Mai Khao Beach location is genuinely uncrowded and natural — adjacent to Sirinat National Park rather than the commercial resort strip
20-minute transfer from HKT — one of the shorter Phuket resort transfers given the island's typical traffic
All-inclusive eliminates per-item billing that makes standard Phuket hotels expensive day-to-day
504 rooms all in suite format — no standard double rooms anywhere on the property
Cons
Opening June 26, 2026 means no operational track record — first-season guests are the testing cohort for staff, kitchen, and systems
The Thai restaurant quality cannot be verified pre-opening — Thai food authenticity at resort all-inclusives varies dramatically
Mai Khao's remote location means off-property dining and shopping requires a car or resort shuttle — less spontaneous than central Phuket
Elite Club pricing premium adds cost without a track record to evaluate whether the benefits are delivered as promised
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
Service at restaurants and bars is noted as slower than expected given the pricing — allow extra time for meals
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Palace Phuket is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
