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 Beach
Pros
7km of Blue Flag beach with complimentary sunbeds and luxury mattresses — the beach quality and length are consistently the highest-rated aspect of the property
Complimentary morning and sunset yacht cruises from Sani Marina are an included activity at a level unusual for a European resort
The Sani Explorers Kids Club, teen Ozone house, and Little Explorers Crèche cover children from 4 months to 17 years with well-staffed programming
Poseidon breakfast buffet is consistently praised as one of the better hotel breakfast operations in the Halkidiki region
The 1,000-acre ecological reserve with cycling trails and guided runs gives the resort genuine natural context beyond the beach
Cons
Beverages are not included in any board plan — drinks are an additional charge at every meal and throughout the day, which adds meaningfully to total trip cost
Summary
Sani Beach has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Sani Beach is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sani Beach offers more activities.
Popular à la carte restaurants fill early in peak summer — dinner reservations must be made immediately on arrival, or before via the Sani app
The Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy, Chelsea FC Football Academy, kids' club crèche sessions, and most motorized water sports carry additional charges beyond the room rate
The indoor spa pool has restricted hours for children — families wanting the indoor pool for under-16s need to plan around the Splash Hours schedule
