Cross-access to Colonial and White Sand properties means up to 14 restaurants, 11 bars, and 6 pools on a single wristband
800 meters of fine white Caribbean sand with genuinely warm, clear water — the beach here is real, not reconstructed
Pirate-themed water park and three-tier kids programming make this one of the better-organized family all-inclusives in the Riviera Maya
$40 million 2023 renovation introduced Family Selection suites with rooftop private pools and swim-up access that didn't exist before
Adults-only El Secreto pool provides a viable quiet option even in high season
Cons
A la carte restaurant dinners are capped at 3-4 per week depending on stay length — popular venues like Sumptuori teppanyaki fill fast and require advance planning
Sargassum seaweed accumulates on the beach between April and August — a regional issue the resort manages but can't fully solve
No elevators in most buildings, which becomes relevant for guests with mobility considerations or heavy luggage
Spa hydrotherapy access costs $50/day without a booked treatment — factor this into the budget
Some previously shared dining venues with neighboring properties are no longer accessible to Kantenah guests as of late 2025
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
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa offers more activities.
