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
Tabaiba Princess
Pros
Nine pools including a dedicated water park and a separate adults-only (18+) heated pool — more aquatic infrastructure variety than most Maspalomas properties.
Shared facilities with Maspalomas Princess effectively expand the dining and pool options without additional cost.
The adults-only spa area (€10 entry, 90-minute sessions) is a genuinely comprehensive wellness facility for the price.
The specialty restaurants (Italian and Asian) include one complimentary visit per five nights — meaningful savings on a week-long stay.
Cons
Maspalomas Beach is 1.5–2 km away — not walkable for casual back-and-forth trips. Budget taxi costs or accept the 20-minute walk if beachgoing is a daily priority.
The property opened in 1997 with only a partial 2019 renovation — room quality varies and the overall feel is not as fresh as newer properties.
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Tabaiba Princess is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
