PGA Ocean's 4 is an on-site 18-hole championship course — the strongest specific reason for golfers to choose La Romana over Punta Cana.
La Romana International Airport is only 28 minutes away — meaningfully shorter transfer than the 30–40 minutes from PUJ to Bavaro.
Altos de Chavón (20 minutes by taxi or hotel transfer) is one of the Caribbean's more unusual cultural excursions — a 16th-century replica Mediterranean village above the Chavón River gorge.
The entertainment team consistently gets strong marks for energy and engagement.
The adults-only Bougainville section is a practical escape for couples who want a quieter atmosphere without booking a fully adults-only resort.
Cons
Ocean water near the resort is murky due to a nearby river — not the clear turquoise Caribbean water most guests expect. Plan for pool use as the primary swimming option.
À la carte reservations are limited to three per week — book all three through the app within the first hour of arriving, not day by day.
Inconsistent hot water and weak shower pressure in rooms appear across enough reviews to be a genuine ongoing issue.
Some rooms have maintenance issues (non-working bathroom doors, reported leaks) — request a recently serviced unit at check-in.
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 Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Bahia Principe Grand La Romana offers more activities.
