Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma vs Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Azul Beach Resorts vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 7.7 | 9.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 283 | 257 |
| Restaurants | 9 | 10 |
| Pools | 7 | 5 |
| Year Opened | 2018 | 2013 |
| Year Renovated | 2017 | 2013 |
Features
| Metric | Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 18 | 18 |
| Included | 18 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 13 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 11 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 25 |
| Included | 20 | 22 |
| Extra Charge | 5 | 3 |
Pros & Cons
Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma
Pros
- Direct Seven Mile Beach access with calm water, minimal boat traffic, and genuine Caribbean sunset views from the resort's west-facing beach.
- Nine pools including dedicated adults-only options mean you can almost always find a calm spot regardless of occupancy.
- The Ackee Restaurant staffed by an all-Jamaican culinary team delivers an authentic experience; the Di Romagna Italian consistently impresses.
- The Azulitos Playhouse hours (7 AM–11 PM) are longer than any comparable Jamaica all-inclusive kids program.
- Rooms in the 400–800 sq ft range feel genuinely spacious, with premium bedding and large balconies noted consistently.
Cons
- No elevators on property — a significant accessibility issue and a daily inconvenience for upper-floor guests with luggage.
- Room service takes an hour or more routinely — plan meals at restaurants rather than relying on in-room delivery.
- The property shows age: chipped paint, scratched furniture, and minor mold in pool areas are recurring observations.
- Evening entertainment is inconsistent and minimal during low-occupancy periods — don't book for nightlife.
- Check-in requires a ~$200 USD deposit hold that surprises many guests; prepare your card for the hold.
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Pros
- Pink Gin Beach is genuinely calm and swimmable — sheltered cove geometry prevents the choppy surf that affects more exposed Caribbean beaches.
- Ten restaurants for 257 rooms is a high ratio, resulting in shorter waits and more consistent kitchen quality than larger Sandals properties.
- Five-minute airport transfer is among the shortest in the Sandals chain — no long bus rides after a redeye.
- SkyPool suites with private infinity plunge pools are architecturally distinctive and not replicated at most other properties.
- PADI scuba diving up to two dives/day is included — at $80–100 per dive externally, this adds real value for certified divers.
- The property's smaller, quieter personality makes it work well for couples who want intimacy over high-energy activity.
Summary
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma is the larger property.