Sandals vs Secrets vs Excellence Resorts (2025 Comparison)

Are you trying to decide between Sandals, Secrets, or Excellence Resorts?

It’s one of the most common questions we get from clients planning their first adults-only all-inclusive vacation or from those wanting to try something new.

As awarded Sandals Chairman's Club Diamond Elite travel experts, Angela and I have personally been to every Sandals Resort and stayed at the top Secrets and Excellence properties across the Caribbean and Mexico.

While we specialize in Sandals, we’ll be the first to tell you that no single brand is perfect for everyone, as each resort brand caters to slightly different priorities.

Maybe you’re planning your honeymoon and want everything taken care of, from champagne on arrival to scuba diving twice a day. Or maybe you’re traveling with friends and need different bedding configurations, or you want the best beachfront suite you can find, without breaking the bank.

The truth is that Sandals, Secrets, and Excellence all offer beautiful destinations, great food, and upscale service, but they’re designed for different types of travelers. The “right” one depends on your style, budget, and vacation goals.

So in this guide, we’ll break it all down, honestly... We'll talk about where each brand shines. Where they fall short. What kind of experience you can expect. And most importantly, which one is right for you.

Let’s start with a quick glance comparison, then we’ll give you a more detailed breakdown of what makes each brand unique.

Quick Comparison Table

What Do Sandals, Secrets, and Excellence Have in Common?

The Shared All-Inclusive Experience

No matter which brand you choose, Sandals, Secrets, or Excellence, you’re going to get an adults-only vacation that feels elevated, pampering, and refreshingly kid-free.

That’s the first big commonality: no children, ever.

These resorts are designed with grown-up getaways in mind, whether you're looking for the perfect resort to celebrate a honeymoon, anniversary, or a much-needed break from the chaos of daily life. The vibe across all three brands is romantic, relaxed, and meant to help you reconnect with each other, or just recharge solo in peace.

They also all operate under a true all-inclusive model, your food, drinks, and most daily activities are bundled into your stay. You won’t be nickel-and-dimed every time you order a cocktail or grab a poolside snack. And depending on the resort and room category, you’ll also enjoy 24-hour room service, top-shelf liquor, and plenty of dining options without paying extra.

Here’s what else they have in common:

Beautiful beachfront locations: Every property sits on or near a beach (some better than others, we’ll get into that), with postcard-worthy views and plenty of ways to soak in the scenery.
Swim-up bars & infinity pools: Whether you want to sip cocktails in the water or lounge by a quiet pool, these resorts have you covered.
Romantic dining experiences: Think candlelit dinners on the beach, open-air restaurants with ocean views, and menus that range from fresh seafood to steakhouse classics.
Upscale accommodations: You’ll find suites with soaking tubs, private balconies, or even private plunge pools, plus spa services that take unwinding to the next level.

All three brands are popular with couples celebrating honeymoons, anniversaries, vow renewals, or milestone birthdays. And all of them are built around the idea that your time together should be easy, luxurious, and stress-free.

But while they share a lot of similarities, the differences, especially in what’s included, the vibe, and the type of traveler each caters to, can make or break your experience.

That’s what we’ll get into next.

Choosing The Right Resort: What Matters Most, Romance? Adventure? Quiet?

“Best” is different for everyone. The right resort isn’t about the fanciest room or the cheapest deal, it’s about what kind of experience you want.

Before we go into the deeper resort breakdowns, let’s tackle a few of the most common questions we get from our clients who are considering Sandals, Secrets, and Excellence.

Which Is Best For Couples Who Want Scuba Diving Included?

If scuba diving is even remotely on your radar, the answer is easy: Sandals wins this category hands down.

At Sandals, certified divers get two tanks per day included in their stay, plus all the gear and PADI-certified guides. If you’re not certified, they offer a full Open Water course right on-site, or a resort course if you’re just looking to try it out.

Secrets and Excellence both offer diving through and off-resort excursion, but it’s always at an extra cost, and in some cases, the logistics (gear rental, transportation, dive operators) can make it a bit of a hassle. For active couples or dive-curious honeymooners, Sandals Grenada, Sandals St. Lucia, Sandals St. Vincent, or Sandals Royal Curaçao are excellent picks.

“What If I’m Traveling Solo Or With Friends?”

This is where Sandals shows its limits. Sandals is exclusively couples-only, which is amazing for romance, but less flexible if you’re traveling with a friend, a sibling, or as a solo guest. If you’re traveling with a friend, know that each room at Sandals comes with a king bed only.

If you're looking for a little more flexibility, Secrets and Excellence are both adults-only, but not couples-exclusive. You can travel solo, with a friend, or even with a group. We often recommend Secrets for friend trips or bachelorette-style getaways, they still feel upscale, but without the “everyone here is honeymooning except us” vibe.

“Are There Big Differences In Food, Rooms, Or Beaches?”

Yes, and they can really impact your experience.

Food: All three brands offer great food overall, but the style varies.

Sandals features global gourmet dining with an emphasis on island flavors featuring standout spots like Buccan at St. Vincent and Gatsu Gatsu in Barbados.
Secrets leans mexican with French, Italian, and Asian options across most resorts.
Excellence has a reputation for consistent, high-quality dining

Rooms:

Sandals is the only one with Rondoval suites, Overwater Bungalows, and Tranquility Soaking Tubs™ in many room categories.
Excellence rooms are often larger, more modern, and great for those who want a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.
Secrets focuses on elegance and comfort, but their room design varies more widely across resorts.

Beaches:

Sandals has outstanding beach access across most of its Caribbean locations.
Secrets can be hit or miss, some have rocky shorelines or limited swimming areas (like Akumal or Moxché), while others like Maroma are great..
Excellence Playa Mujeres is often considered the gold standard for beach + privacy + walkability in Mexico.

Tipping:

Sandals has a strict no tipping policy.
Secrets & Excellence encourage tipping which is an added expense and possible inconvenience when having to carry cash throughout the resort.

Sandals Resorts: Built for Romance & Luxury Adventure

If you’re a couple looking for a romantic, upscale vacation that’s also packed with things to do, Sandals is in a league of its own. This is the brand Angela and I know inside and out. We've stayed at every one of their 17 resorts, worked directly with the Sandals team for over 15 years, and helped thousands of couples experience the very best of what these properties have to offer.

Why Sandals Stands Out

What makes Sandals different is its singular focus on couples. Everything is designed around romance, from the layout of the resorts to the in-room features to the way staff interact with guests. You won’t see corporate groups or bachelor parties here. It’s just you and your partner, in paradise.

But what really sets Sandals apart is the value-packed all-inclusiveness:

Scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing, and golf? All included.
Airport transfers and gratuities? Included.
Top-shelf liquor and gourmet dining? Included.
Wedding packages with a stay of 3+ nights? Included.

You also get signature room categories you simply won’t find at Secrets or Excellence:

Rondoval Suites with private plunge pools
Overwater Bungalows with see-through floors
Suites with Tranquility Soaking Tubs™ on the balcony

And if you want variety, you’re in luck, Sandals offers exchange privileges, so you can stay at one resort and visit others nearby (like Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean, or the three St. Lucia properties). It’s one of the most underrated perks, especially for longer trips.

Finally, Sandals has one of the most generous loyalty programs in the industry, Sandals Select Rewards, which gives our returning clients exclusive discounts, VIP treatment, and advance access to new resort openings.

What Are The Best Sandals For..

Here’s how we guide our clients based on their vacation goals:

Scuba Lovers: Choose Sandals Grenada (wreck diving + sculpture parks) or Sandals St. Vincent (untouched reef systems, crystal visibility)
Beach Walks + Watersports: You can’t beat Sandals South Coast Jamaica, two miles of private beach and calm, swimmable waters
Nightlife: Head to Sandals Ochi for multiple bars, a true speakeasy (The Rabbit Hole), and the most social vibe in the brand
Private Pool Suites: Sandals Royal Curacao and Sandals Royal Barbados offer the most elegant swim-up and plunge pool options
Foodies: Sandals St. Vincent is the newest star with Buccan (live fire cooking) and Gatsu Gatsu, a high-end sushi concept you’d expect in a big city, not an island resort.

Secrets Resorts: Stylish, Romantic, & Flexible

If you’re looking for romance without the restrictions, Secrets Resorts might be the right fit. While our expertise lies with Sandals, we’ve spent time touring and experiencing several Secrets properties firsthand, and there’s a reason they have such a loyal following.

Why Travelers Love Secrets

One of the most attractive things about Secrets is its flexibility. These resorts are adults-only, not couples-only, so if you're planning a trip with friends, adult siblings, or just want the freedom to travel solo without standing out, this brand gives you that option.

Secrets also has broader geographic coverage than Sandals, especially in Mexico and Central America. With properties spread across the Riviera Maya, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Costa Rica, it’s a strong pick if you’re looking for easier access from the U.S. or shorter flights from the West Coast.

A few standout perks:

Free weddings for guests staying 7 nights or more at select properties
Access to Hyatt’s loyalty program, you can both earn and redeem World of Hyatt points, which is a big plus if you’re already a member
Nightly entertainment that’s low-key but often creative: fire shows, beachside movies, wine tastings, and more

When Secrets Wins

We often recommend Secrets when:

You’re not traveling as a couple. It’s ideal for best friends, siblings, or solo adult travelers who don’t want to feel out of place in a romance-only resort.
You’re culturally curious. Many Secrets properties offer Spanish lessons, cooking classes, tequila tastings, and excursions that give you more than just sun and sand.
You’re a Hyatt loyalist. If you’re collecting points or looking to upgrade with a rewards program, Secrets integrates seamlessly into your Hyatt account.

It’s also a great fit for couples who want romance without over-the-top formality. The vibe is more “chic barefoot luxury” than “grand gesture honeymoon.”

** A Note About the Beaches

One thing to be mindful of: not all Secrets resorts have great beaches.

While properties like Secrets Maroma Beach and Cap Cana offer soft sand and calm water ideal for swimming, others, like Secrets Akumal or Moxché, have rockier coastlines or reef-heavy areas that limit swimming and beach walks.

We always advise our clients to double-check beach photos before booking and check with us. A beautiful room with a balcony is great, but if the beach isn’t swimmable, that could be a dealbreaker for some.

This is one the biggest areas where Sandals stands above the rest. At Sandals, the beach has always been the focal point, followed by the landscape surrounding it. If you're a beach person, you'll definitely want to consider Sandals over Secrets or Excellence resorts.

Excellence Resorts: Luxury & Value

If your idea of vacation is peace, privacy, and premium comfort without the need for non-stop activity, Excellence Resorts may check every box. Angela and I have stayed at several Excellence properties, and what stands out most is the calm. These resorts are designed for guests who want to unplug without needing a packed itinerary to feel satisfied.

Why Excellence Appeals

Excellence doesn’t try to be everything to everyone, and that’s part of the appeal. The brand leans into low-key, spa-like luxury with a strong emphasis on comfort and consistency.

You’ll find:

Large, contemporary suites, many with swim-up access, rooftop terraces, or private plunge pools
A sleek, modern aesthetic across all rooms and public areas, minimalist but not cold
Service that’s consistent and highly rated, many guests comment on the staff’s professionalism and attention to detail
Surprisingly good food and beverage quality, especially in Excellence Club lounges and upgraded dining spaces
And perhaps most notably, value: For the amenities, rooms, and level of service offered, Excellence is often priced below Sandals or Secrets

If you’re someone who wants a quieter escape without sacrificing quality, this brand delivers.

When Excellence Is the Better Fit

We’ve found Excellence to be the best match when:

You value a quiet atmosphere over social energy. The atmosphere is intentionally mellow, ideal for honeymooners who want to decompress or couples seeking a spa-style vibe.
You want spacious, luxurious accommodations without paying top-tier Sandals pricing. The rooms here are a huge win for the price point.
You don’t need excursions, nightlife, or tons of activities. There are options, of course, but the vibe is more about sleeping in, lingering over dinner, and enjoying that third cocktail by the pool.

If you're not into scuba, golf, or high-energy themed events, Excellence keeps things simple, elegant, and restful.

Worth Knowing: Beach Quality & Upgrades

One of the standout properties in this brand is Excellence Playa Mujeres (EPM), often cited by our clients as having the best combination of beach access, privacy, and upscale design. EPM’s beach is walkable, swimmable, and less crowded than many competitors, an increasingly rare combo these days.

And if you're debating an upgrade, we almost always recommend the Excellence Club tier. It comes with:

Private beach areas and pools
Upgraded liquor and room amenities
Exclusive check-in and dining experiences

It’s a small bump in cost for a big bump in comfort.

Still Deciding? Here’s What We Tell Our Clients

After spending over 15 years helping couples plan romantic getaways across the Caribbean and Mexico, we’ve learned that the decision between Sandals, Secrets, and Excellence isn’t about picking “the best resort”, it’s about picking the best fit for you.

Sometimes the difference is subtle. Sometimes it's obvious. But either way, the right match can take your vacation from nice to absolutely unforgettable.

Ask Yourself…

Here are a few questions we use when narrowing down options for our clients:

Do I want adventure included (diving, golf)? → Go with Sandals. No one beats the number of complimentary activities.
Am I traveling with friends or adult family? → Choose Secrets. It’s more flexible than the couples-only model at Sandals.
Is peace, privacy, and value my top priority? → Excellence might be your best bet, especially if you’re craving a low-key escape with a luxury feel.
Is this my honeymoon or a milestone trip? → Sandals pulls out all the stops for romantic celebrations.
Do I want big-name points or rewards? → If you’re a Hyatt loyalist, Secrets gives you that benefit.

What we tell our clients: don’t just think about the destination. Think about how you want to feel on this trip. Energized? Pampered? Disconnected? Celebrated?

When you know the vibe you’re after, the right choice becomes clearer.

Why We Often Recommend Sandals

While each brand has its strengths, we find ourselves recommending Sandals most often.

Why? Because Sandals consistently delivers the best value for couples seeking romance, top-tier service, and truly all-inclusive luxury, with more of the “good stuff” actually included. Scuba diving, golf, transfers, premium drinks, even airport fast-track services at some locations, it’s all part of the experience.

More importantly, Sandals understands the emotional side of travel. Whether it’s a honeymoon, anniversary, or long-overdue trip to reconnect, they create the kind of atmosphere where couples feel seen, spoiled, and celebrated.

And when you work with us, you’re not just picking a resort off a website.

At Rivage Travel, we:

Help you choose the right brand and resort based on your travel style, not just glossy photos
Secure early access to deals, upgrades, and loyalty perks you might not even know exist
Handle every reservation, from dining and dives to spa treatments and special surprises, so you can just show up and enjoy

Best of all, we do it with no planning fees, ever.

We’re not here to push one resort over another, we’re here to guide you toward the one that fits you best.

Still Debating Sandals vs Secrets vs Excellence?

Let us help you make the right call, for your travel style, your budget, and your bucket list.

📅 Schedule a free planning call with Jonathan & Angela today. 🔗 [Contact Us Now →]

Let’s make your next trip easy, unforgettable, and exactly what you’ve been dreaming of.

About the Authors

Jonathan and Angela

Based out of Atlanta, GA, Rivage Travel is a boutique travel consultant group dedicated to providing personalized travel experiences. Owned by husband and wife duo Jonathan and Angela, our love for travel brought us together during a trip to Sydney, Australia. Our work is based on over 15 years of professional experience, hundreds of hours of travel industry certifications and training. We've been honored by Sandals Resorts as a top US travel agent with the highest honor of being a Sandals Chairman's Club Diamond Elite travel expert, and we look forward to using our experience to earn your business today and in the future.

BEST SANDALS RESORT

Sandals vs Secrets vs Excellence | Which Adults-Only All-Inclusive Is Right for You?