. Which local dishes, ingredients or culinary traditions should every visitor experience, and how are Curaçaoan flavors represented at the resort?

I always enjoy the moment our chef tells a guest that he’s prepared a special “Blue Curaçao-cheesecake” for them. We find creative ways to incorporate traditions and flavors from the island into our guest’s dinner experiences. Curaçao’s cuisine beautifully reflects its multicultural heritage. I always recommend trying local favorites such as fresh seafood, funchi (similar to polenta) and dishes prepared with locally grown ingredients and spices. Every meal tells part of the island’s story through influences from Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America and beyond. At Sandals Royal Curaçao, we celebrate these flavors in several of our dining experiences, while our Dine Out program gives guests the opportunity to enjoy authentic local restaurants and discover the island’s culinary traditions firsthand.

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