All-inclusive company Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has signed an agreement to add the 16th resort to its portfolio.
Marking the ninth destination for the Sandals brand in the Caribbean, Sandals Curaçao will replace Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort. The property will begin its transformation process in 2021.
Revamping one of Curaçao’s top destinations
The new Sandals outpost will initially house 350 guest rooms and suites stretching along the Spanish Water Bay and the Caribbean Sea but is expected to expand further over the coming years.
Throughout the makeover, Sandals will bring its signature resort innovations to the island. Conceptual plans for the site include expansive new pools, a range of ‘5-Star Global Gourmet’ dining options and luxurious new accommodation including River Suites.
Guests staying here will also be able to make the most of the neighbouring 18-hole Pete Dye championship golf course, two onsite marinas and as much as 38,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor event space.
A positive impact on the community
Curaçao draws visitors in with its vibrant culture, as well as its pristine beaches and coves. Temperatures are 80 degrees year-round and the island is close to a number of spectacular dive sites.
SRI said that the resort would have a positive impact on the island and local people both immediately and in the longer term. In year one alone, it’s expected to have an economic footprint of more than US$40 million, while also providing an additional 1,200 jobs.
“We have a unique opportunity to attract a globally recognised hotel operator, owner and investor such as Sandals Resorts, which will bring an unprecedented boon to the Curaçao tourism industry and the local economy,” said Roald Smeets, director of the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort. “Its position as both a hotel operator and owner, with the ability to attract regularly scheduled airlines from North America, distinctly marks it out from other hotel groups.
“We found its impressive plans for the site and dedication to building the profile of Curaçao as a world-class tourism destination particularly compelling. Its future investment into the community will reinvigorate the tourism market, secure the livelihoods of hundreds of families and benefit every individual on the island through rejuvenating the local economy. Curaçao has a tremendous future ahead, due to this exciting new venture, which will put Curaçao truly on the global stage.”
“It has been our distinct pleasure to work alongside the government of Curaçao and the Smeets family on this exciting new endeavour for the Sandals brand,” said Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founder and chairman of Sandals Resorts International. “We wish to express our deepest gratitude to Roald Smeets, who has been instrumental to this process and absolutely delightful to work with. We plan to do more than our part to raise the world’s appreciation of this beautiful country.”
Sandals Resorts International is the parent company of some of travel’s most visible brands, including Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts.
