Alua Linda Mallorca vs Sandals Royal Barbados
Alua Hotels & Resorts vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Alua Linda Mallorca | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 6.9 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 189 | 222 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 21 |
| Pools | 2 | 11 |
| Year Opened | 2026 | 2017 |
| Year Renovated | 2026 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Alua Linda Mallorca | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | No | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Alua Linda Mallorca | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 3 | 26 |
| Included | 3 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Alua Linda Mallorca | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 2 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 0 | 12 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Alua Linda Mallorca | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 24 |
| Included | 22 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 3 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Alua Linda Mallorca
Pros
- Complete 2026 renovation means the property is in genuinely new condition — no old-stock maintenance issues.
- 269 sq ft rooms are meaningfully larger than the 215 sq ft standard common at comparable properties.
- PMI Airport is 7 minutes away by the A2 bus from the stop directly across the street.
- Three pools including a quiet relax pool separate from the main activity area.
- Pet-friendly policy for small dogs — rare in the all-inclusive segment.
Cons
- Only two room categories with no sea-view option at any price point.
- No spa or dedicated wellness facility beyond fitness classes and gym.
- Terra buffet does not serve lunch — guests must use the Fresco poolside bar or go off-site at midday.
- No specialty à la carte restaurant — dining variety requires leaving the property.
- Post-2026 guest reviews are limited; the renovation track record is strong on paper but untested at scale.
Sandals Royal Barbados
Pros
- The rooftop infinity pool is the Caribbean's first — an evening pool experience with ocean views that's unavailable at other Sandals properties
- All-suite property means no standard rooms — every guest has suite-level accommodations
- 'Stay at One, Play at Two' with adjacent Sandals Barbados effectively doubles dining to 20+ restaurants and 10+ bars
- 15-minute transfer from Grantley Adams International Airport — one of the shortest Sandals arrivals in the Caribbean
- Lovers Lanes bowling alley and craft beer bar are genuine novelties within the all-inclusive format
Cons
- Maxwell Beach is a public beach — other hotel guests and persistent local vendors are present and regularly cited by guests
- Lounge chair competition is consistent: early morning positioning is required for both the main pool and beachfront spots
- Service at restaurants and bars is noted as slower than expected given the pricing — allow extra time for meals
- The scale of the combined Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados property means it's a larger, more crowded operation than quieter Sandals resorts
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Sandals Royal Barbados is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Alua Linda Mallorca offers more activities.