Enyesque Canarian à la carte dinner included once per stay for 7-night all-inclusive guests — a meaningful food quality upgrade.
Five pools including two heated indoor options — useful given the Atlantic wind conditions that make outdoor pools cold.
The Jandia Peninsula's consistent wind conditions make this the top location in Spain for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
My Favorite Club lounge access and dedicated dining areas genuinely reduce the friction of crowded pool and restaurant spaces.
Comprehensive thermal spa circuit with sauna, steam, Turkish bath, and hot tub.
Cons
Outdoor pools are unheated and frequently described as cold — the Atlantic trade winds keep temperatures lower than guests expect.
Fuerteventura Airport (FUE) is 76–85km away — the longest transfer in the Alua portfolio, up to two hours.
Entertainment primarily in French creates a language barrier for non-Francophone guests.
The return walk from Playa Esquinzo-Butihondo is a steep uphill — not manageable with prams or limited mobility.
Buffet food quality is the most consistent complaint — cheap, repetitive, and low-variety.
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
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Alua Village Fuerteventura is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
