Sandals offers the best overall value for couples who want premium all-inclusive with the most inclusions, Secrets is best for couples who want a modern adults-only experience in Mexico, and Excellence is best for those who want luxury at a lower price point. According to Steve Griswold, a Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club Platinum Elite Advisor who has visited properties across all three brands, “These are the three brands couples ask me to compare most often. Each has real strengths, and the right choice depends on what matters most to you — inclusions, location, or price.”
Quick Comparison: Sandals vs Secrets vs Excellence (2026)
| Feature | Sandals | Secrets | Excellence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults Only | Yes (all resorts) | Yes (all resorts) | Yes (all resorts) |
| Locations | Jamaica, St. Lucia, Bahamas, Barbados, Curaçao, Grenada | Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica | Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica |
| Price Range (per person/night) | $189-$2,000+ | $150-$800 | $200-$600 |
| Restaurants | Up to 16 per resort | Up to 9 per resort | Up to 12 per resort |
| Premium Liquor | Included (top shelf) | Included | Included |
| Water Sports | Extensive (including scuba) | Non-motorized included | Non-motorized included |
| Scuba Diving | Included (certified divers) | Not included | Not included |
| Airport Transfers | Included | Not always included | Included |
| Tips/Gratuities | Included (no tipping) | Included | Included |
| Room Service | 24/7 included | 24/7 included | 24/7 included |
| Resort Exchange | Yes (stay at one, visit neighbors) | Yes (within Hyatt family) | No |
| Butler Service | Available (butler-level rooms) | Available (Preferred Club) | Available (Excellence Club) |
Sandals: Best for Inclusions and Caribbean Variety
Strengths
- Most included water sports of any all-inclusive brand (scuba, sailing, waterskiing)
- Up to 16 restaurants per resort — more dining variety than competitors
- Six Caribbean island options (no one else has this range)
- Overwater bungalows available at three resorts
- Resort exchange program lets you visit neighboring Sandals properties
- Honeymoon and anniversary packages included free
Weaknesses
- Premium rooms (butler, overwater) are significantly more expensive
- Some resorts are aging and need renovation (Sandals Negril, Sandals Montego Bay)
- No Mexico or Riviera Maya locations
Secrets: Best for Modern Mexico Experience
Strengths
- Beautiful modern properties in Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen
- Spa-focused atmosphere with luxurious wellness facilities
- Hyatt loyalty points integration (valuable for frequent travelers)
- Lower entry price point than Sandals for comparable room quality
- Preferred Club upgrade adds butler-style service
Weaknesses
- Fewer included water sports (no scuba, no motorized activities)
- Airport transfers not always included
- Fewer restaurants per resort than Sandals
- Mexico resorts affected by Sargassum seaweed seasonally
Excellence: Best Luxury-to-Price Ratio
Strengths
- Excellent food quality — consistently rated among the best in the Caribbean
- Stunning modern architecture and room design
- Excellence Club tier offers outstanding value for premium service
- More affordable than Sandals butler level for comparable luxury
Weaknesses
- Only 3 locations (Playa Mujeres, Riviera Cancun, Oyster Bay Jamaica)
- No resort exchange program
- Fewer water sports and activities than Sandals
- Smaller brand with less consistency across properties
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Sandals if: You want the most included in your rate, prefer Caribbean islands over Mexico, love water sports, or want overwater bungalows
- Choose Secrets if: You want a modern Mexico resort, value Hyatt loyalty points, or prefer a spa-focused vacation
- Choose Excellence if: Food quality is your top priority, you want luxury at a lower price, or you prefer the Riviera Maya area
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sandals better than Secrets?
Sandals offers more inclusions (scuba, airport transfers, more restaurants) and more Caribbean island options. Secrets offers lower entry-level pricing and modern Mexico locations. For couples who want the most comprehensive all-inclusive experience, Sandals wins. For couples who specifically want Riviera Maya or Cancun, Secrets is the better choice.
Is Excellence Playa Mujeres worth it over Sandals?
Excellence Playa Mujeres is an outstanding resort — arguably the best single property in Mexico. If you specifically want Riviera Maya and prioritize food quality and modern design, it competes with Sandals’ best resorts. However, Sandals’ Caribbean locations, water sports, and overwater bungalows offer experiences Excellence cannot match.
Which is cheapest: Sandals, Secrets, or Excellence?
Secrets generally has the lowest entry price ($150-$250/person/night for standard rooms). Sandals starts around $189/person/night in off-season. Excellence starts around $200/person/night. All three offer premium tiers that can exceed $1,000/person/night.
Book With Expert Guidance
Our Platinum Elite advisors at Pixie Honeymoons specialize in Sandals but also book Secrets and Excellence resorts. We can help you compare specific resorts, dates, and room categories to find the best match for your trip — all at no extra fee.
- Get a free comparison quote | Call 678-815-1584
Written by Steve Griswold, Sandals Platinum Elite Advisor | Updated April 2026
