The bar experience at the FS was far less intimate and definitely much more commercial feeling. We could have been almost anywhere. The bar at Aramara was particularly non-charming, though the service was very good. The bar by the infinity pool was small and not with any view or sense of place...and service was a bit tedious. The bar by Bahia was the most interesting, but its bright lights and energy were more emblematic of a city nightclub than a seaside resort of this supposed caliber. It really felt out of place and like it’s trying too hard. This is in stark contrast to the StR with its wonderfully charming Sea Breezes bar and the spectacular and intimate Carolina bar, not to mention the airy and open Murrieta’s bar with incredible and inviting ocean views. Or the Moët and Chandon champagne bar by the adults only pool at the StR. All of the StR bars looked and felt like we were actually in Mexico...unlike at the FS.

We also walked around the FS and again were reminded how large and sometimes more commercial-feeling it is compared to the more intimate (and more authentic) StR. With almost 3 times as many rooms and guests, the FS definitely feels and is bigger. It also was apparent that there were far more children and teenagers at the FS, at least for our visit. Yet even with 3 times as many rooms/guests, the FS has the same number of restaurant options (they’re just much bigger restaurant spaces) and two fewer pools.

The FS beach is almost as rocky as that at the StR, so it’s hard to say one beach is significantly nicer than the other in terms of swimming or wading. Yet the StR Beach is far more picturesque with the outcropping islands in the distance and a more heads on sunset view (at least at this time of year).

Two years ago i said we far preferrred the StR...and we find we still do. For all the same reasons.