Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa vs Sandals Royal Barbados
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.0 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 386 | 222 |
| Restaurants | 6 | 21 |
| Pools | 7 | 11 |
| Year Opened | 1988 | 2017 |
| Year Renovated | 2023 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 12 | 26 |
| Included | 11 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 10 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 1 | 12 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 24 |
| Included | 20 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 5 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa
Pros
- The Star Prestige rooftop infinity pool with Playa de Muro views is one of the better adults-only pool amenities in Majorca's all-inclusive segment
- Swim-up room access makes pool use genuinely convenient — step directly from your terrace to the water without crossing the resort
- First Iberostar property to adopt the sustainable all-inclusive model in Europe, with verifiable practices (renewable energy, no single-use plastics, AI food waste system)
Cons
- Outdoor pools are unheated and cold outside July–August — the heated indoor pool is the fix but has adults-only hours that restrict family use in the afternoons
- Specialty restaurant slots (especially Martinete) are shared across both Albufera properties and fill from both simultaneously — competition for reservations is higher than at a standalone property
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
Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa offers more activities.