The 42,000 sqm Murjana Waterpark is Saudi Arabia's first integrated hotel waterpark—children aged 5–14 will not want to leave, which is the key selling point for families.
The 111-meter main pool is genuinely wide enough for lap swimming at off-peak hours (before 9 AM), unusual for a resort pool.
Overwater villas are among the only examples of this accommodation category currently operating on Saudi soil—a genuine novelty for the market.
Separate ladies-only pool and beach are purpose-built and fully enclosed, not token add-ons—a meaningful differentiator for Saudi female guests.
Rixy Kids Club and Teens Club both run until 9 PM, giving parents a genuine evening window.
Cons
The resort opened in early 2026, meaning several dining venues were still listed as 'opening soon' at launch—not everything in the brochure will be operational on your arrival.
Transfer from Jeddah airport takes 90–120 minutes, making it a half-day commitment to get there. Factor this into short-stay planning.
Entirely alcohol-free. Guests who drink should know this in advance—there is no workaround.
Room service carries an extra charge not covered by the all-inclusive, which is an unexpected exception in an ultra all-inclusive 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
Summary
Rixos Murjana - Ultra All Inclusive 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.
