A decade ago, Scuba Diving Magazine’s sister magazine, Sport Diver, asked this question of dive travel writers: If you could choose any scuba diving site in the world, where would you go? The magazine published the results in the World’s 50 Best Dive Sites, and Curaçao’s iconic Superior Producer made the list. In the 10 years since the article was published, the Superior Producer remains one of the Caribbean’s most popular dives for trained wreck divers.

That comes as no surprise to savvy divers who have cherished this Dutch Caribbean island, in the heart of the Caribbean’s Leeward Antilles, for many years. In 2023, Curaçao ranked in the Top 10 in Scuba Diving Magazine’s prestigious Readers’ Choice Awards in several categories in the Caribbean/Atlantic region, including Best Destination Overall, Healthiest Marine Environment, Best Shore Diving and Best Wreck Diving.

In 2022, Sandals Resorts opened its doors at Sandals Royal Curaçao, adding the award-winning destination to its portfolio of stunning islands.

Sandals Resorts, a Caribbean-born company that takes immense pride in its roots, has consistently received prestigious awards such as Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards, Travel + Leisure World's Best Hotels, and PADI's Green Star Award. Sandals is widely recognized for taking the all-inclusive resort concept and perfecting it as an art form, all while showcasing the rich and vibrant nature and culture of the Caribbean.

Sandals Royal Curaçao is no exception. Set on 44 oceanfront acres that once were part of an estate in Santa Barbara, the property not only exemplifies the intimate setting that Sandals resorts are famed for but it also beautifully reflects the island’s natural gifts, Dutch-infused style and colorful island culture.

Accommodations and Amenities, Sandals Style

Every room — from the Subi Premium to the Amante One Bedroom Oceanview Butler Royal Suite to the Kurason Island Poolside Butler Bungalows and Awa Seaside Butler Bungalows — is thoughtfully designed, with meticulous attention to details and to make every guest feel at home in the Caribbean. Wake up to the sounds of waves and step out onto a pool just steps away from your suite or cozy up on a balcony to the soothing sounds of the palms, guests will not be disappointed in the accommodation they choose.

The resort offers 13 bars and 11 dining options, including the open-air Mediterranean restaurant Aolo sitting alongside the ocean, European fusion restaurant Vincent, Butch’s Island Chop House and three very popular food trucks: Toteki (traditional Curaçaon food), La Palma (Spanish tapas) and Kishi (Asian fusion and bao buns). Sandals’ introduces the Island Inclusive dining program where guests in top-tier suites can experience local partnered restaurants in the heart of the island for a true taste of Curaçao.

Guests will love relaxing at Sandals’ first bilevel infinity pool, which seems integrated with the surrounding nature — the sparkling blues of the Caribbean Sea and the jagged peak of Table Mountain. The butler signature suites also include complimentary access to a convertible MINI Cooper equipped with a map for endless exploration to anywhere you want to go on the island.

The Diving, Sandals Style

With the azure waters of the Caribbean just steps from your room, you’ll want to include underwater adventure on your itinerary. Whether you’re an experienced diver or you want to try a Discover Scuba course, Sandals can arrange every aspect of your diving for all skill levels. All dives are guided, and sites range from beginner-friendly ones, such as the shallow coral garden called Playa Kalki, to advanced sites such as Watamula, where divers can explore deeper parts of the reef. All Sandals resorts have a custom fleet of Newton dive boats, a PADI-certified staff and top-brand rental dive equipment.

Nondivers can sign up for the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience, a short 3-hour program that includes one open-water dive during the guest’s stay. It is also possible to enroll in the PADI eLearning program and complete the 8-hour classroom portion online before you arrive, and then finish the open-water portion while at the resort.

If you’re a certified diver, guests can dive every day (except departure day), twice a day — either two one-tank dive trips or one two-tank dive trip. Popular sites include Playa Lagoon, a channel that features a breathtaking drop-off carpeted in corals and sponges; Playa Jeremi, a shallow site that offers an expansive reef to explore, passing sea turtles, and plenty of bottom time; and the Garden in Blue Bay, which is a gently sloping reef dive that’s accessible from the beach.

Discover why Sandals Royal Curaçao is “Where Amazing Comes Together.” Book your dive vacation today!

Visit Sandals.com for more info