Iberostar Selection Es Trenc vs Sandals Royal Barbados
Iberostar Hotels & Resorts vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Iberostar Selection Es Trenc | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.7 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 192 | 222 |
| Restaurants | 2 | 21 |
| Pools | 3 | 11 |
| Year Opened | 1971 | 2017 |
| Year Renovated | 2025 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Iberostar Selection Es Trenc | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Iberostar Selection Es Trenc | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 6 | 26 |
| Included | 4 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Iberostar Selection Es Trenc | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 8 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 4 | 12 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Iberostar Selection Es Trenc | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 14 | 24 |
| Included | 7 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Iberostar Selection Es Trenc
Pros
- All-new renovation opened April 2025 — no deferred maintenance issues or dated infrastructure
- Every room has a sea-view balcony without exception — no downgrades at the base category
- Rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views is one of the more visually impressive pool settings in southern Mallorca
- 100% renewable energy and zero single-use plastics are genuine commitments, not marketing language
- Proximity to Es Trenc beach (1 km, one of Mallorca's finest) is a location advantage
Cons
- Base room size of 194 sq ft is compact, even by European beach hotel standards
- All-inclusive snack options between main meals are consistently described as insufficient
- Main pool's narrow sail-shape is frustrating for guests who want to swim laps
- No dedicated children's program — families with young children will find limited structured activities
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 Es Trenc has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Sandals Royal Barbados is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.