Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has signed an agreement that will bring Sandals Resorts to the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao – a brand-new destination for the Jamaica-based all-inclusive chain and its ninth overall.

Sandals Curaçao will be the 16th resort in the company’s portfolio after a complete “Sandalization” of the former Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort that is to begin in 2021.

Stretched along the Spanish Water Bay and the Caribbean Sea, the resort will initially have 350 rooms and suites, with a further expansion planned in the coming years.

Conceptual plans for the resort, which is part of a broader 1,200-hectare development, include adding new expansive pools, a variety of five-star dining options, and lavish accommodations, including newly constructed River Suites. Guests will also have access to the neighbouring 18-hole Pete Dye championship golf course, two onsite marinas and the largest meeting space on the island.

SRI chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart says Sandals is excited to be headed to Curaçao, stating, “We plan to do more than our part to raise the world’s appreciation of this beautiful country.”

Deputy chairman Adam Stewart added, “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.”

Lying just 65 km off the coast of Venezuela and one of the so-called Dutch “ABC” islands (along with Aruba and Bonaire), Curaçao is known for its vibrant culture, pristine beaches and coves, spectacular dive sites and exotic marine ecosystems.

In 2019, the island welcomed about 22,000 Canadians – making this country Curaçao’s fourth largest market behind the Netherlands, US, and Colombia.

However, Curacao tourism board CEO Paul Pennicook told Travel Industry Today earlier this year that he believes there is much greater potential for Canada, which (along with the US) suffered lift problems when Max 8 aircraft were grounded.

“We’re not just another Caribbean destination,” he said. “It’s a special destination with a unique feel… We are a hidden gem, and we’d really like to see Americans and Canadians discover it.”

It’s a sentiment that will continue post-COVID to be sure – and is certainly more likely with the Max 8s beginning to fly again and now a nifty new Sandals on the way.