Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya by Karisma - Adults Only
Sandals Royal Barbados
Our Rating
8.1
8.2
Star Rating
5.0
5.0
Room Count
355
222
Restaurants
5
21
Pools
3
11
Year Opened
2023
2017
Year Renovated
2020
2021
Features
Metric
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya by Karisma - Adults Only
Sandals Royal Barbados
All-Inclusive
Yes
Yes
Adults Only
Yes
Yes
Beach Access
Yes
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Kids Club
No
No
Dining Comparison
Metric
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya by Karisma - Adults Only
Sandals Royal Barbados
Total Venues
12
26
Included
12
26
Extra Charge
0
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya by Karisma - Adults Only
Sandals Royal Barbados
Room Categories
13
12
Suite Categories
9
12
Activities Comparison
Metric
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya by Karisma - Adults Only
Sandals Royal Barbados
Total Activities
21
24
Included
19
18
Extra Charge
2
6
Pros & Cons
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya by Karisma - Adults Only
Pros
The beachfront LandShark Brewery is the only one in Mexico in a beachfront location — house-brewed lager with the Caribbean visible from your barstool is the defining experience
Adults-only (18+) enforcement means the pool and beach maintain an atmosphere suited to relaxed adults rather than active families — the target guest finds this a strong asset
TropRock live music programming gives evening entertainment a specific character that generic adults-only resorts lack
Cons
The TropRock music focus and Baby Boomer demographic skew of the guest mix may not suit adults under 35 seeking a more contemporary vibe
Puerto Morelos beach water clarity varies with reef conditions — not always the postcard-clear Caribbean visible in the marketing photography
At 355 suites, this is larger than boutique but smaller than the mega-resorts — guests who want a specific activity roster (water park, multiple entertainment venues) need a larger property
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 Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya by Karisma - Adults Only is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
