Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton vs Sandals Royal Barbados: Which is Better? (2026) | Resort Flock
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton vs Sandals Royal Barbados
Dreams Karibana Cartagena 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
268
222
Restaurants
6
21
Pools
5
11
Year Opened
2022
2017
Year Renovated
—
2021
Features
Metric
Dreams Karibana Cartagena 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 Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Sandals Royal Barbados
Total Venues
13
26
Included
12
26
Extra Charge
1
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Sandals Royal Barbados
Room Categories
15
12
Suite Categories
15
12
Activities Comparison
Metric
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Sandals Royal Barbados
Total Activities
23
24
Included
21
18
Extra Charge
2
6
Pros & Cons
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort, by AMR Collection, an All-Inclusive Resort by Hilton
Pros
TPC Cartagena golf course access — the only TPC-certified course in South America, and it's adjacent to the property.
Free weekend shuttle to the historic Walled City of Cartagena — a UNESCO World Heritage site that's genuinely worth visiting.
Scuba diving is listed as included (unusual for an all-inclusive at this price tier) — verify on arrival.
Four tennis courts plus structured clinics is more tennis infrastructure than most comparable resorts.
All suites start at 589 sq ft — the entry-level room is genuinely spacious.
Cons
Strong winds on Manzanillo Beach can blow sand and make extended beach time uncomfortable on gusty days.
The Karibana gate security is reported by some guests as creating minor friction for incoming taxis or visitors — factor this into transport planning.
Six dining venues for 268 rooms is a lower ratio than other AMR Collection properties — peak-hour waits at World Café are reported.
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 Karibana Cartagena 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.
