Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort

Item: Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort
Rating: 5
Author: U.S. News & World Report

Santa Barbara Plantation Porta Blancu | Willemstad [SEE MAP]Willemstad [SEE ADDRESS]

#2 in Best Curacao Hotels

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Courtesy of Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort

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Overview

On-site amenities include a golf course, tennis courts and a spa

The remote location isn't ideal for sightseeing

Sandwiched between the Caribbean Sea and Spaanse Water bay in southwestern Curacao, the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort is known for its bevy of luxurious amenities. First, lie down for a replenishing massage at the Atabei Spa. Then, tee-off on the par-72 Old Quarry Golf Course or play a round of tennis on one of four Hydrogrid clay courts, the only ones available in the Caribbean. Travelers say both activities are must-dos while staying here. After working up a sweat at this BENCHMARK Hotels outpost, cool off in one of three pools (one of which is only accessible to Sea Traditions guests) or, if you're itching to feel the sand between your toes, stroll along the private beachfront. Cap off your day with a light Mediterranean meal at Medi Restaurant, casual grilled bites at Splash Bar & Grill or fresh seafood at Shore. When you're ready to retreat to your digs, you'll find a furnished balcony or patio, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi access and a minifridge. Consider upgrading to a Sea Traditions accommodation for additional perks, such as a yoga mat, a pair of binoculars and complimentary bottled water. Overall, previous guests enjoyed their stays, though some wished the property sat closer to Willemstad's restaurants, shops and attractions.

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Location: Willemstad

Hotel Class: 4.5-star

Property Type: All-inclusive resort, 350 rooms

Primary View: Bay, Ocean

Style: Traditional, Modern

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Scorecard

4.5Hotel Class
GOODCritic Rating

Rankings

U.S. News analyzed more than 30,000 hotels to find the best in the USA, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, based on reputation among travel experts, guest reviews and hotel class ratings.

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Critic Reviews

Oyster.com

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This sprawling, immaculate 350-room luxury resort draws both couples and families with its lovely spa, tennis lessons, a kids club and three pools. With an 18-hole golf course and meeting rooms, the hotel is also popular with business and corporate guests.

Fodor's

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The sprawling hacienda-style complex is set along a beautiful stretch of ocean and their first-class Pete Dye–designed golf course has spectacular views of the sea and countryside. Mountainside tennis courts, plus on-site dive and water activity operator (Ocean Encounters) ensure plenty to do beyond sunbathing.

Fodor's Choice

Frommer's

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The full-service resort stretches over 2,000 landscaped acres, rimmed by the 1,500-foot-long sandy St. Barbara Beach, its calm, lagoon-like waters protected in part by a long pier. Amenities include a spa, a sprawling pool complex, gift shops and clothing boutiques, and an on-site dive operator, Ocean Encounters, which can arrange dive, snorkel, sail, or kayak expeditions.

Frommer's Very Highly Recommended

AAA

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Enjoy stylish guest units and a plethora of on-site activities. Public areas include a well-appointed boutique spa area, a Pete Dye golf course, full tennis facilities and three swimming pools.

AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2019

Guest Reviews

A hotel's guest rating is calculated using data provided under license by TripAdvisor. A total of 3317 have reviewed the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, giving it a rating of 4.5, on a scale of 1-5.

TripAdvisor Travel Rating:

4.5 (based on 3317 reviews)

Read most recent traveler reviews »

Guest Rooms

Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort's standard guest rooms offer wooden furnishings, tile floors, plantation shutters and beige and white linens and walls. Each accommodation also features a balcony or patio with resort or sea views. In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, minifridges and coffee makers. For additional living space and larger bathrooms, travelers can upgrade to one of the property's suites. And for extra privacy and amenities (think: yoga mats, binoculars and complimentary bottled water), visitors can reserve a Sea Traditions room or suite.

Sea Traditions accommodations offer views of ocean and golf course
Free Wi-Fi access

Standard room size: 410 square feet

Premium channels
Workspace/desk
Minifridge
Bathrobes/slippers
Minibar
Shower/tub combo
Separate shower
Separate tub
Internet
Wireless internet
Free internet
Fee for internet usage
Guest rooms with patios and balconies
Adjoining rooms available

See details for room types »

Location & Parking

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Located on the southwestern coast of Curacao, Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort sits directly on the beach. Though the former plantation is not within walking distance of any shops, guests can take the resort's shuttles to the Mambo or Jan Thiel beach areas or downtown Punda, where several boutiques and eateries reside. Car hires are also available through the on-site rental car desk.

Approximately 15 miles southeast of Curaçao International Airport
Airport transfers (charges apply)
About 10 miles away from attractions like Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge and the Kurá Hulanda Museum

24-hour valet parking
24-hour self-parking (free)
Airport shuttle (with fee)
Car service (with fee)

Within walking distance of:

Bus stop
Restaurants
Movie theater
Train station
Beach
Theater
Subway/metro stop
Grocery store
Shopping

Dining

At Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, visitors can dine at three eateries. The property's fine dining option is Shore restaurant, which serves Caribbean fare in an open-air venue that overlooks the ocean. The space also features a sushi bar. Medi Restaurant offers casual a la carte dishes and buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and for grilled specialties and island-inspired cocktails, diners can visit the poolside Splash Pool Bar & Grill. Guests who opt for the all-inclusive plan receive unlimited meals and beverages at Shore, Splash Pool Bar & Grill and Medi Restaurant.

Beach barbecues select evenings
Reservations recommended for Shore
All-inclusive package does not cover sushi meals at Shore

Number of restaurants: 3

Cuisine Types: Buffet, Asian, American

Fine dining
Casual dining
Quick service cafe/coffee shop/marketplace
Bar/lounge
Room service
24-hour room service
free breakfast

Pool

The resort has three pools, one of which is exclusively for guests staying in Sea Traditions accommodations. The two main pools sit near the lobby and offer ocean views, plus a splash pad for kids. Lounge chairs, daybeds and tables with umbrellas are located throughout both pool decks. Poolside service is available from the Splash Pool Bar & Grill. Nonmotorized water sports equipment and lounge chairs with umbrellas can be found at the property's beach.

Snorkeling gear, kayaks and paddleboards incur additional charges; free for travelers who purchase select resort packages
Kids pool area has water features
In-pool lounge chairs at main pools

Lap pool
Wading pool
Lazy river
Family pool
Infinity pool
Whirlpool/hot tub
Adults-only pool
Lifeguard on duty
Poolside service
Waterslide
Deck chairs or cabanas
Pool bar

See more pool hotels in Curacao »

Spa

The property's Atabei Spa offers a full range of spa services, which stem from the local Arawak culture. The spa's menu features an array of treatments, including massages, body scrubs and wraps, facials and hair and nail services. Men's facials and teen treatments are available as well. The facility boasts four treatment rooms, including a couples suite with a patio and a two-person rain shower.

Spa open Wednesday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Children between 6 and 16 welcome with a parent

Services offered:

Massage
Facial
Body Treatments (i.e. scrubs, wraps)
Salon services
Outdoor treatment area
Steam room
Sauna

See more spa hotels in Curacao »

Kids

The resort offers kids activities like arts and crafts projects, nature walks, snorkeling and water games through the on-site Camp Arawak kids club. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the kids club welcomes children ages 4 to 12 for a fee of $15 per hour, $35 per half-day session or $60 per full-day visit. Snorkeling gear, kayaks and paddleboards are available at the beach as well.

Pool area features splash pad for kids

Kids Club
Free Kids Club
Fee for Kids Club
Cribs
High Chairs

See more family-friendly hotels in Curacao »

Fitness

Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort's 24-hour fitness center offers a variety of cardio and strength-training machines, as well as free weights, stretching mats and medicine balls. Outside the fitness center, travelers will find four clay tennis courts. the only ones available in the Caribbean. Hiking and biking trails are available throughout the resort's 2,000 acres as well, and travelers can pay to participate in kayaking and paddleboarding excursions.

Fees apply for tennis court use, equipment rentals and private lessons
Select all-inclusive plans cover water sports equipment rentals
Free yoga and Pilates classes, mountain bike tours and guided hikes
Water sports equipment rentals cost extra

Weight equipment
Cardio equipment
Yoga mats
Free fitness classes
Premium fitness classes (with fee)

See more fitness hotels in Curacao »

Business

Approximately 38,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space is available for business functions at Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort. Inside, business travelers will find three meeting rooms, the largest of which is the nearly 5,800-square-foot Arawalk Ballroom and Terrace. Other indoor venues include the Lokono Ballroom and the Caquetío Boardroom. Outside events can take place at the property's lawn, beachside pavilion, covered terraces or beach. An on-site business center, audiovisual equipment and shipping and secretarial services are available as well.

Arawalk Ballroom can be divided into five smaller spaces
Computers, printers and copy and fax machines available within business center

Number of meeting rooms: 3

Business center
Meeting rooms
Meeting and event planners available

See more business hotels in Curacao »

Pets

Dogs are welcome at Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort. All travelers with pets are charged a daily $50 pet deposit fee. Dogs must weigh less than 50 pounds and wear muzzles while on-site.

Rooms with pets must have "Do Not Disturb" signs displayed on doors when guests are not present

Pets allowed (with fee)
Dog walking
Pet-sitting

See more pet-friendly hotels in Curacao »

Golf

The on-site Old Quarry Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 course. Designed by Pete Dye, the course features ocean views, as well as a driving range and pro shop. Discounted rates, which include green fees and golf cart rentals, are available for resort guests. For an extra fee, visitors can take advantage of golf lessons and club rentals.

Unlimited Golf package includes unlimited golf and accommodations for two or more nights
Green fees vary depending on time of day

Golf carts
Golf packages
Club rentals
Club house
Refreshment stand or restaurant
Caddie service
Pro shop

See more golf hotels in Curacao »

Wedding

Indoor and outdoor wedding venues are available for ceremonies and receptions with up to 600 people at Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort. Two ballrooms are available inside the property, one of which can accommodate up to 600 guests for receptions or 300 people for banquets. Outdoor spaces include the beach, the golf course's helipad, covered terraces and a beachside pavilion. The property's four wedding packages cover details like wedding cakes, bridal flowers, photography services, live entertainment and bridal spa services. Upgraded flowers and decor details can be added to any wedding package for a charge.

Honeymoon package
Beach can accommodate up to 300 guests
On-site wedding planners assist with ceremony and reception details

Maximum wedding guest capacity: 600

Hotel hosts weddings
Outdoor space for weddings
Wedding planners available

See more wedding hotels in Curacao »

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at the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort

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