Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection vs Sandals Royal Barbados
Domes Resorts vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.3 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 198 | 222 |
| Restaurants | 5 | 21 |
| Pools | 5 | 11 |
| Year Opened | 2008 | 2017 |
| Year Renovated | 2020 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | No | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 17 | 26 |
| Included | 5 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 12 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 10 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 5 | 12 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 27 | 24 |
| Included | 15 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 12 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection
Pros
- Two Michelin-starred chefs operating simultaneously on one property is exceptional — Anthos and Makris Fine Dining give this resort dining credibility that few Greek resort properties can match.
- Every single accommodation has a private jacuzzi or pool — no need to pay for a top-tier suite to get one.
- Spinalonga Island views from the resort are among the most historically and visually dramatic settings at any Cretan resort.
Cons
- Anthos, Makris, Yaosai, and Antonino's are all extra charge — the premium dining program costs real money on top of an already high room rate.
- The adults-only pool can be cool if unheated in shoulder season — confirm pool heating dates when booking for May or October.
- Golf buggy service is essential due to the hilly terrain — not a walkable resort for guests with mobility limitations.
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
- The scale of the combined Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados property means it's a larger, more crowded operation than quieter Sandals resorts
Summary
Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Sandals Royal Barbados is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection offers more activities.