Playa Juanillo is genuinely one of the Dominican Republic's better beaches — the calm water and white sand live up to the photos.
Staff service levels are consistently praised, with specific team members remembered by name in repeat-visit reviews.
Intimate property size (251 suites) means less crowding at pools and a more personal feel than the mega-resorts nearby.
Access to the Margaritaville Entertainment Village adds meaningful dining and show variety without leaving the property perimeter.
The Gourmet Inclusive® tasting programs — rum, tequila, mezcal, wine — are a tangible benefit over standard all-inclusives.
Cons
Sargassum seaweed accumulation on the beach is a real and seasonal issue — cleaning efforts help but can't eliminate it in bad weeks.
Children pay supplemental fees, making the per-person cost for families significantly higher than the rack rate implies.
Some guests report only 1–2 restaurants open on a given evening, limiting variety if you prefer not to eat at the same spot twice.
Swim-up bars are not consistently operational — confirm availability with reception on the day you plan to use them.
The social bar scene is limited compared to larger properties — guests who want a lively nightlife hub may feel the resort is too quiet by 10 PM.
Sandals Royal Barbados
Pros
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
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Azul Beach Resort Cap Cana All Inclusive is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
