Infinity pools with Banderas Bay panoramas from a hillside elevation are genuinely different from any beachfront resort in the area
Trekking trails through the ecological reserve offer bird watching through Sierra Madre jungle — you'll see species not present at beachfront resorts
Adults-only pool area with tree-shaded hot tubs is one of the more atmospheric outdoor spaces on the Riviera Nayarit
Makawe Spa's palm-hut treatment rooms in the jungle garden are architecturally distinctive — the setting enhances the experience
Master Suite plunge pool with bay views plus butler service is a genuinely excellent configuration for couples
Cons
No beach at the resort — Eva Mandarina Beach Club requires a 10-minute shuttle with a limited schedule; plan your beach days around it
Hilly terraced layout requires significant walking and stair navigation — not ideal if mobility is a concern
Most a la carte restaurants are adults-only — families with children have fewer specialty dining options
Evening buffet quality draws mixed reviews; the a la carte restaurants are meaningfully better but limited seats require early 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 Sandals Royal Barbados is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Grand Sirenis Matlali Hills Resort & Spa offers more activities.
