The Stay at One, Play at Four program is the best practical perk in the Playa del Carmen Riu cluster — daytime access to Riu Yucatan and Riu Playacar meaningfully increases dining and pool options for longer stays.
The adults-only infinity pool at 800 sq m with ocean views and waiter service is one of the better pool experiences in Riviera Maya — rarely crowded.
The in-room liquor dispenser with gin, tequila, vodka, and rum (restocked daily) is a legitimately useful amenity for guests who drink moderately.
Playacar Beach is one of the better accessible Riviera Maya beaches — calm water and wide white sand.
Cons
The beach is not on-site — the 800-meter walk or shuttle requirement is a real inconvenience on multiple daily visits, especially in July–August heat.
The main pool area is extremely active — if you need quiet pool time, the 12,200 sq m main pool is not it.
The evening show program repeats within a week — guests staying 7+ nights will see repeated acts.
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 Tequila is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Hotel Riu Tequila offers more activities.
