Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma
Sandals Royal Barbados
Our Rating
7.7
8.2
Star Rating
5.0
5.0
Room Count
283
222
Restaurants
9
21
Pools
7
11
Year Opened
2018
2017
Year Renovated
2017
2021
Features
Metric
Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma
Sandals Royal Barbados
All-Inclusive
Yes
Yes
Adults Only
No
Yes
Beach Access
Yes
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Kids Club
Yes
No
Dining Comparison
Metric
Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma
Sandals Royal Barbados
Total Venues
18
26
Included
18
26
Extra Charge
0
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma
Sandals Royal Barbados
Room Categories
13
12
Suite Categories
11
12
Activities Comparison
Metric
Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma
Sandals Royal Barbados
Total Activities
25
24
Included
20
18
Extra Charge
5
6
Pros & Cons
Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma
Pros
Direct Seven Mile Beach access with calm water, minimal boat traffic, and genuine Caribbean sunset views from the resort's west-facing beach.
Nine pools including dedicated adults-only options mean you can almost always find a calm spot regardless of occupancy.
The Ackee Restaurant staffed by an all-Jamaican culinary team delivers an authentic experience; the Di Romagna Italian consistently impresses.
The Azulitos Playhouse hours (7 AM–11 PM) are longer than any comparable Jamaica all-inclusive kids program.
Rooms in the 400–800 sq ft range feel genuinely spacious, with premium bedding and large balconies noted consistently.
Cons
No elevators on property — a significant accessibility issue and a daily inconvenience for upper-floor guests with luggage.
Room service takes an hour or more routinely — plan meals at restaurants rather than relying on in-room delivery.
The property shows age: chipped paint, scratched furniture, and minor mold in pool areas are recurring observations.
Evening entertainment is inconsistent and minimal during low-occupancy periods — don't book for nightlife.
Check-in requires a ~$200 USD deposit hold that surprises many guests; prepare your card for the hold.
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
Maxwell Beach is a public beach — other hotel guests and persistent local vendors are present and regularly cited by guests
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Azul Beach Resort Negril, Gourmet All Inclusive by Karisma offers more activities.
