Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa vs St. James's Club & Villas
Sandals Resorts vs Elite Island Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | St. James's Club & Villas |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.1 | 7.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 257 | 247 |
| Restaurants | 10 | 6 |
| Pools | 5 | 6 |
| Year Opened | 2013 | 1960 |
| Year Renovated | 2013 | 2020 |
Features
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | St. James's Club & Villas |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | St. James's Club & Villas |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 18 | 15 |
| Included | 17 | 14 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | St. James's Club & Villas |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 10 | 7 |
| Suite Categories | 6 | 2 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | St. James's Club & Villas |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 27 |
| Included | 22 | 23 |
| Extra Charge | 3 | 4 |
Pros & Cons
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.
- "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.
St. James's Club & Villas
Pros
- Two entirely different beaches on opposite sides of the peninsula is unusual and practically useful — most all-inclusives offer one beach environment with limited variation.
- The 2-bedroom (1,600 sq ft) and 3-bedroom (2,000 sq ft) villa configurations make St. James's Club viable for multi-family bookings in a way hotel-room-only properties aren't.
- Complimentary non-motorized water sports including Hobie Cat sailing are genuinely comprehensive — more than most Caribbean all-inclusives include at no extra charge.
- Afternoon tea in the garden is a charming and distinctive British colonial touch that guests consistently mention positively.
Summary
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa is the larger property, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while St. James's Club & Villas offers more activities.