Included access to Royalton Splash's water park next door — this is genuinely free and unlimited, not a token day pass
Post-2024 renovation means all 317 rooms have new finishes — one of the most recently refreshed properties on Bavaro Beach
All rooms are Diamond Club tier, so butler service and lounge access come standard without an upgrade fee
Gourmet Marché buffet draws consistently positive reviews for quality and variety — above average for the brand
23–32 minute airport transfer from PUJ is one of the shorter drives on Bavaro Beach
Cons
Drink service at the buffet is consistently reported as slow — the food quality is praised but drinks often require multiple requests
At 409 sq ft, the entry rooms are smaller than comparable properties at this price point on Bavaro Beach
Vendors have been reported entering hotel grounds — more of an issue near the beach entrance than inland
Some minor punch-list maintenance items in newly renovated rooms — flag any issues at check-in rather than day 3
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
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Royalton Punta Cana, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
