The natural saltwater pool is a legitimate differentiator — 3,000 sq m with no chlorine, notably gentler on skin and eyes
Adults-only infinity pool stays open until midnight with Pacific views and nearly no crowd after 8 PM
Baby Club accepts children from age one, which is younger than most resort programs — a real advantage for parents with toddlers
Weekly beach BBQ and Friday tequila tasting break up the dining routine on longer stays
Sustainable tourism credentials (EarthCheck, Travelife Gold) are audited certifications, not self-reported claims
Cons
50-minute transfer from Puerto Vallarta airport and no walkable restaurants or shops — you are committed to the resort once you arrive
Property spread means 10-15 minute walks between some buildings and the beach — not ideal if mobility is a concern
A la carte restaurants book out during peak season; guests who don't reserve on arrival day end up at the buffet by default
Many rooms face garden rather than ocean despite the beachfront setting — check your room category carefully before booking
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 Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa offers more activities.
