Occidental at Xcaret Destination vs Sandals Royal Barbados
Occidental Hotels vs Sandals Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Occidental at Xcaret Destination | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | — | 222 |
| Restaurants | 11 | 21 |
| Pools | 7 | 11 |
| Year Opened | — | 2017 |
| Year Renovated | 2016 | 2021 |
Features
| Metric | Occidental at Xcaret Destination | 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 | Occidental at Xcaret Destination | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 20 | 26 |
| Included | 19 | 26 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Occidental at Xcaret Destination | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 7 | 12 |
| Suite Categories | 4 | 12 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Occidental at Xcaret Destination | Sandals Royal Barbados |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 24 |
| Included | 17 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 8 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Occidental at Xcaret Destination
Pros
- The Xcaret park adjacency is the single most specific reason to choose this property over other Riviera Maya all-inclusives — underground rivers, Mayan ruins, wildlife, and the nightly Espectacular show within walking distance.
- The Teen Club fills a genuine gap — most Riviera Maya family resorts have kids' clubs that stop at age 12, leaving teenagers without a dedicated space.
- The adults-only saltwater pool is a distinctive option — saltwater is preferred by many guests over chlorinated freshwater.
Cons
- 765 rooms at peak occupancy produces significant buffet crowding and pool competition for sun loungers.
- Premium spirits cost extra even on the all-inclusive package — budget for this or consider the Royal Level upgrade.
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
- The scale of the combined Royal Barbados and Sandals Barbados property means it's a larger, more crowded operation than quieter Sandals resorts
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Occidental at Xcaret Destination offers more activities.