Similarities Between Sandals Resorts, Secrets Resorts, and Excellence Resorts
Whether you’re considering Sandals Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas, or Excellence Resorts, you’ll find that all three brands are known for delivering exceptional adults-only all-inclusive vacations in some of the world’s most beautiful beach destinations. Each brand caters primarily to couples seeking romance, relaxation, and luxury, making them popular choices for honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone celebrations, and romantic getaways.
All three resort collections feature elegant accommodations, multiple gourmet restaurants, premium beverages, luxurious spas, beautiful swimming pools, fitness centers, and nightly entertainment. Guests can also enjoy a variety of included activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, beach volleyball, and other land and water sports, depending on the resort.
Each brand offers upgraded room categories with additional amenities, including swim-up suites, rooftop terraces, private plunge pools, and personalized concierge or butler services at select properties. Whether you prefer a lively resort with entertainment throughout the day or a quieter boutique-style escape, Sandals, Secrets, and Excellence each offer properties designed to suit a variety of travel styles.
No matter which brand you choose, you’ll enjoy a premium adults-only vacation where exceptional service, beautiful beachfront locations, and a relaxing atmosphere are at the heart of the experience.
Sandals vs. Secrets vs. Excellence Resorts: What’s the Difference?
While all three brands offer luxury adults-only all-inclusive vacations, each has its own unique personality and caters to different types of travelers.
The first major difference is where you’ll find the resorts. Sandals Resorts are exclusively located throughout the Caribbean, with properties in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Barbados, Curaçao, Grenada, Saint Vincent, and The Bahamas. Secrets Resorts, part of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection, has a much larger footprint, with resorts throughout Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Aruba, Saint Lucia, and Europe. Excellence Resorts focuses on a smaller collection of luxury properties in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, offering a more boutique feel while maintaining consistently high service standards.
Another key difference is the overall atmosphere. Sandals is designed exclusively for couples, creating one of the most romantic environments in the all-inclusive industry. Excellence Resorts also appeals primarily to couples and honeymooners with its sophisticated, tranquil atmosphere, although it welcomes all adult travelers. Secrets Resorts attract a broader mix of guests, including couples, friends, and groups celebrating birthdays, reunions, and destination weddings, creating a slightly more social atmosphere at many properties.
The brands also differ in their included amenities. Sandals offers one of the most comprehensive all-inclusive experiences available, including airport transfers, gratuities, unlimited gourmet dining, premium spirits, green fees at select golf courses, and unlimited scuba diving for certified divers. Secrets Resorts provide an excellent all-inclusive experience, but inclusions vary by resort, and some premium experiences or amenities may carry an additional charge. Excellence Resorts are well known for spacious suites, exceptional dining, premium drinks, and attentive service, although activities and inclusions vary by destination and property.
Each brand also has its own signature accommodations. Sandals is famous for its Over-the-Water Bungalows, Rondoval Villas, Skypool Suites, and Butler Elite accommodations. Secrets Resorts offer contemporary Preferred Club suites, swim-up suites, and private plunge pool options at select properties. Excellence Resorts are known for oversized suites, Excellence Club upgrades, rooftop terrace suites with private plunge pools, and elegant swim-up accommodations that provide an upscale, relaxing experience.
Finally, consider the type of vacation you’re looking for. If your priority is a romantic Caribbean getaway with the most extensive included amenities and unique luxury accommodations, Sandals Resorts is an outstanding choice. If you want the greatest variety of destinations—especially throughout Mexico—or enjoy a livelier social atmosphere, Secrets Resorts may be the better fit. If you value personalized service, spacious suites, outstanding dining, and a peaceful luxury experience, Excellence Resorts consistently ranks among the best adults-only all-inclusive brands in the Caribbean.
Currently, the only island Sandals, Secrets, and Excellence each have all inclusive resorts is Jamaica.
My best suggestion is to start by choosing the best destination for your vacation, and then choosing the resort from there.
List of Sandals Resorts by Destination:
- Antigua
- Sandals Grande Antigua
- The Bahamas
- Sandals Royal Bahamian
- Barbados
- Sandals Barbados
- Sandals Royal Barbados
- Curaçao
- Sandals Royal Curaçao
- Grenada
- Sandals Grenada
- Jamaica
- Sandals Dunn’s River
- Sandals Montego Bay
- Sandals Negril
- Sandals Ochi
- Sandals Caribbean Cay
- Sandals Royal Plantation
- Sandals South Coast
- Saint Lucia
- Sandals Grande St. Lucian
- Sandals Halcyon Beach
- Sandals Regency La Toc
- Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
- Sandals Saint Vincent
Check out my post on The best Sandals resorts in the Caribbean
List of Secrets Resorts by Destination:
- Aruba
- Secrets Baby Beach Aruba
- Costa Rica
- Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa
- Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana
- Secrets Tides Punta Cana
- Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa
- Secrets La Romana Resort & Spa
- Jamaica
- Secrets St. James Montego Bay
- Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay
- Mexico – Cancun Area
- Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres
- Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort
- Secrets The Vine Cancun
- Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun
- Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
- Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen
- Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
- Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club
- Secrets Aura Cozumel
- Mexico – Pacific Coast
- Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort
- Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa
- Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort
- Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta
- Saint Lucia
- Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa
Check out my post on The best Secrets All Inclusive Resort options.
List of Excellence Resorts by Destination:
- Jamaica
- Excellence Oyster Bay
- Dominican Republic
- Excellence Punta Cana
- Excellence El Carmen
- Mexico – Cancun / Playa Mujeres
- Excellence Playa Mujeres
- Excellence Coral Playa Mujeres
- Mexico – Riviera Maya
- Excellence Riviera Cancun
Comparison Table
| Feature | Sandals Resorts | Secrets Resorts | Excellence Resorts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Couples & Honeymoons | Couples, Friends & Groups | Couples & Luxury Travelers |
| Destinations | Caribbean Only | Caribbean, Mexico & Europe | Mexico, Jamaica & Dominican Republic |
| Scuba Diving | ✅ Included | ❌ Extra/Varies | ❌ Extra |
| Airport Transfers | ✅ Included | Usually Included | Usually Included |
| Butler Service | ✅ Select Suites | Select Resorts | Excellence Club Service |
| Swim-Up Suites | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Private Pool Suites | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Overwater Bungalows | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Included Golf | Select Resorts | Varies | Select Resorts |
| Best Overall Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Which Brand is Best for You?
- Choose Sandals Resorts if you want the most inclusive experience, exceptional water sports, unique room categories, and a resort designed exclusively for couples. Also choose Sandals for the most exclusive Butler Service and exclusive Caribbean Island experiences.
- Choose Secrets Resorts if you’re looking for the widest variety of destinations, contemporary luxury, and a vibrant adults-only atmosphere.
- Choose Excellence Resorts if you prefer oversized suites, a quieter and more refined ambiance, exceptional dining, and personalized service with a boutique luxury feel.
The good news is that all three brands consistently deliver exceptional adults-only vacations. The best choice ultimately comes down to your preferred destination, travel style, budget, and the vacation experience you’re hoping to create.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which resort brand is better: Sandals, Secrets, or Excellence?
There isn’t a single “best” brand—it depends on the type of vacation you’re looking for. Sandals Resorts are ideal for couples wanting the most comprehensive all-inclusive experience with exceptional inclusions and unique accommodations. Secrets Resorts offer the largest variety of destinations, particularly throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, making them a great option for travelers seeking flexibility. Excellence Resorts are known for their tranquil atmosphere, oversized suites, exceptional service, and boutique luxury experience. The best choice ultimately comes down to your destination, budget, and travel style.
Which brand is best for a honeymoon?
All three brands are excellent honeymoon choices, but they each offer a different experience. Sandals Resorts specialize in romantic vacations with amenities designed exclusively for couples, including Over-the-Water Bungalows, Rondoval Villas, and Butler Elite Service. Secrets Resorts provide a contemporary luxury atmosphere with beautiful suites and vibrant nightlife, while Excellence Resorts are perfect for couples seeking a peaceful, sophisticated getaway with spacious accommodations and personalized service.
Which resort brand offers the most inclusions?
Sandals Resorts are widely recognized for offering one of the most comprehensive all-inclusive experiences in the Caribbean. In addition to unlimited gourmet dining, premium beverages, entertainment, and water sports, Sandals also includes airport transfers, gratuities, unlimited scuba diving for certified divers, and green fees at select golf courses. Secrets and Excellence also provide outstanding all-inclusive vacations, but included amenities vary by resort and destination.
Which resort brand has the best food?
All three brands receive excellent reviews for their dining experiences. Sandals offers a wide variety of specialty restaurants at each resort, Secrets is known for contemporary international cuisine and elevated dining venues, and Excellence consistently receives praise for its high-quality food, attentive service, and refined dining atmosphere. The “best” dining experience often comes down to personal preference and the individual resort you choose.
Which brand has the best rooms?
Each brand offers impressive accommodations with its own signature style. Sandals is known for Over-the-Water Bungalows, Rondoval Villas, Skypool Suites, and Butler Villas. Secrets features modern swim-up suites, Preferred Club accommodations, and private plunge pool suites at select resorts. Excellence is recognized for its oversized suites, rooftop terrace suites with plunge pools, Excellence Club upgrades, and spacious swim-up suites.
Which resort brand is the most romantic?
If romance is your top priority, Sandals Resorts are designed exclusively for couples and offer one of the most romantic all-inclusive experiences in the Caribbean. Excellence Resorts are also an excellent choice for honeymooners and couples seeking a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. Secrets Resorts maintain a romantic feel while also appealing to friends, groups, and adults celebrating a variety of occasions.
Which resort brand offers the best value?
Value depends on what’s most important to you. Sandals often has a higher starting price but includes more amenities in the upfront cost. Secrets offers a wide range of price points across many destinations, while Excellence is frequently praised for providing a luxury experience with spacious accommodations at a competitive price point. Comparing the total vacation value—not just the nightly rate—is the best way to determine which brand offers the greatest return for your budget.
Which resort brand has the most destinations?
Secrets Resorts offers the largest collection of resorts, with locations throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of Europe. Sandals Resorts are exclusively located in the Caribbean, while Excellence Resorts currently operate luxury adults-only resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
Which resort brand is best for first-time all-inclusive travelers?
All three brands are excellent introductions to luxury all-inclusive vacations. Couples looking for a worry-free Caribbean experience with the most included amenities often choose Sandals. Travelers wanting more destination choices frequently prefer Secrets, while Excellence is a favorite among guests seeking a quieter, upscale resort with exceptional service and spacious suites.
How do I decide which resort brand is right for me?
Start by asking yourself what matters most. If you’re looking for the most inclusive luxury experience designed exclusively for couples, Sandals is an excellent choice. If you want the greatest selection of destinations and a modern adults-only atmosphere, Secrets may be the better fit. If personalized service, oversized suites, and a peaceful boutique feel are your priorities, Excellence is hard to beat. Working with an experienced travel advisor can help you compare destinations, room categories, promotions, and resort personalities to find the perfect match for your vacation.
