Five specialty restaurants for dinner means guests on a 5-night stay can eat at a different à la carte venue every evening.
Late-night snacks at Melange Bar until 4 AM (included) — the best post-nightclub food access of any Desire property.
The Eden section's 2024 addition brings the newest rooms, swim-up suites, and a Diamond-tier experience to a 20-year-old property.
The rooftop Jacuzzi Lounge with 30-person capacity and ocean views remains functional and social regardless of beach sargassum conditions.
Cons
Sargassum is the primary environmental risk — Puerto Morelos beach conditions vary seasonally and can be severe April through August.
Cabanas at the main pool require advance reservation; guests who don't book early are shut out during peak periods.
Buffet dinner at El Arrecife has inconsistent temperature and quality — plan to use specialty restaurants for evening meals.
Jacuzzi pump noise has been reported in some adjacent rooms — ask at check-in whether your room is near the jacuzzi facilities.
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
Desire Riviera Maya Resort has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
