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
TUI BLUE Suite Princess (Only Adults +16)
Pros
Every room faces the Atlantic Ocean — the terraced hillside design eliminates the room lottery most resorts require for a true ocean view.
Adults-only (16+) is the right environment for couples who want quiet and romance without a competing children's program.
The Culinarium one-complimentary-dinner inclusion is a meaningful benefit for 5+ night stays — it's a genuine à la carte dinner, not a standard buffet with a different name.
The outdoor massage beds with ocean views are the most distinctive spa feature among Gran Canaria all-inclusives.
Cons
The beach (Playa Taurito) is 6 minutes away via steep ramps — not the beachfront immediate access most Caribbean properties offer. Multiple beach-to-room trips daily are physically demanding.
The resort is 42–45 minutes from Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) — one of the longer transfers among Gran Canaria properties.
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while TUI BLUE Suite Princess (Only Adults +16) is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
