Which brand is rated higher, Sandals Resorts or Secrets Resorts & Spas?

Sandals Resorts has a higher Resort Flock Rating at 8.3/10, compared to Secrets Resorts & Spas at 8.2/10.

How many resorts does Sandals Resorts have compared to Secrets Resorts & Spas?

Secrets Resorts & Spas has a larger portfolio with 30 resorts, while Sandals Resorts has 17 resorts.

Where can I find Sandals Resorts and Secrets Resorts & Spas resorts?

Sandals Resorts operates in 8 countries, while Secrets Resorts & Spas is present in 6. Sandals Resorts offers more geographic variety for travellers looking to explore different destinations.

Is Sandals Resorts or Secrets Resorts & Spas better for families?

Sandals Resorts leans adults-only (100% of properties), while Secrets Resorts & Spas leans adults-only (100% of properties). Choose the brand that best matches your travel group.

Do Sandals Resorts and Secrets Resorts & Spas resorts have beach access?

100% of Sandals Resorts resorts have beach access, compared to 100% of Secrets Resorts & Spas resorts.

Do Sandals Resorts and Secrets Resorts & Spas resorts have spas?

100% of Sandals Resorts resorts have on-site spas, compared to 100% of Secrets Resorts & Spas resorts.

Sandals Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas

All-inclusive brand comparison · Updated 2026

Sandals Resorts

The world's leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand for couples, with 16 beachfront properties across the Caribbean.

Resorts

Countries

8.33

RF Rating

Jamaica Grenada Bahamas Barbados Curacao

View full profile →Official site

Secrets Resorts & Spas

Adults-only luxury all-inclusive resorts offering the Unlimited-Luxury concept across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Resorts

Countries

8.16

RF Rating

Dominican Republic Mexico Spain Jamaica Aruba Costa Rica

View full profile →Official site

The Resort Flock Verdict

Sandals and Secrets are the two biggest names in adults-only all-inclusive travel, but they serve different priorities. Sandals is Caribbean-only with a butler suite programme and the most comprehensive inclusions in the industry (scuba, water sports, premium spirits). Secrets has 30+ properties across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe under the Hyatt umbrella, meaning World of Hyatt points add real value. Sandals wins for Caribbean romantics; Secrets wins for loyalty travellers and those who want Mexico or European options.

Brand at a Glance

Metric	Sandals Resorts	Secrets Resorts & Spas
Resorts Listed	17	30
Resort Flock Rating	8.33/10 (17 rated)	8.16/10 (30 rated)
Hotel Star Class	5.0	4.8
Total Rooms	4,639	11,329
Adults-Only	100%	100%
Family-Friendly (Kids Club)	0%	0%
Beach Access	100%	100%
Spa	100%	100%
Destinations	8	6

Vibe Profile

Based on the vibe categorisation of each brand's resorts. Percentages show share of that brand's portfolio.

Sandals Resorts

Romantic88%Luxury & Gourmet82%Serene & Quiet12%Party & Nightlife12%Adventure & Active6%

Secrets Resorts & Spas

Luxury & Gourmet87%Romantic73%Serene & Quiet23%Party & Nightlife7%Adventure & Active3%Boutique3%Wellness & Spa3%

Brand Profiles

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.

Secrets Resorts & Spas

What They Do Best

Secrets Resorts & Spas is the premium adults-only brand within the Hyatt Inclusive Collection (formerly AMResorts). Known for its Unlimited-Luxury concept, Secrets delivers elegant, upscale experiences without wristbands. Every stay includes gourmet dining at multiple specialty restaurants, premium spirits, 24-hour room service, pool and beach wait service, and daily refreshed minibar. The brand positions itself between romantic couples resorts and party-oriented properties, attracting a sophisticated adult crowd seeking relaxation and refined experiences.

Resort Experience

Secrets properties are architecturally stunning, often featuring contemporary design with local influences. Each resort offers between 6 and 10 restaurants ranging from French and Italian to Asian and seafood. The Secrets Spa by Pevonia is a hallmark amenity, featuring hydrotherapy circuits, steam rooms, and a full menu of treatments. Infinity pools, swim-up bars, and pristine beach service define the daytime experience. Evening entertainment includes themed parties, live music, and shows. The Preferred Club upgrade tier adds extras like private check-in lounges, upgraded amenities, and exclusive restaurant access.

Locations & Properties

Secrets operates over 20 properties across Mexico (Riviera Maya, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, Los Cabos), Dominican Republic (Punta Cana, Cap Cana), Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Spain (Mallorca, Lanzarote, Tenerife). Flagship properties include Secrets Maroma Beach (consistently ranked among the world's best beachfront resorts), Secrets Cap Cana, and Secrets The Vine Cancun. The brand continues expanding with new properties and renovations across its portfolio.

Guest Experience

Secrets delivers a seamless all-inclusive experience where guests rarely reach for their wallets. The Sip, Savor & See dining program allows guests to enjoy meals at nearby sister resort restaurants, effectively multiplying dining options. World of Hyatt members earn and redeem points at all Secrets properties. The brand attracts couples, honeymooners, anniversary celebrants, and friend groups looking for upscale relaxation. Complimentary Wi-Fi, nightly turndown service, and 24-hour concierge complete the luxury touches.