Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
Our Rating
9.7
7.9
Star Rating
5.0
5.0
Room Count
307
404
Restaurants
7
10
Pools
4
8
Year Opened
2016
1995
Year Renovated
—
2022
Features
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
All-Inclusive
Yes
Yes
Adults Only
No
Yes
Beach Access
Yes
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Kids Club
Yes
No
Dining Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
Total Venues
11
21
Included
11
21
Extra Charge
0
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
Room Categories
11
11
Suite Categories
11
9
Activities Comparison
Metric
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
Total Activities
27
20
Included
18
19
Extra Charge
9
1
Pros & Cons
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Pros
The only all-inclusive in the world simultaneously holding Forbes Five Stars, AAA Five Diamonds, and a MICHELIN-starred restaurant — a genuine distinction, not a marketing claim
Cocina de Autor's 8-10 course tasting menu with wine pairing is fully included in the all-inclusive rate — at a standalone restaurant this would cost hundreds per person
Every suite starts at 1,081 sq ft with ocean views, private terrace jacuzzi, and 24-hour butler concierge — the entry suite here exceeds most competitors' top categories
Three-tier infinity pools naturally segregate family, activity, and adult-only zones without restricting access — practical design rather than strict policy
Cons
Beach is not swimmable — Los Cabos Pacific currents make ocean swimming dangerous; the infinity pools are where guests actually swim
Cocina de Autor is restricted to adults and guests 18+ — families with younger children can't access the MICHELIN-starred restaurant during their stay
Rates start around $1,600/night in low season and $1,800+ in peak winter — a significant commitment that requires being genuinely invested in the Five Diamond experience to justify
Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island
Pros
Sandals Barefoot Cay is a genuinely private offshore island — the snorkeling off the reef and the Goombay swim-up bar in open Caribbean water are experiences unavailable at most Caribbean resorts
15 minutes from Nassau International Airport — one of the shortest Sandals transfers
The 2022 renovation is recent enough that all facilities are in current condition
Nassau's broader tourism infrastructure — historic harbor, Paradise Island, Atlantis — is accessible for guests wanting off-resort days
The Bahamas has excellent visibility for scuba diving — some of the clearest Caribbean waters
Cons
Barefoot Cay access is weather-dependent — high winds cancel the boat, and this can happen unpredictably
Competition for pool loungers and dining reservations is a consistent guest complaint — early morning reservation is essential
Summary
Grand Velas Los Cabos has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island has more restaurants, while Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island has more dining venues, while Grand Velas Los Cabos offers more activities.
