Rixos Murjana - Ultra All Inclusive vs Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Rixos Hotels vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Rixos Murjana - Ultra All Inclusive | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.5 | 9.1 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | — | 257 |
| Restaurants | 11 | 10 |
| Pools | 7 | 5 |
| Year Opened | — | 2013 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2013 |
Features
| Metric | Rixos Murjana - Ultra All Inclusive | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | No | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | Yes | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Rixos Murjana - Ultra All Inclusive | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 12 | 18 |
| Included | 11 | 17 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Rixos Murjana - Ultra All Inclusive | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 3 | 6 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Rixos Murjana - Ultra All Inclusive | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 23 | 25 |
| Included | 21 | 22 |
| Extra Charge | 2 | 3 |
Pros & Cons
Rixos Murjana - Ultra All Inclusive
Pros
- The 42,000 sqm Murjana Waterpark is Saudi Arabia's first integrated hotel waterpark—children aged 5–14 will not want to leave, which is the key selling point for families.
- The 111-meter main pool is genuinely wide enough for lap swimming at off-peak hours (before 9 AM), unusual for a resort pool.
- Overwater villas are among the only examples of this accommodation category currently operating on Saudi soil—a genuine novelty for the market.
- Separate ladies-only pool and beach are purpose-built and fully enclosed, not token add-ons—a meaningful differentiator for Saudi female guests.
- Rixy Kids Club and Teens Club both run until 9 PM, giving parents a genuine evening window.
Cons
- The resort opened in early 2026, meaning several dining venues were still listed as 'opening soon' at launch—not everything in the brochure will be operational on your arrival.
- Transfer from Jeddah airport takes 90–120 minutes, making it a half-day commitment to get there. Factor this into short-stay planning.
- Entirely alcohol-free. Guests who drink should know this in advance—there is no workaround.
- Room service carries an extra charge not covered by the all-inclusive, which is an unexpected exception in an ultra all-inclusive property.
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.
Summary
Rixos Murjana - Ultra All Inclusive has a higher guest rating, while Rixos Murjana - Ultra All Inclusive has more restaurants, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa offers more activities.