This Caribbean Island Has Style and Buzz, and These 15 Resorts Show Why
Curaçao is a vibe right now, with buzzing hotels, visitors flocking and an indescribable energy. But it has also quietly become one of the Caribbean’s most complete resort destinations. Along its southern coast, beaches shift from calm, reef-protected swimming coves to wide-open stretches framed by limestone cliffs. Inland, plantation houses, botanical gardens, and vibrant neighborhoods add cultural weight that many resorts lack. And this year, Curaçao’s hotel scene feels unusually well balanced, with strong luxury offerings, smart boutique stays, all-inclusive options, and resort-style properties that work just as well for longer, slower trips.
What sets Curaçao apart right now is choice without compromise. You can stay beachfront or city-facing, adults-only or family-friendly, ultra-private or socially energetic — all within an easy-to-navigate island where moving between experiences is easy. These 15 resorts define Curaçao at its best for 2026, each offering a distinct way to experience the island.
Below, the standout places to stay now, and why each one earns its place, according to our editors.

Sandals Royal Curaçao
This is the resort that’s largely responsible for Curacao’s current tourism renaissance. Set on a broad stretch of coastline, Sandals Royal Curaçao is designed for couples who want space, polish, and variety without leaving the resort. The layout favors openness — wide pathways, multiple pools, and ocean-facing restaurants that never feel crowded. Select suites include private plunge pools, while the dining lineup spans international cuisines with a noticeable emphasis on presentation and service pacing. The Awa bungalows are some of the coolest rooms in the Caribbean, the food is outstanding and the place merges Sandals’ inimitable service and style with a Dutch Caribbean rhythm.
Karen Udler is the Deputy Travel Editor of Caribbean Journal. A graduate of Duke University, has been traveling across the Americas for three decades. First an expert on Latin American travel, Karen has been traveling with CJ for more than a decade. She likes to focus on wellness, luxury travel and food.