Waterskiing with group lessons is included — motorized water sports at no extra cost is genuinely unusual in European all-inclusive pricing
Boat arrival for many guests sets an atmospheric tone that standard coach transfers don't provide
Pine Grove bungalow categories (especially the 2024 new builds) offer a private pine forest setting meters from the beach — meaningfully different from hotel-corridor rooms
Flying trapeze and circus school are included alongside the full water sports program
Cons
Athens Airport to resort is approximately 3 hours 15 minutes via coach and ferry — a significant transfer for a short stay; Volos (VOL) is faster at ~1:45 but requires connecting through Athens on most routes
8 Sothys treatment rooms for 497 rooms means spa slots book out quickly on peak weeks — book treatments immediately on arrival
Evia Island has limited off-resort activity for guests who want urban exploration or independent dining beyond the resort
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
Lounge chair competition is consistent: early morning positioning is required for both the main pool and beachfront spots
Service at restaurants and bars is noted as slower than expected given the pricing — allow extra time for meals
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Club Med Gregolimano is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
