Bahia Principe Grand Tulum vs Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts vs Sandals Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Bahia Principe Grand Tulum | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.1 | 9.1 |
| Star Rating | — | 5.0 |
| Room Count | — | 257 |
| Restaurants | 8 | 10 |
| Pools | 4 | 5 |
| Year Opened | — | 2013 |
| Year Renovated | 2020 | 2013 |
Features
| Metric | Bahia Principe Grand Tulum | 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 | Bahia Principe Grand Tulum | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 25 | 18 |
| Included | 24 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Bahia Principe Grand Tulum | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 5 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 3 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Bahia Principe Grand Tulum | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 25 |
| Included | 17 | 22 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 3 |
Pros & Cons
Bahia Principe Grand Tulum
Pros
- Local jungle wildlife (iguanas, coatis, raccoons) on the grounds is a genuine differentiator — kids in particular find this more interesting than the equivalent at a beach-strip resort.
- PGA Riviera Maya Golf Digest-ranked course on-site with guest discounts.
- Cross-complex access to 14+ specialty restaurants means longer stays have good dining variety.
- Tulum International Airport (TQO) is 64 km away — about an hour — which is shorter than the Cancún option for guests flying into the newer airport.
- The Tequilaria Lounge is a culturally appropriate add for guests interested in tequila beyond the standard all-inclusive bar range.
Cons
- Room maintenance issues (mold smell, paint, hot rooms, ants) appear consistently across reviews despite the 2020 renovation — request a recently serviced room at check-in.
- À la carte restaurant reservation process is specifically criticised: the app is unreliable and available slots feel artificially limited. Go to the guest services desk in person if the app fails.
- Evening entertainment is described as minimal and underwhelming — some shows have an additional ticket charge.
- Pool sunbeds and umbrellas are insufficient relative to room count — 8am is the practical minimum for securing shade.
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 Bahia Principe Grand Tulum has more dining venues, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa offers more activities.