If you’re interested in an adults-only all-inclusive vacation, you may be wondering what the difference is between Secrets and Sandals resorts, and which would be better for you. This article gives a comprehensive comparison of Secrets vs. Sandals to help you decide.
Key Takeaways
- Both Secrets and Sandals are adults only all-inclusive resorts, but Sandals tends to focus more on couples while Secrets resorts are popular with singles and groups.
- There are more Secrets resorts than Sandals resorts
- Sandals resorts are located in the Caribbean, while Secrets resorts are found in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Europe
- All Secrets and Sandals resorts are located on beautiful beaches
- Sandals has more inclusions and can offer a better value for your money
- Accommodations at Sandals tend to be more unique and luxurious than at Secrets
Sandals Resorts Overview
Sandals Resorts are designed to provide a romantic and upscale atmosphere for couples to enjoy quality time together. Guests who are certified divers can take advantage of included scuba diving, while airport transfers and all gratuities are also covered, with tipping not allowed except for spa and excursion staff, airport transfer drivers, and butlers in butler-level suites. Accommodations are unique and widely varied, with butler service available for those seeking an elevated experience. Additionally, some Sandals locations offer access to the amenities and facilities of nearby Sandals resorts, enhancing the overall vacation experience.
One downside of Sandals Resorts is that they have fewer locations compared to Secrets Resorts and are exclusively in the Caribbean, which can make them more challenging to reach for some travelers. Additionally, room service is not available in certain room categories, which may be a drawback for guests who prefer in-room dining options.
Secrets Resorts Overview
At Secrets Resorts, room service is included with all room levels, available 24 hours a day, and completely contactless for added convenience. With more locations than Sandals, Secrets resorts can be easier to reach. Dining is also more flexible, as no restaurants require reservations. Entertainment is more varied and elaborate, offering a lively atmosphere with plenty of activities. Guests can also participate in a range of group experiences, such as dance classes, cooking classes, Spanish lessons, and bike tours, adding to the overall enjoyment of their stay.
One drawback of Secrets Resorts is that tipping is not included, meaning guests need to regularly tip the staff throughout their stay. Additionally, airport transfers are not included, which can add to the overall cost and require extra planning. Another downside is that the minibar is limited to beer, with no wine or spirits available, which may be disappointing for those who prefer a wider selection of in-room beverages.
Sandals and Secrets Locations
While you can find both Sandals and Secrets resorts in the Caribbean, the only islands they have in common are Jamaica and St. Lucia. You can also find Secrets resorts in Mexico, Central America, and Europe.
There are 17 Sandals resorts located on 8 islands in the Caribbean: 7 resorts in Jamaica, 1 in the Bahamas, 2 in Barbados, 3 in St. Lucia, 1 in Antigua, 1 in Grenada, 1 in Curacao, and 1 in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
There are 27 Secrets resorts located in the Caribbean, Central America, and Europe: 2 in Jamaica, 1 in St. Lucia, 1 in Aruba, 4 in the Dominican Republic, 1 in St. Martin, 1 in Costa Rica, 13 in Mexico, 1 in Mallorca, 2 in the Canary Islands, and 1 in Bulgaria.
Sandals and Secrets Accommodations
This is a real point of difference between Sandals and Secrets. There is a huge variety of rooms and suites at Sandals, and they have some truly unique and amazing options. Some of the most luxurious accommodations at Sandals include overwater bungalows, round Rondoval suites with private pool sanctuaries, elevated SkyPool suites with private infinity pools, private villas with pools, and penthouse suites. The top level of suites at Sandals come with personal butler service.
You can also choose from a range of garden-view, oceanview, beachfront, and swim-up rooms. All feature private patios or balconies, and many have oversized Tranquility Soaking Tubs™ for Two on them.
The accommodations at Secrets resorts tend to be more traditional, although they are also luxurious. All rooms and suites come with private balconies or patios and a soaking tub for two.
There are a range of room types available at Secrets, including Presidential Suites with separate living rooms, dining areas, kitchenettes, and private plunge pools; swim-out suites; oceanfront swim-out bungalow suites; and Junior Suites with tropical, pool, or ocean views.
Upgrading to the Preferred Club gives you access to additional room types and special amenities including top-shelf liquor in the minibar, a private lounge, enhanced concierge service, and an exclusive pool (at some locations).
All rooms at both Sandals and Secrets come with minibars that are refreshed daily.
Activities and Amenities
Both Sandals and Secrets offer a wide array of complimentary activities including watersports and land sports, as well as fun amenities such as multiple pools and whirlpools.
Activities at Sandals vary depending on the resort, but all include snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, Hobie Cat sailing, scuba diving, day and night tennis, beach volleyball, and fitness centers with exercise classes. Some Sandals resorts also have motorized watersports like waterskiing and wakeboarding, and some include golf. Additional land activities can include basketball, pool, croquet, and bocce ball.
Some Sandals locations also offer complimentary transportation to nearby Sandals resorts to enjoy all the amenities and activities there. All Sandals resorts have spas and excursions, which cost extra.
Activities at Secrets Resorts include snorkeling, paddleboarding, tennis, beach volleyball, archery, minigolf, and fitness centers with exercise classes. Secrets resorts also offer group activities which vary depending on location but can include Spanish lessons; dance classes; cooking classes; cocktail classes; biking; rum, wine, or tequila tastings; cooking classes; water aerobics; and water polo.
Scuba diving and deep sea fishing is available for a cost. Secrets resorts also have spas and excursions which cost extra.
Food and Drink at Sandals and Secrets
Both Sandals and Secrets resorts have a selection of restaurants and bars available, and all meals, snacks, and drinks are included. You can also book candlelight dinners on the beach at both brands for an extra fee.
Restaurants at Sandals vary depending on the resort, but you’ll generally find between 9 and 16 options to choose from serving a range of cuisines including Caribbean, Asian, Italian, French, seafood, steak, grilled items, Mediterranean, international, Indian, Thai, healthy, and more. Several of the nicer restaurants will require reservations for dinner but there are more casual options as well.
There are also coffee and pastry shops at every location, plus food trucks at some locations. You can get room service in Club level and Butler level rooms.
Bars at Sandals include swim-up bars, beach bars, pool bars, piano bars, English pubs, and overwater bars. There are also some unique bars at select locations, including a speakeasy, a rum bar, and a rooftop bar with infinity pool.
Restaurants at Secrets do not require reservations. You’ll find a variety of cuisine types including Mexican, Jamaican, Asian, Italian, French, Mediterranean, seafood, international, grilled, and healthy.
Most Secrets resorts also have a coffee shop, and there is a huge wine cellar at Secrets the Vine Cancun. Room service is available in all rooms 24 hours a day.
Bars at Secrets Resorts include nightclubs, swim-up bars, beach bars, swim-up bars, sports bars, pool bars, piano bars, theater bars, and Sky Bars.
Cost and Inclusions at Secrets and Sandals
Both Secrets and Sandals include a lot in the cost of your stay, such as all meals and drinks, plenty of activities, and entertainment. Sandals also includes scuba diving, airport transfers, and gratuities, while Secrets also includes some group activities and 24-hour room service for all rooms.
Your cost at Secrets resorts includes all meals and snacks at multiple restaurants; unlimited nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks including premium brands; 24-hour room service; a mini-bar stocked with beer, soft drinks, and water and refreshed daily; non-motorized watersports; a full fitness center and classes; group activities; golf and tennis where available; daily and nightly entertainment; WiFi; and taxes. You can also get a free wedding at Secrets Resorts with a 7-night minimum stay in certain room categories.
A stay at Sandals resorts includes all meals and snacks at multiple restaurants; unlimited beverages including premium liquors and Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines; a minibar in your room that is refreshed daily, stocked with juice, water, soft drinks, wine and beer; a coffee maker with Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend coffee; nonmotorized watersports including scuba diving; motorized watersports in some locations; land activities include day and night tennis, beach volleyball, and more; golf at some locations; fitness centers with classes; airport transfers; access to nearby resorts at some locations; daily and nightly entertainment; WiFi; taxes; and gratuities. You can also get a free wedding at Sandals with a minimum stay of 7 nights in a club or butler level room.
Secrets vs. Sandals FAQ
What’s the difference between Secrets and Sandals?
While both Secrets and Sandals resorts are adults-only all-inclusive resorts, Sandals resorts are designed for couples and romance. Secrets resorts welcome singles and groups as well as couples. Also, Sandals resorts are all in the Caribbean, while Secrets resorts are in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Europe. Also, airport transfers, taxes, and scuba diving are included at Sandals but not at Secrets.
Is Secrets cheaper than Sandals?
While rates may sometimes appear to be lower at Secrets resorts than at Sandals, if you compare inclusions you may find that it is not actually cheaper. For example, at a Secrets resort you will have to pay for airport transfers and gratuities on top of the package price. Also, if you like to scuba dive, this will be extra at a Secrets resort. Finally, Sandals always offers deals and promotions to help lower the price.
Is Sandals or Secrets better for honeymoons and weddings?
Sandals resorts tend to be more popular for romantic trips, honeymoons, and destination weddings because they cater specifically to those markets. The resorts are designed to deliver a romantic experience for couples, and they offer a free honeymoon package if you arrive within 30 days of your wedding. Sandals also has unique wedding venues like overwater chapels. However, both Sandals and Secrets have a variety of wedding packages including a free wedding with 7-night minimum stay in certain room categories.
Which is better, Secrets or Sandals?
While the answer to this will depend on what type of experience you’re looking for, we find that Sandals offers a better value for your money with its extensive inclusions. If you’re a couple looking for a romantic luxury experience, we recommend Sandals. But for singles and groups, Secrets resorts are better.
Secrets vs. Sandals Conclusion
Both Secrets and Sandals resorts are luxurious and popular adults-only all-inclusive resorts. You can enjoy beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, a range of activities and entertainment, and great service at both brands. And while both offer plenty of inclusions, more is included at Sandals than Secrets.
Which one is best for you depends on the type of vacation you want. As we discussed above, Sandals is better for romantic trips, while Secrets is better for singles and groups.
