The 500m² gym with 50+ TECHNOGYM machines is a legitimate resort fitness facility — not a hotel gym with 8 treadmills.
The Esencia de La Palma adults-only section provides physical separation from the main property with exclusive pools, bar, and restaurant.
El Mirador restaurant for breakfast offers sea views and table service — significantly better than the main buffet hall experience.
La Palma's volcanic landscape, dark skies, and proximity to the Roque de los Muchachos observatory make off-property excursions genuinely distinctive — don't stay on property every day.
Cons
No walkable beach — the nearest black sand coves are 1.5 km minimum, and the better beaches are 6 to 35 km away. A rental car is non-optional.
Lifts across the hilly campus are unreliable — mobility-limited guests or those with young children in strollers should ask about room placement near access routes.
The Aqua Princess Spa thermal circuit carries an additional charge beyond the all-inclusive rate.
Quality of included alcoholic drinks beyond beer and cava has drawn repeated criticism — premium spirits may disappoint.
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 La Palma Princess is the larger property, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while La Palma Princess 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.
