SANTA BARBARA, CURACAO — Sandals is bringing its signature all-inclusive experience to Curaçao for the first time, signing an agreement to take over a resort that will be completely “Sandalized.”

Taking part in the Dec. 10, 2020 signing ceremony for the new Sandals Curacao were Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (first row, left) and Roald Smeets, Director of the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort (first row, right), along with (second row, left to right) Steven Martina, Minister of Economic Development; Zita Jesus-Leito, Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning and Kenneth Gisberta, Minister of Finance.

The new Sandals Curaçao – formerly the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort – will initially include 350 rooms and suites situated beachfront in Curaçao, Sandals’ ninth island destination. Further expansion of the property is planned in the coming years.

With renovations set to start in 2021, Sandals will be adding key elements to the resort including new expansive pools, a variety of 5-Star Global Gourmet dining options and lavish accommodations such as newly constructed River Suites. Guests will also have access to the neighbouring 18-hole Pete Dye championship golf course, two on-site marinas and 38,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, the largest on the island.

Sandals Curaçao will also have a positive, immediate and long-term impact on the island; in year one alone, it’s expected to have a US$40+ million economic footprint and add over 1,200 local jobs.

On welcoming the Sandals brand to the island, Roald Smeets, Director of the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, said: “We have a unique opportunity to attract a globally-recognized hotel operator, owner and investor such as Sandals Resorts, which will bring an unprecedented boon to the Curaçao tourism industry and the local economy. We found its impressive plans for the site and dedication to building the profile of Curaçao as a world-class tourism destination particularly compelling. Curaçao has a tremendous future ahead due to this exciting new venture, which will put Curaçao truly on the global stage.”

The news follows Sandals’ announcement in July about another property – this one part of sister brand Beaches Resorts – opening in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the first time. The property will take over the currently closed Buccament Bay Spa and Resort, which will be completely transformed to become the fourth Beaches property within the portfolio.

“Each time we expand, we bring with us the full potential of our 40 years in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International. “The new Sandals Curaçao embodies our philosophy of forward-thinking and looking through a new lens. 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 also made news recently when Air Canada announced that it is resuming flights from Toronto and Montreal this month. The island reopened its borders to Canadians on July 1.