Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton vs Sandals Royal Barbados: Which is Better? (2026) | Resort Flock
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton vs Sandals Royal Barbados
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Sandals Royal Barbados
Our Rating
8.1
8.2
Star Rating
5.0
5.0
Room Count
358
222
Restaurants
8
21
Pools
5
11
Year Opened
2024
2017
Year Renovated
2024
2021
Features
Metric
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
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
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Sandals Royal Barbados
Total Venues
14
26
Included
14
26
Extra Charge
0
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Sandals Royal Barbados
Room Categories
6
12
Suite Categories
6
12
Activities Comparison
Metric
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Sandals Royal Barbados
Total Activities
22
24
Included
18
18
Extra Charge
4
6
Pros & Cons
Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Pros
Brand new (2024) — no maintenance backlog, modern finishes throughout, and equipment that hasn't been through years of salt air and heavy use.
The lazy river with caves is a distinctive feature not available at most Mazatlán properties.
10–25 minute airport transfer is shorter than comparable Pacific Mexico resorts.
TPC golf course adjacent — a genuine draw for serious golfers not available elsewhere in South America.
The turtle sanctuary next door (July–December) provides an unusual wildlife experience within walking distance.
Cons
The beach is unreliable for swimming due to Pacific currents — this is a meaningful limitation for guests who book specifically for a beach-swimming holiday.
Eight dining venues for 358 suites is a lower ratio than comparable AMR Collection properties — the buffet can feel crowded during peak meal windows.
The gated Estrella del Mar location means any trip to Mazatlán's city center or historic downtown requires arranging transport.
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
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
