40,000 sq m of tropical gardens creates genuine seclusion for a 515-room hotel — rare at this scale
Two adults-only infinity pools give couples a quieter pool option away from the children's area
Car-free oceanfront promenade is a genuinely usable daily amenity — flat, scenic, immediately accessible
Short rib at Krystal and the poolside Ocean's View setting are among the better dining experiences on Gran Canaria's resort strip
Cons
Half-board means drinks and lunch are at your cost — full-day poolside guests will accumulate a meaningful bar tab
No on-site beach — Maspalomas requires a 12-minute walk; the promenade is beautiful but not sand
Families and adults mix in the same property — the children's area is separate but noise from it can reach surrounding rooms
30–40 km from LPA airport makes this one of the longer Gran Canaria transfers
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 Hotel Riu Palace Meloneras 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.
