Featuring an expansive central swimming pool overlooking the beach with two swim-up bars, The Royal Sands is popular among families. The Royal Caribbean (Baa1) and The Royal Islander (Baa1), two other Royal properties in Cancun, offer lower rates and a better overall value (and going the all-inclusive route isn’t mandatory, as it is at The Royal Sands for non-owners), but the two are farther from Cancun’s nightlife and the rooms are slightly lower quality. At The Royal Sands, timeshare sales pitches can be a nuisance, the rooms show some wear and have dated furniture, there are just two on-site restaurants (which is well below average for an all-inclusive; plus, the buffet option is so-so at best) and it’s sometimes necessary to switch rooms mid-stay (since it’s a timeshare property); but the resort offers an alluring white-sand beach with plenty of space and palapas for shade, an excellent on-site restaurant in Hacienda Sisal, a good beach volleyball court, a relatively large kids pool, fairly strong fitness and spa facilities, and an on-site grocery store. Room types include two bedroom, two bathroom suites (sleep up to six); one bedroom, one bathroom suites (sleep up to four); and rooms for two. The suites are particularly family-friendly, as they come with full kitchens and spacious living and dining areas, plus large balconies. Activities include yoga classes, Latin dance classes, pool games, and arts and crafts. On-site water sports are lacking, but nearby Aquaworld has plenty. A free shuttle is available to the other Royal properties in the area, and the Kukulcan Plaza shopping mall is within walking distance.
Complimentary COVID-19 antigen tests are available on-site for guests traveling back to the United States. In the event of a positive test, Royal Resorts will cover the cost of accommodations and meals for the affected guest (from the resort’s COVID Recovery Menu) for up to 14 days (restrictions apply).