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
Service at restaurants and bars is noted as slower than expected given the pricing — allow extra time for meals
The scale of the combined Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados property means it's a larger, more crowded operation than quieter Sandals resorts
Sani Asterias
Pros
53–59 suites means the pool, beach, and spa are used by a fraction of the guests typical at larger resort hotels — a genuinely low-density experience
The Michelin-starred Over Water Restaurant is a dining format unavailable at almost all all-inclusive resort properties in the Mediterranean
Private beach exclusive to Asterias guests — not shared with Sani Beach's 392 rooms or Sani Club's 253 rooms
Full access to the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, Chelsea FC Football Academy, PADI dive school, and 20–40 resort-wide dining venues via Dine Around
The 1,000-acre ecological reserve provides forest trails, birdwatching, and guided runs that distinguish Sani from urban-adjacent resorts
Cons
Operates on bed-and-breakfast, half-board, or full-board — not all-inclusive; beverages are additional at every venue and are a notable ongoing expense
Summary
Sani Asterias has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Sandals Royal Barbados is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sani Asterias offers more activities.
