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 Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta
Pros
Five-minute transfer from PVR airport — the most convenient location among luxury adults-only resorts in the Puerto Vallarta market.
Free-flow access to Dreams Vallarta Bay meaningfully extends the dining and amenity options without leaving the beach complex.
The proximity to Puerto Vallarta's Old Town and Malecón adds a real city dimension that remote resort destinations lack — accessible by short Uber for day or evening trips.
The Preferred Club Ocean View suites include a private terrace hot tub — a genuinely specific amenity that's not just a category label.
Cons
The main pool gets loud and crowded during peak season — chair competition starts before 9 AM and the swim-up bar generates consistent noise throughout the day.
The ocean deepens quickly and has rocky entry in sections — guests expecting a gently sloping sandy bottom will need to manage expectations.
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues.
Food quality receives mixed reviews on specific items (sushi in particular flagged) — the buffet and main grill are more consistently praised than some à la carte options.
An entertainment pool renovation is planned for summer 2025 — confirm current status if that pool is part of your stay plans.
