For a full all-inclusive holiday on mainland Grenada, the realistic shortlist comes down to three resorts: Sandals Grenada, Royalton Grenada and Spice Island Beach Resort. They share a calm south-west coastline and are all within a short drive of the airport, but they are aimed at very different travellers and feel quite unlike one another.
One is an adults-only couples resort run by a large Caribbean brand, one is a family-friendly property from an international all-inclusive chain, and one is a smaller, Grenadian-owned luxury resort on Grand Anse. Choosing between them is less about which is "best" and more about which matches the kind of holiday you want.
This comparison sets out what is reliably known about each, who it suits, and what to check before booking. Facilities, policies and room categories change over time, and this guide does not list prices or detailed amenities that may have changed, so confirm specifics with the resort or a trusted agent.
Sandals Grenada: adults-only, couples-focused
Sandals Grenada sits on Pink Gin Beach at Point Salines, on the south-western tip of the island and only minutes from Maurice Bishop International Airport. It opened in the 2010s on the site of the former LaSource resort and is part of the Sandals group, founded in Jamaica, whose resorts are adults-only and built around couples. The setting is wide, with views across the water towards Grand Anse and St George's.
The Sandals model is a large resort with many restaurants and bars, multiple pools and a structured range of room categories, from standard rooms to suites with butler service and, at some brand properties, private pools. Typical brand inclusions cover meals, a wide range of drinks, land and water sports, and in many cases airport transfers; the brand has also traditionally offered some diving for certified divers. Sandals is well known for weddings and honeymoons. The trade-offs are scale, a strongly couples-oriented atmosphere and a location away from Grand Anse's restaurants. It suits couples who want plenty of choice on site and are happy to spend most of their time within the resort.
Royalton Grenada: all ages and a busier atmosphere
Royalton Grenada is on the south-west peninsula near the airport and belongs to the Royalton brand of all-inclusive resorts, known across the Caribbean and Mexico. Unlike Sandals, it welcomes guests of all ages, so it is one of the main options for families on the island. The brand typically offers a kids' club, family-friendly pools and activities, and an upgraded tier, called Diamond Club at Royalton properties, with added services and private areas.
The atmosphere at a resort of this type tends to be livelier than at an adults-only property, especially during school holidays, with entertainment, poolside activities and a mix of families, couples and groups. That suits many travellers well, particularly multi-generational groups. Couples seeking quiet may want to look at the upgraded tier's adults-focused areas, if available, or travel outside the main holiday periods. As with any large resort, room location matters: ask about the distance to the beach, pools and entertainment areas when booking.
Spice Island Beach Resort: Grenadian-owned luxury on Grand Anse
Spice Island Beach Resort occupies a prime stretch of Grand Anse and has long been one of the best-known hotels in Grenada. It is owned and run by a Grenadian family; the late Sir Royston Hopkin, its long-time owner, was a prominent figure in Caribbean tourism. The resort is considerably smaller than the two big brands and is built around suites, including beachfront suites and suites with private plunge pools.
Spice Island runs an all-inclusive model at the luxury end of the market, typically covering meals, drinks and many activities, with a spa on site. Its location on Grand Anse is a significant advantage: restaurants, shops and St George's are close by, so guests can eat out occasionally or walk along the beach without needing a taxi. The atmosphere is quieter and more personal than at the larger resorts. Check the resort's current policies on children, which have varied, and on inclusions for each suite category. It suits couples and travellers who want a smaller, high-service all-inclusive with a strong sense of place, and repeat visitors who value continuity of staff.
Side by side: the key differences
A quick summary of the main contrasts, based on each resort's general positioning rather than specific amenities that may change:
- Who can stay: Sandals is adults-only; Royalton welcomes all ages; Spice Island's child policy should be checked for your dates.
- Scale: Sandals and Royalton are large resorts with many outlets; Spice Island is smaller and more intimate.
- Location: Sandals and Royalton are near the airport at Point Salines; Spice Island is on Grand Anse with restaurants and shops close by.
- Atmosphere: Sandals is romantic and couples-oriented; Royalton is lively and family-friendly; Spice Island is quiet and personal.
- Ownership: Sandals and Royalton belong to regional and international brands; Spice Island is Grenadian-owned.
- Best for: honeymooners and couples (Sandals); families and groups (Royalton); couples and luxury travellers seeking a smaller resort (Spice Island).
Other options to consider
Optional all-inclusive plans. Several hotels on Grand Anse and the south coast sell all-inclusive rates alongside room-only rates. They tend to be smaller, with fewer restaurants, and can suit travellers who want a fixed price without a big resort.
Half-board at a boutique hotel. Breakfast and dinner included at a smaller hotel, with lunch out, is a popular alternative for travellers who want some structure and some freedom.
Carriacou. Full all-inclusive resorts are not the norm on Carriacou, where small guesthouses and villas dominate. After Hurricane Beryl in 2024, check any property's status directly.
New openings. Grenada's hotel market has grown in recent years, and new properties may add all-inclusive options. Confirm that any new resort is fully open and operating before booking.
How to decide in five questions
Most travellers already know the answer to the first question, which removes one option straight away. Work through the rest in order; taken together, the answers usually point clearly to one resort, or show that a non-all-inclusive hotel would suit better:
- Are children travelling? If yes, Sandals is ruled out, and Royalton or a family-friendly hotel becomes the main option, subject to Spice Island's current policy.
- Do you want a large resort with many restaurants, or a smaller, quieter property?
- Will you want to walk to restaurants and shops? If so, Grand Anse has a clear advantage over Point Salines.
- Is the trip a honeymoon, wedding or anniversary? Couples-focused resorts and smaller luxury properties both cater well for these.
- What is the budget, and which room category at each resort fits it? Compare like with like, including taxes, service and transfers.
What to check before booking any of them
Whichever resort you lean towards, a few checks protect against disappointment. First, read recent independent reviews from the season you plan to travel, as experiences can differ between a full house at Christmas and a quiet week in September. Look for comments on food variety, service speed and the condition of rooms, and note whether management responds to criticism constructively.
Second, confirm what your specific room category includes. At large brands in particular, the gap between the entry category and the upper tiers can be wide, covering access to certain restaurants, premium drinks, room service, butler service and private pools or lounges. Third, ask about any refurbishment or construction during your dates, since resorts in the region often upgrade in the low season. Finally, check the practical details: airport transfers, the tipping policy, dress codes for dinner, and the policy on visitors if friends or family living in Grenada want to see you. A short email to reservations, kept for reference, settles most of these points before you commit, and the tone of the reply says a good deal about the service to come.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best all-inclusive resort in Grenada?
There is no single best. Sandals Grenada suits couples wanting an adults-only resort with many restaurants, Royalton Grenada suits families and groups, and Spice Island Beach Resort suits travellers wanting a smaller luxury all-inclusive on Grand Anse. Match the resort to the type of holiday.
Is Sandals Grenada adults only?
Yes. Sandals Grenada, like other Sandals resorts, is adults-only and designed mainly for couples. It is located on Pink Gin Beach near the airport at Point Salines. Check the brand's current policy on single travellers and friends travelling together.
Is Royalton Grenada good for families?
Royalton Grenada welcomes guests of all ages and is one of the main family-oriented all-inclusive options on the island. The Royalton brand typically offers a kids' club and family activities. Confirm current facilities, family room types and age policies when booking.
Where is Spice Island Beach Resort?
Spice Island Beach Resort is on Grand Anse, the long beach in the parish of St George, a short drive from St George's and the airport. Its location puts restaurants, shops and the town within easy reach.
Which Grenada all-inclusive is closest to the airport?
Sandals Grenada and Royalton Grenada are both on the south-west peninsula at Point Salines, only minutes from Maurice Bishop International Airport. Spice Island Beach Resort on Grand Anse is also close, typically around 15 minutes by road.
Are there all-inclusive resorts on Grand Anse?
Spice Island Beach Resort on Grand Anse operates an all-inclusive model, and several other Grand Anse hotels offer optional all-inclusive plans. Ask each hotel what its plan covers, as inclusions vary considerably.
