AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star simultaneously — one of the most decorated all-inclusive resorts in Mexico
Suites start at 1,000 sq ft with private terraces, ocean views, and 24-hour butler concierge — the entry level here exceeds most competitors' premium categories
Premium spirits, wines, and 24-hour room service are fully included — not standard at most all-inclusives, even premium ones
Banderas Bay is swimmable — actual ocean swimming possible, unlike Los Cabos Pacific corridor properties
Cons
Pool lounger competition peaks by 8 AM in high season (December through March) — early rising is required for preferred positions
Some ocean view suites have partial obstructions from palm trees or the Selva del Mar restaurant building — ask at booking about specific suite positioning
Piaf and Frida fill up during high season — book before arrival rather than assuming walk-in availability
Sandals Barbados
Pros
Complimentary PADI-certified scuba diving is included — multiple dives per day at no extra charge, which alone can save $200–400 versus a typical dive resort setup
The Merry Monkey English pub is genuinely one of the best bars in the Sandals portfolio — staff are cited by name in guest reviews, which tells you something about the culture there
Crystal Lagoon river pool is the most unusual pool configuration in the combined Barbados property — the flowing connected system is worth booking a swim-up suite for
15-minute airport transfer from BGI is among the shortest for any luxury all-inclusive in the Caribbean — late arrivals arrive to the resort, not a transit van
Fevergrass spa treatments are genuinely local to Barbados — a meaningful touch at a Caribbean spa
Cons
Dover Beach can have rough surf on high-wind days — ocean swimming may be limited; Maxwell Beach (Royal Barbados) is the fallback with calmer conditions
Restaurant reservation system causes frustration — book all specialty dining on arrival day and photograph the schedule
Summary
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Barbados has more restaurants, while Sandals Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Barbados offers more activities.
