Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure
Sandals Royal Barbados
Our Rating
9.0
8.2
Star Rating
4.0
5.0
Room Count
—
222
Restaurants
6
21
Pools
4
11
Year Opened
2025
2017
Year Renovated
2017
2021
Features
Metric
Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure
Sandals Royal Barbados
All-Inclusive
Yes
Yes
Adults Only
No
Yes
Beach Access
Yes
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Kids Club
Yes
No
Dining Comparison
Metric
Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure
Sandals Royal Barbados
Total Venues
17
26
Included
14
26
Extra Charge
3
0
Room Comparison
Metric
Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure
Sandals Royal Barbados
Room Categories
7
12
Suite Categories
5
12
Activities Comparison
Metric
Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure
Sandals Royal Barbados
Total Activities
23
24
Included
20
18
Extra Charge
3
6
Pros & Cons
Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure
Pros
300 yards of calm, protected bay beach with included non-motorized water sports — kayaks, windsurfers, boogie boards, and snorkeling — represents genuine beach-use value.
The pirate-themed kids' pool with waterslides, rock climbing wall, and mini-golf give this property a broader family activity footprint than most Riviera Nayarit competitors.
The Tranquil Pool with its no-music policy is a thoughtful design decision — a rare practical amenity in a family resort for adults who want to swim quietly.
Cons
The specialty restaurant reservation system is the resort's biggest operational frustration — with 6 restaurants for 496 rooms, demand consistently exceeds availability.
Main pool and main buffet dining room noise levels are frequently described as very high — the outdoor patio at Casa Bella and the Tranquil Pool are the practical alternatives.
Room service carries an extra charge — not a standard all-inclusive inclusion here.
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
Marival Emotions Resort & Suites Riviera Nayarit by Mercure has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
