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
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
Pros
Sea turtle snorkeling from the beach is genuinely free with included gear — no boat, no tour group, no extra fee.
Calm, protected bay water makes Akumal Beach usable for swimming every day, unlike exposed beaches that get rough in wind.
The Quiet Pool area delivers on its name — animation staff stay at the main pool and leave it alone.
All 434 rooms are suites with jetted tubs; there are no standard hotel rooms on property.
The app-based concierge via WhatsApp is fast and actually responsive — better than the front desk phone.
Cons
Themed restaurant dinners routinely run 2.5-3 hours due to slow service pacing — plan your evening schedule around this.
Preferred pool and beach loungers fill by 8 a.m. in high season; late risers will be scrambling for spots.
Cancún airport (CUN) transfer is 1 hour 20+ minutes each way — budget that time into arrival and departure days.
Summary
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues.
