Bowling, laser tag, and trampoline park inside the resort solve the 'what do we do on a rainy day or at noon in August heat' problem that most all-inclusives can't answer
At 1,005 suites with 20+ dining venues (including Stay at 1, Play at 2 access to Royalton Riviera Cancun), variety doesn't become a problem on week-long stays
The indoor pool is a practical advantage that Cancun resort guests rarely think about until they need it
The Winery is genuinely unusual for an all-inclusive in Mexico — if wine is important to you, this is a meaningful differentiator
Cons
1,005 suites is a very large resort — main buffet and primary pools get crowded during peak season; this is not a resort for guests who value quiet or intimacy
Entertainment activities (bowling, laser tag, escape room) have limited capacity and sign-up fills on arrival day — late check-ins may miss availability for the week
At this scale, service can feel impersonal compared to smaller all-inclusives at similar price points
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 Splash Riviera Cancun, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort is the larger property, while Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
