Only 125 suites on the property means it never feels crowded — the scale is intimate by design
Four-story waterslide directly into the Caribbean Sea is a one-of-a-kind feature
Complimentary 20-minute spa treatment and Floatarium are genuine value inclusions at this price tier
Cons
Hillside design involves significant stairs between levels — guests with mobility issues should evaluate the layout carefully before booking
Butler quality is inconsistent — some guests rate theirs exceptional, others report delays and text-only responses requiring follow-up
Last catamaran back to Cancún is around 8 PM — evening excursions to the mainland are logistically constrained
Reports of timeshare/vacation club sales calls to rooms, including early-morning calls, undermine the luxury atmosphere
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
Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Sandals Royal Barbados is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
