Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Beach is located on the southeast coast of Curaçao, on the extensive Santa Barbara Estate by the Spaanse Water. This area is known for its green hills, calm waters and exclusive resort atmosphere. Yet there is an important difference from many other beaches on Curaçao: Santa Barbara Beach is no longer freely accessible to regular day visitors.

From Santa Barbara Resort to Sandals

For years, the beach was linked to the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, which originally opened as the Hyatt Regency Curaçao. The resort was later taken over by Sandals Resorts and reopened in 2022 as Sandals Royal Curaçao.

The current resort caters exclusively to adults and couples. The accommodation operates on an all-inclusive basis, with meals, drinks and selected activities included in your stay. So it is not an ordinary beach club where you can rent a sun lounger without a reservation.

A special waterfront location

Sandals Royal Curaçao sits on a large estate with views over the Spaanse Water. The resort has a sheltered swimming area, beach sections, swimming pools and several restaurants and bars. Water sports and other recreational activities are also available.

The natural coastline in this area is partly rocky. The resort beach has a landscaped, sheltered character. Visitors looking for a traditional, public sandy beach should therefore expect a different beach experience than, for example, at Grote Knip or Cas Abao.

Can you visit Santa Barbara Beach?

Access to the resort grounds is controlled. The beach and the resort facilities are intended for admitted guests. There is no generally available public day pass that lets you simply enter the grounds.

If you are not staying at the resort, you therefore cannot count on being admitted. Check any exceptions directly with the resort operator.

Driving to Santa Barbara in a rental car

The Santa Barbara Estate is located east of Willemstad. The route runs past the Spaanse Water area towards Nieuwpoort. With a rental car you can explore the public roads in this region, but the resort's access control still applies.

Santa Barbara is mainly relevant for visitors staying at Sandals Royal Curaçao or those exploring an exclusive resort holiday.