Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa vs Sandals Royal Barbados
Dreams Resorts & Spas vs Sandals Resorts— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | — | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | — | 5.0 |
| Room Count | — | 222 |
| Restaurants | 11 | 21 |
| Pools | 6 | 11 |
| Year Opened | — | 2017 |
| Year Renovated | 2019 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa | 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 Onyx Resort & Spa | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 28 | 26 |
| Included | 28 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 15 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 15 | 12 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 28 | 24 |
| Included | 21 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa
Pros
- Friendly and attentive service from staff, with many guests highlighting specific individuals.
- Impressive pool infrastructure including multiple pools, a lazy river, and a thrilling water park with four slides.
- Wide variety and high quality of dining options, particularly the French and steakhouse à la carte restaurants.
- Convenience of unlimited gourmet à la carte dining with a no-reservations policy.
- Beautifully maintained grounds and property creating an inviting atmosphere.
- Adult guests enjoy full access to dining and entertainment amenities at the adjacent adults-only Breathless Punta Cana.
- Generally well-received nightly entertainment and themed parties, offering diverse options.
- Reliable and good quality WiFi service available throughout the resort.
- Every suite features a private whirlpool on its furnished balcony or terrace.
- Comprehensive family-friendly amenities, including dedicated and supervised kids' and teens' clubs.
Cons
- Some guests have noted occasional issues with cleanliness in certain rooms and public areas.
- Inconsistent service quality has been reported by a minority of guests.
- Occasional noise levels, particularly in certain areas or during peak times, can be a concern.
- The main buffet dining options can sometimes feel repetitive for longer stays.
- The Asian restaurant has received mixed feedback regarding its quality.
- Midday pool crowds can be significant, especially for guests not staying in the Preferred Club section.
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
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while Dreams Onyx Resort & Spa offers more activities.