Excellence Playa Mujeres vs Sandals Royal Barbados
Excellence Resorts vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Excellence Playa Mujeres | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.0 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 450 | 222 |
| Restaurants | 13 | 21 |
| Pools | 7 | 11 |
| Year Opened | 2007 | 2017 |
| Year Renovated | — | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Excellence Playa Mujeres | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Excellence Playa Mujeres | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 22 | 26 |
| Included | 22 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Excellence Playa Mujeres | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 12 | 12 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Excellence Playa Mujeres | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 22 | 24 |
| Included | 15 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 7 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Excellence Playa Mujeres
Pros
- Phenomenal and attentive service from all staff members
- Delicious food with a wide variety of 13 dining options
- No reservation requirements for most à la carte restaurants
- No 'nickel-and-diming'; items like lobster are included
- Beautifully maintained grounds and immaculate facilities
- Seven diverse pools including lively, quiet, and exclusive Club areas
- Pristine white-sand beach with tranquil, swimmable waters
- Spacious, clean, and modern suites featuring whirlpool tubs
- Highlight hydrotherapy spa experience at Miilé Spa
Cons
- Some areas of the resort may feel a bit dated to repeat guests
- Lazy river can experience mosquito issues during rainy season
- Nightlife is generally not 'wild,' which may disappoint party-goers
- Ground-floor rooms may offer less privacy for guests
- Beach, while calm, might not be as expansive as Cancun's Hotel Zone for some preferences
- Secluded location means longer drives for off-site excursions
Sandals Royal Barbados
Pros
- Extensive dining variety with 20-21 restaurants across two resorts due to 'Stay at One, Play at Two' access.
- Multiple unique pools, including a beachfront infinity pool and the Caribbean's first rooftop infinity pool and bar.
- Friendly, warm, and accommodating staff, with excellent butler service for those in applicable suites.
- Beautiful white-sand Maxwell Beach with calm, blue waters, ideal for relaxation and swimming.
- Exceptional gardens and well-maintained landscaping contribute to the resort's luxurious ambiance.
- Modern feel, clean rooms, and luxurious all-suite accommodations, especially SkyPool and Swim-up suites.
- Unique 'Sandals Firsts' features such as the four-lane bowling alley, craft beer bar, and gourmet donut shop.
- Wide array of included water and land sports, including scuba diving for certified guests and glass-bottom boat tours.
- Conveniently close to Grantley Adams International Airport with included round-trip transfers.
- Comprehensive 'Luxury Included' program covering all tips, taxes, gratuities, and Wi-Fi.
Summary
Excellence Playa Mujeres has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Excellence Playa Mujeres is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.