Excellence Resorts vs Sandals Resorts
All-inclusive brand comparison · Updated 2026
Excellence Resorts
Boutique luxury adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, known for AAA Five Diamond ratings and personalized service.
6
Resorts
3
Countries
8.33
RF Rating
Sandals Resorts
The world's leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand for couples, with 16 beachfront properties across the Caribbean.
17
Resorts
8
Countries
8.33
RF Rating
The Resort Flock Verdict
Both are adults-only Caribbean all-inclusives, but they're differently positioned. Sandals has a Caribbean-heavy footprint and a strong loyalty currency (Sandals Select Rewards); Excellence leans into the Mexican Caribbean with multiple Riviera Maya properties and a well-regarded Preferred Club tier. For Cancun or Playa Mujeres specifically, Excellence Resorts (especially Excellence Playa Mujeres) consistently outperforms Sandals on dining variety and spa quality. For a broader Caribbean footprint — Jamaica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada — Sandals has no rival.
Brand at a Glance
| Metric | Excellence Resorts | Sandals Resorts |
|---|---|---|
| Resorts Listed | 6 | 17 |
| Resort Flock Rating | 8.33/10 (6 rated) | 8.33/10 (17 rated) |
| Hotel Star Class | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Total Rooms | 2,661 | 4,639 |
| Adults-Only | 100% | 100% |
| Family-Friendly (Kids Club) | 0% | 0% |
| Beach Access | 100% | 100% |
| Spa | 100% | 100% |
| Destinations | 3 | 8 |
Vibe Profile
Based on the vibe categorisation of each brand's resorts. Percentages show share of that brand's portfolio.
Brand Profiles
Excellence Resorts
What They Do Best
Excellence Resorts is the flagship brand of The Excellence Collection (Excellence Group), specializing in adults-only luxury all-inclusive vacations. Multiple properties have earned the coveted AAA Five Diamond rating, placing them among the top 0.4% of hotels in North America.
Resort Experience
Every Excellence resort features spacious suites with private pools or jacuzzis, à la carte dining at multiple gourmet restaurants, premium spirits, and personalized butler service. The brand's "Excellence Club" upgrade tier offers enhanced amenities including private check-in and exclusive pool and beach areas.
Locations & Properties
Excellence operates 6 resorts across three countries: Playa Mujeres and Riviera Maya in Mexico, Punta Cana and Uvero Alto in the Dominican Republic, and Montego Bay in Jamaica. Each property is set on pristine beachfront with lush tropical grounds.
Guest Experience
Guests praise the intimate atmosphere, exceptional food quality, and attentive staff. Excellence consistently ranks among the top all-inclusive brands on TripAdvisor, with particularly high marks for romance and honeymoon experiences.
Sandals Resorts
What They Do Best
Sandals Resorts has built its reputation as the premier couples-only, all-inclusive resort brand in the Caribbean. Founded in 1981 by Gordon "Butch" Stewart in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Sandals has grown to 16 properties across Jamaica, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Antigua, Saint Lucia, and Curaçao. The brand is known for its Luxury Included concept, where everything from gourmet dining and premium spirits to water sports, scuba diving, and even butler service is included in the room rate. Sandals consistently wins top awards for romance and honeymoon travel.
Resort Experience
Every Sandals resort delivers an upscale, romantic experience with no wristbands and no buffet-only dining. Guests enjoy unlimited gourmet restaurants (up to 16 per resort), premium liquors, Robert Mondavi wines, and Red Lane Spa facilities. Water sports are a cornerstone — from scuba diving (the only resort chain to offer unlimited certified diving) to paddleboarding, snorkeling, and sailing. Many properties feature swim-up suites, over-the-water bungalows, and private plunge pools. Butler Elite suites come with personal butler service modeled on the Guild of Professional English Butlers.
Locations & Properties
Sandals operates exclusively in the Caribbean, with a strong presence across Jamaica (5 resorts including the flagship Sandals Montego Bay), Saint Lucia (3 resorts), The Bahamas (3 resorts including the massive Sandals Royal Bahamian), and single properties in Barbados, Grenada, Antigua, and Curaçao. Each resort occupies prime beachfront real estate. The brand also owns Beaches Resorts (family-friendly) and has the "Sandals Select" tier for more affordable options while maintaining high standards.
Guest Experience
Sandals caters specifically to couples — solo travelers and families with children are not permitted. This creates an inherently romantic atmosphere. The brand offers complimentary weddings (Beautiful Beginnings package), making it one of the most popular honeymoon and destination wedding brands worldwide. The Sandals Select Rewards loyalty program offers returning guests room upgrades, spa credits, and other perks. Airport transfers are included at most properties, and the Sandals app allows guests to book restaurants, spa treatments, and excursions before arrival.
Excellence Resorts Resorts
Rating8.2Adults OnlyExcellence Coral Playa Mujeres
Rating8.2Adults OnlyExcellence Oyster Bay
Rating8.2Adults OnlyExcellence Riviera Cancun
Rating8.2Adults OnlyExcellence Punta Cana
Rating9.0Adults OnlyExcellence Playa Mujeres
Rating8.2Adults OnlyExcellence El Carmen
Sandals Resorts Resorts
Rating8.6Adults OnlySandals Montego Bay
Rating8.8Adults OnlySandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa
Rating9.0Adults OnlySandals South Coast
Rating8.0Adults OnlySandals Dunn's River
Rating8.0Adults Only