Local jungle wildlife (iguanas, coatis, raccoons) on the grounds is a genuine differentiator — kids in particular find this more interesting than the equivalent at a beach-strip resort.
PGA Riviera Maya Golf Digest-ranked course on-site with guest discounts.
Cross-complex access to 14+ specialty restaurants means longer stays have good dining variety.
Tulum International Airport (TQO) is 64 km away — about an hour — which is shorter than the Cancún option for guests flying into the newer airport.
The Tequilaria Lounge is a culturally appropriate add for guests interested in tequila beyond the standard all-inclusive bar range.
Cons
Room maintenance issues (mold smell, paint, hot rooms, ants) appear consistently across reviews despite the 2020 renovation — request a recently serviced room at check-in.
À la carte restaurant reservation process is specifically criticised: the app is unreliable and available slots feel artificially limited. Go to the guest services desk in person if the app fails.
Evening entertainment is described as minimal and underwhelming — some shows have an additional ticket charge.
Pool sunbeds and umbrellas are insufficient relative to room count — 8am is the practical minimum for securing shade.
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.
