Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach & Spa Resort - Adults Only
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Our Rating
8.9
9.1
Star Rating
4.0
5.0
Room Count
288
257
Restaurants
9
10
Pools
1
5
Year Opened
2007
2013
Year Renovated
2004
2013
Features
Metric
Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach & Spa Resort - Adults Only
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
All-Inclusive
Yes
Yes
Adults Only
Yes
Yes
Beach Access
Yes
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Kids Club
No
No
Dining Comparison
Metric
Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach & Spa Resort - Adults Only
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Total Venues
17
18
Included
16
17
Extra Charge
1
1
Room Comparison
Metric
Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach & Spa Resort - Adults Only
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Room Categories
6
10
Suite Categories
1
6
Activities Comparison
Metric
Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach & Spa Resort - Adults Only
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Total Activities
18
25
Included
14
22
Extra Charge
4
3
Pros & Cons
Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach & Spa Resort - Adults Only
Pros
Xpu-Ha beach is consistently one of the quietest and least-seaweed-affected in the Riviera Maya — a concrete upgrade from Hotel Zone beaches
Cenotes exist on the resort property — an unusual natural feature that gives it a different character from pool-and-beach-only all-inclusives
Rauxa dinner-show is legitimately worth the reservation effort — a distinctive evening experience not found at other properties in this category
The jungle integration gives the property a character that newer, more manicured resorts can't replicate
Cons
The 2000 build with 2004 renovation means some room categories are noticeably dated — budget room categories specifically
Pool options are modest compared to what guests booking newer Riviera Maya properties expect
70-minute transfer from Cancun airport — one of the longer drives for this region
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.
Summary
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Catalonia Royal Tulum Beach & Spa Resort - Adults Only is the larger property, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa offers more activities.
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.
