Sandals is Expanding to Curaçao

On Dec. 10, 2020, Sandals Resorts International announced plans to open a resort on the Caribbean island of Curaçao.

Sandals will take over the 350-room Santa Barbara Resort and transform it into Sandals Curaçao, marking the ninth island in the Caribbean region with a Sandals property. Work will begin in 2021 to create the key elements of a Sandals experience like expansive pools, gourmet dining options and lavish accommodations. Guests of Sandals Curaçao will have access to the 18-hole Pete Dye championship golf course located next to the resort as well as two onsite marinas. The resort is also expected to more than 1,200 jobs to the local economy: 800 Sandals team members and 400 local tradesmen and craftsmen.

“The new Sandals Curaçao embodies our philosophy of forward-thinking and looking through a new lens,” said Sandals Deputy Chairman Andrew Stewart. “It is a promise not only to our guests but to our team members for continued innovation. Curaçao is a place to be discovered, and we are so proud today to become part of this community."

Curaçao is a new destination for other big names in the leisure travel market. AMResorts opened Dreams Curaçao Resort & Spa in late 2019 (AMResorts’ Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa & Casino opened in 2012), Marriott International reopened Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort in late 2019 after a $40 million renovation and Amstar DMC began offering airport transfers on the island earlier this year.