Unlimited à la carte restaurant bookings — no cap per stay, unlike most competitors at this price point.
Mini Club runs genuine programming (sea turtle conservation, mini circus) rather than just babysitting.
The Columpios swing bar on the beach is a genuinely distinctive feature — worth an afternoon drink.
Monkeys live in the resort's trees and wander the grounds, which kids universally love.
Location is 10–15 minutes by taxi from Playa del Carmen, making day trips easy.
Cons
Aging infrastructure: worn floors, some broken gym equipment, occasional hot water issues — verify 2024 renovation status before booking.
Sargassum seaweed affects the beach May through October most years — the pool may be your primary water option during this period.
À la carte reservations at popular restaurants (Sakura, L'Atelier) are competitive — arrive early and book at check-in.
Chair hoarding at the main pool and beach starts at 7am; late risers may struggle to find shaded spots.
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.
Cons
The Sandals app reservation system is unreliable — restaurants show as fully booked while tables are available, and closures go unannounced.
Summary
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while BlueBay Grand Esmeralda is the larger property, while BlueBay Grand Esmeralda has more dining venues, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa offers more activities.
"Partial ocean view" and even some "ocean view" rooms deliver disappointing sightlines — verify the specific building and floor before booking.
Butler Elite categories represent a meaningful price jump; the value is clearest for guests who actually use 24-hour room service and prefer to delegate planning.
Beach lounger availability at the South Seas pool requires early claiming (pre-8:30 AM on busy weeks) — not ideal for late risers.
Older sections of the property show maintenance wear relative to the newer Italian village buildings.
