Passion by Martín Berasategui consistently delivers better food than any comparable all-inclusive specialty restaurant in the Riviera Maya — book it for your first or second evening
Mangrove forest setting provides genuine shade and privacy unavailable at beach-strip resorts — rooms are quieter and the property feels less like a hotel complex
Room renovation in 2020–21 means contemporary finishes without the dated décor common in older Playa del Carmen all-inclusives
Cons
The main buffet (Bana) food temperature is consistently reported as lukewarm — not hot — across multiple guest reviews; use specialty restaurants for most dinners to avoid this
Beach access requires a shuttle or 10-minute walk — this is not a walk-out-to-the-waves property; the mangrove location creates the atmosphere but removes the immediacy of beach living
Sargassum seaweed at this stretch of Riviera Maya coast can be severe from May through October — the cenote pools become primary swim areas during bad weeks
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 Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya has more restaurants, while Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya 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.
