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 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
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while La Palma Princess is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while La Palma Princess offers more activities.
