Praia de Lacacao is one of the most visually impressive beaches at any Riu property — wide, white, and uncrowded.
The adults-only zone with Kulinarium access provides a noticeably calmer experience than the main resort.
Boa Vista's turtle nesting season (July–October) adds a genuinely rare excursion option not available at any other RIU location.
Pool temperatures are maintained in winter — Boa Vista can be cool in December and January, and heated pools matter.
Cons
Ocean swimming is genuinely limited by Atlantic swell — guests expecting Caribbean-style calm water will be disappointed.
The resort's décor and room finishes show their age ahead of the 2026 refurbishment; don't book expecting a fresh property.
Boa Vista's isolation means off-resort dining and nightlife essentially don't exist — you're committing to the property for your entire stay.
Most specialty restaurants require reservations and operate limited sittings — failing to book on arrival day means settling for the main buffet.
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 a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Hotel Riu Touareg is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues.
