Sandals Royal Barbados vs Viva Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Sandals Resorts vs Viva Wyndham Resorts — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Sandals Royal Barbados | Viva Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.2 | 7.8 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Room Count | 222 | 604 |
| Restaurants | 21 | 6 |
| Pools | 11 | 4 |
| Year Opened | 2017 | — |
| Year Renovated | 2021 | — |
Features
| Metric | Sandals Royal Barbados | Viva Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | No |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | Yes |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Royal Barbados | Viva Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 26 | 12 |
| Included | 26 | 12 |
| Extra Charge | 0 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Royal Barbados | Viva Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 12 | 8 |
| Suite Categories | 12 | 0 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Royal Barbados | Viva Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 24 | 24 |
| Included | 18 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 6 | 6 |
Pros & Cons
Sandals Royal Barbados
Pros
- 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
Viva Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort
Pros
- The supervised flying trapeze is available for adults and children alike — the single most distinctive activity at any Playa del Carmen all-inclusive
- 12,200 sq meter main pool has enough room for the full occupancy without feeling overcrowded — a rarity at 600+ room resorts
- The beach cleaning program keeps seaweed levels manageable even in the May–October season when neighboring resorts struggle
Cons
- 604 rooms opened in 2002 means some buildings show significant age in finishes and fixtures — room condition varies noticeably by building
- At 604 rooms, service response times in restaurants and at bars can slow during peak meal periods
Summary
Sandals Royal Barbados has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more restaurants, while Viva Maya by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive Resort is the larger property, while Sandals Royal Barbados has more dining venues.