Passion by Martín Berasategui consistently delivers better food than any comparable all-inclusive specialty restaurant in the Riviera Maya — book it for your first or second evening
Mangrove forest setting provides genuine shade and privacy unavailable at beach-strip resorts — rooms are quieter and the property feels less like a hotel complex
Room renovation in 2020–21 means contemporary finishes without the dated décor common in older Playa del Carmen all-inclusives
Cons
The main buffet (Bana) food temperature is consistently reported as lukewarm — not hot — across multiple guest reviews; use specialty restaurants for most dinners to avoid this
Beach access requires a shuttle or 10-minute walk — this is not a walk-out-to-the-waves property; the mangrove location creates the atmosphere but removes the immediacy of beach living
Sargassum seaweed at this stretch of Riviera Maya coast can be severe from May through October — the cenote pools become primary swim areas during bad weeks
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 more restaurants, while Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Paradisus La Perla - Adults Only - Riviera Maya has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
