Playa Maroma is one of Mexico's consistently best-rated beaches — the fine sand and clear water are genuinely better than most Riviera Maya properties.
Resident monkeys and coatis in the surrounding jungle — memorable wildlife encounters not found at most all-inclusives.
Four à la carte restaurants with above-average food quality for this price tier — Japanese and Italian receive specific praise.
Aromes café provides good coffee — a real advantage at a resort where bad buffet coffee is the norm.
Cons
Walking distances within the property between lobby, buffet, pool, and beach are significant — room placement matters considerably.
The à la carte online reservation system is complicated and not well-supported by front desk staff.
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.
"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.
Summary
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Catalonia Playa Maroma is the larger property, while Catalonia Playa Maroma has more dining venues, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa offers more activities.
