The 180-meter main infinity pool is a legitimate scale upgrade over standard all-inclusive pool setups — enough space for 720 rooms without crowding.
Brand new infrastructure (2024) means no aging plumbing, dated decor, or maintenance backlog — everything is first-generation new.
The Royal Level operates as a genuinely separate adults-only zone, not just a cordoned-off pool section.
Playa Dorada is 100 meters away with calm, wave-protected water — beach access doesn't require a shuttle or walk.
The Teen Club and Barcy Club cover children ages 4–16, leaving minimal age gaps in supervised programming.
Cons
Both specialty à la carte restaurants (KOI and México Lindo) cost extra despite the all-inclusive rate — included dining is buffet-only.
As a 2024-opening property, the guest review record is thin and staff routines are still developing — early stays may encounter inconsistencies that improve as the property matures.
Royal Level room service is not available to standard room guests — a meaningful limitation if late-night dining matters.
The 30-minute airport transfer is mid-range for Lanzarote — not the closest option if minimizing travel time is important.
Land sports courts require extra-charge rentals — a step back from all-inclusives that cover court access.
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
Summary
Barceló Playa Blanca has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
