The 2021 renovation is thorough — rooms and common areas feel genuinely modern rather than refurbished-over-dated.
Ten-minute taxi ride from Lanzarote Airport makes this one of the least stressful transfers in the Canaries.
RiuLand Kids' Club is properly organized with dedicated staff and structured programming — parents get genuine downtime.
The back gate promenade access to Playa de los Pocillos makes beach access simpler than at resorts requiring a road crossing.
Six pools means pool deck congestion is manageable even when the resort is near full occupancy.
Cons
Sunbed claiming starts early and management enforcement is inconsistent — early risers have a significant advantage.
The main buffet can become loud and crowded during peak lunch and dinner service.
Beach sunloungers are not included — budget for external rental or claim resort pool chairs instead.
The specialty restaurants require advance booking and fill up fast, particularly Yaiza.
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.
Summary
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Paraiso Lanzarote is the larger property, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa offers more activities.
"Partial ocean view" and even some "ocean view" rooms deliver disappointing sightlines — verify the specific building and floor before booking.
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.
