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
Sunscape Akumal Beach Resort & Spa
Pros
Rex Dino Land water park and active Kids/Teen Club programming make this a practical family choice — the animation team is a specific strength relative to competitors in the same price tier.
Akumal Bay's natural sea turtle snorkeling is a genuinely unique ecological experience accessible within a few minutes of the resort.
Ten restaurants is unusually broad for a Sunscape property — more à la carte variety than most mid-tier all-inclusives offer.
The 2019 renovation means rooms are in reasonably modern condition compared to un-renovated older Riviera Maya properties.
Cons
Wi-Fi is not included for standard room guests — a meaningful limitation for families traveling with teenagers who expect connectivity.
The mandatory Environmental Tax and Resort Fee charges separately at check-in — budget accordingly.
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Sunscape Akumal Beach Resort & Spa is the larger property, while Sunscape Akumal Beach Resort & Spa has more dining venues, while Sunscape Akumal Beach Resort & Spa offers more activities.
