Which Resort Is Better - Sandals St. Vincent or Sandals Royal Curacao?

Sandals St. Vincent

Lately, one of the most frequent questions I get from clients is: Which resort is better—Sandals St. Vincent or Sandals Royal Curacao? It’s a fair question, especially since both are among the newest additions to the Sandals Resorts collection. Each has earned glowing reviews, yet they offer very different vibes and experiences.

Having had the opportunity to visit both, I love helping clients weigh the pros and cons—and now, I figured it’s time to share those insights here on the blog as well.

This post is based on my personal experiences at each resort. What I found amazing, you might not—and the opposite could be true, too. Travel is always subjective. But the one thing I can say with confidence? You can't go wrong with either Sandals St. Vincent or Sandals Royal Curacao; both are exceptional in their own way.

1. Beach Quality & Ambience

Sandals St. Vincent

• Nestled in a private cove surrounded by lush rainforest and river landscapes, the beach feels intimate and pristine — a perfect romantic retreat.

• Its volcanic heritage brings black sand beaches nearby—offering dramatic, unique swimming and snorkeling experiences including the chance to swim into a bat cave.

• The crystal clear water and rock formations make for excellent snorkeling right off of the beach

  
  

Sandals Royal Curacao

• The resort’s beach sits within an inlet and is more modest in size; not a sweeping sandy shoreline.

• While the beachfront is clean and calm, some guests note it lacks that “real beach” feel.

Verdict: If your priority is romantic snorkeling and a private, natural coastline—Sandals St. Vincent has the edge. Royal Curacao offers a calm, clean beach, but it’s more “inlet-like” and less expansive

2. Food & Culinary Experience

Sandals St. Vincent

• Boasts 11–12 gourmet restaurants with strong local and international flavors including Buccan, a farm and sea to table culinary experience featuring the island's historical "three stone cooking". Our favorite dish was the peach cobbler bubbling inside a lava rock (pictured above).

• The overall quality gets high praise - honestly, it's some of the best food I've ever had within the brand.

  
  

Sandals Royal Curacao

• Offers 8 restaurants plus food trucks and unique dining concepts—Latin Fusion, modern European, Dutch Café/Wine Bar, and innovative casual dining.

• Highlights include the food trucks, Kanaal café, and our favorite "waffle on a stick". Get it with a caramel drizzle and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Absolutely delicious!

  
  

Verdict: It’s a tough choice—St. Vincent shines with solid fine dining and local flair, while Royal Curacao offers adventurous, trendy eats. If you want more variety and creativity, go Curacao; for depth and comfort, choose St. Vincent.

3. Entertainment & Vibe

Sandals St. Vincent

• Offers a peaceful, romantic vibe. Entertainment is there but generally more relaxed, fitting its serene surroundings.

Sandals Royal Curacao

• Pulses with vibrant energy—daytime parties at the two‑level Dos Awa infinity pool, nightly themed events, live music, dancing, trivia, and more.

Verdict: For non‑stop fun and social energy—Royal Curacao wins. Seeking a tranquil escape—St. Vincent is your haven.

5. Island Activities & Climate:

St. Vincent

• Discover stunning waterfalls, unique black sand beaches, dense rainforests, and majestic volcanoes.

• Enjoy island-hopping adventures perfect for fishing and snorkeling.

• Take a leisurely stroll across the footbridge into the nearby town to experience local culture and charm.

• Explore Wallilabou Bay -- the filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean.

Curacao

• Renowned for its world-class scuba diving, which is complimentary for all Sandals guests.

• The island features a charming downtown area filled with boutique shopping, diverse restaurants, and rich cultural history. Sandals’ top-tier butler guests can also enjoy the exclusive “dine around” program, offering dining experiences at select local restaurants.

• Many visitors enjoy exploring the island by renting Mini Coopers — a unique experience included for Sandals' top-level butler guests, too.

• Guests can enjoy on-site golf for an extra fee.

Climate Comparison: Curacao vs. St. Vincent

Feature	Curacao	St. Vincent
Climate Type	Tropical semi-arid	Tropical rainforest
Temperature	Warm and steady year-round (85–90°F / 29–32°C)	Warm and humid (80–88°F / 27–31°C), slightly cooler at higher elevations
Rainfall	Low rainfall; mostly dry	High rainfall; lush and green year-round
Rainy Season	October to December (brief showers)	May to November (more frequent and heavier rain)
Dry Season	January to September	December to April
Humidity	Lower, more arid	Higher, more humid
Hurricane Risk	Very low (outside hurricane belt)	Moderate (in hurricane belt, occasional risk during season)
Trade Winds	Constant cooling breezes, especially Jan–Aug	Present but less consistent than in Curacao
Landscape Influence	Drier, more desert-like with cacti	Lush, tropical rainforests and waterfalls

Climate Summary:

• Curacao is hot, dry, and breezy with very little rain — ideal for sun-seekers and beach lovers year-round.

• St. Vincent is lush, green, and humid with a more tropical feel, perfect for travelers who love nature, hiking, and waterfalls.

5. Overall Takeaway: Which Resort Is Better? Sandals St. Vincent or Sandals Royal Curacao?

Sandals St. Vincent — Perfect For:

• Romantic, nature‑driven couples seeking peaceful luxury.

• Snorkelers wanting direct beach access and unique natural features.

• Food lovers focused on refined, high‑quality menus.

• Guests who value calm and intimacy over nightlife buzz.

Sandals Royal Curacao — Ideal If You’re After:

• A social and active getaway with design flair.

• Bold, diverse culinary experiences.

• Entertainment that ranges from pool parties to evening shows.

• Exploring local culture or diving into island adventures—thanks to mini‑coopers, bikes, and proximity to Willemstad.

5. Quick Resort Comparison Table

Category	Sandals St. Vincent	Sandals Royal Curacao
Beach	Private cove, great snorkeling	Inlet beach, calm but limited space
Food	Refined, local & international	Trendy, varied, innovative options
Entertainment	Low-key, romantic ambience	Lively, nightly shows and pool parties
Best For	Relaxed luxury, nature lovers	Foodies, design fans, party seekers

Final Thoughts

Sandals St. Vincent and Sandals Royal Curaçao are both excellent choices, but each resort has its own unique advantages and considerations depending on the couple.

• Choose Sandals St. Vincent if you crave peaceful romance, direct beach access for snorkeling, and refined dining in an intimate setting.

• Opt for Sandals Royal Curacao if you’re after high‑energy fun, bold food experiences, nightlife, and a sleek resort vibe with adventure at your fingertips.

  
  

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