Le Morne's reef-protected lagoon offers genuinely calm, safe swimming — rare on Mauritius and a real advantage over many competitors.
Windsurfing, kayaking, and SUP are included; at most Mauritius properties, non-motorized water sports cost extra.
Being built in 2024 means rooms and public areas are in excellent condition — no renovation fatigue or dated infrastructure.
The kitesurfing conditions at Le Morne are world-class; independent schools nearby can be arranged in advance.
Cons
75 minutes from MRU airport means a long transfer — factor this into arrival and departure planning.
The specialty restaurants (Indian and Steakhouse) require reservations and are restricted to 3+ night guests, limiting access on short stays.
Le Morne's remote location means off-resort dining and exploration requires full excursion days rather than casual outings.
At 390 rooms, this is Riu's smaller Indian Ocean property — if you want the scale and dining variety of Riu Palace Mauritius, this isn't it.
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 Turquoise is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
