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 Baby Beach Aruba
Pros
Baby Beach lagoon water is genuinely exceptional — shallow, calm, and clear, with no surf and no seaweed.
Modern 2025 property with design-forward rooms; no aging infrastructure issues common at older all-inclusives.
Ground-level private plunge pool suites deliver actual privacy — not just a larger balcony.
Tierra (South American) and Portofino (Italian) are the standout dinner restaurants and deliver above-average quality for an all-inclusive.
The hydrotherapy circuit's cenote-style reflecting pool is a genuinely distinctive spa element.
Cons
The beach is a 5-minute walk across a service road — not a direct-beachfront property despite the name.
Alcohol cannot be served by resort staff at the public Baby Beach section.
Soundproofing is poor — rooms near the plaza area get event noise clearly at night.
Summary
Secrets Baby Beach Aruba has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Secrets Baby Beach Aruba is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Secrets Baby Beach Aruba offers more activities.
