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
SLS Playa Mujeres Cancun
Pros
Kosher dining program (Liora) is one of the only fully certified kosher all-inclusive options in Cancun — a meaningful differentiator for observant guests
Two adults-only pools give couples dedicated space away from family areas, which most Cancun all-inclusives don't manage well
Playa Mujeres beach is better maintained and less trafficked than the Hotel Zone beaches — genuinely one of the best beach settings in the Cancun market
Opening November 2024 means everything from rooms to restaurants is new — no aging infrastructure concerns
Complimentary thermal bath experience at the spa is usually an extra charge at most all-inclusives
Cons
35–55 minute airport transfer from Cancun International is among the longer transfers in the market — factor this in with young children or late-night arrivals
Summary
SLS Playa Mujeres Cancun has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while SLS Playa Mujeres Cancun is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues, while Sandals Royal Barbados offers more activities.
