Encanto Farm & Sea is genuinely excellent — not just by resort standards, but by Los Cabos dining standards generally; the tasting menu with Baja wine pairings is the meal of the trip
The 48-room scale means the pool and beach are never crowded; loungers are always available and staff learns your name within hours of arrival
December–April whale watching from the beach and suite terraces is the single best free activity available without a boat in Los Cabos
Cons
The beach is not swimmable — riptides and wave conditions make ocean entry genuinely dangerous, and the pool is the only safe water option; guests who didn't research this are consistently disappointed
98 steps to some rooms from beach level and limited elevator coverage means the property physically challenges guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage
One restaurant for the full stay is workable for 3–4 nights but starts to feel limiting by day five even with Chef Morales rotating the menu
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
Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts 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.
