Waterskiing and wakeboarding with group lessons are included — this is rare at any all-inclusive and the primary sporting differentiator at Rio Das Pedras over other Brazil Club Meds
The Ilha Grande excursion (extra cost) is one of the most genuinely distinctive nearby destinations available from any Club Med in the Americas — a car-free national park island with Atlantic Forest and clear water that looks nothing like a standard day-trip
Cons
The drive from Rio's Galeão International Airport is 110–150 km and averages 2–2.5 hours under normal conditions — plan for up to 4 hours during Carnival; factor this transfer time into arrival/departure scheduling
Unrenovated standard rooms co-exist with the 2024-renovated deluxe units — always book a confirmed renovated Deluxe or Junior Suite category and verify at check-in
Jangada reservations are limited to one per stay and fill within hours of arrival — go to the restaurant between noon and 1pm on the day you arrive to secure your slot
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
Lounge chair competition is consistent: early morning positioning is required for both the main pool and beachfront spots
Service at restaurants and bars is noted as slower than expected given the pricing — allow extra time for meals
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Club Med Rio Das Pedras is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
