Which brand is rated higher, Sandals Resorts or Xcaret Hotel?

Sandals Resorts has a higher Resort Flock Rating at 8.3/10, compared to Xcaret Hotel at 8.2/10.

How many resorts does Sandals Resorts have compared to Xcaret Hotel?

Sandals Resorts has a larger portfolio with 17 resorts, while Xcaret Hotel has 3 resorts.

Where can I find Sandals Resorts and Xcaret Hotel resorts?

Sandals Resorts operates in 8 countries, while Xcaret Hotel is present in 1. Sandals Resorts offers more geographic variety for travellers looking to explore different destinations.

Is Sandals Resorts or Xcaret Hotel better for families?

Sandals Resorts leans adults-only (100% of properties), while Xcaret Hotel leans adults-only (67% of properties). Choose the brand that best matches your travel group.

Do Sandals Resorts and Xcaret Hotel resorts have beach access?

100% of Sandals Resorts resorts have beach access, compared to 100% of Xcaret Hotel resorts.

Do Sandals Resorts and Xcaret Hotel resorts have spas?

100% of Sandals Resorts resorts have on-site spas, compared to 100% of Xcaret Hotel resorts.

Sandals Resorts vs Xcaret Hotel

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

Xcaret Hotel

Mexico's unique eco-archaeological all-inclusive resort connected to Xcaret and Xplor adventure parks, offering an immersive Mexican cultural experience.

Resorts

Countries

8.20

RF Rating

Mexico

View full profile →Official site

The Resort Flock Verdict

Sandals pioneered the couples all-inclusive in the Caribbean; Xcaret Hotels (Hotel Xcaret Arte and La Casa de la Playa) represents Mexico's most ambitious reimagining of the concept. Xcaret's "All-Fun Inclusive" model adds unlimited access to Grupo Xcaret's seven eco-adventure parks — a unique differentiator that Sandals cannot match. Sandals wins on breadth (12+ Caribbean destinations) and loyalty benefits. Xcaret wins on the singular experience: if the Riviera Maya's natural and cultural attractions are part of your trip, no brand bundles them as well.

Brand at a Glance

Metric	Sandals Resorts	Xcaret Hotel
Resorts Listed	17	3
Resort Flock Rating	8.33/10 (17 rated)	8.20/10 (3 rated)
Hotel Star Class	5.0	5.0
Total Rooms	4,639	1,863
Adults-Only	100%	67%
Family-Friendly (Kids Club)	0%	33%
Beach Access	100%	100%
Spa	100%	100%
Destinations	8	1

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%

Xcaret Hotel

Luxury & Gourmet67%Adventure & Active33%Romantic33%Wellness & Spa33%Family-Friendly33%

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.

Xcaret Hotel

What They Do Best

Hotel Xcaret is a one-of-a-kind all-inclusive resort in Mexico's Riviera Maya that is fully integrated with the Xcaret Group's nature parks and experiences. What makes Xcaret unique is the All-Fun Inclusive concept — the rate includes unlimited access to all Xcaret Group parks: Xcaret (eco-archaeological), Xel-Há (snorkeling), Xplor (adventure), Xenses (sensory), Xavage (extreme), and Xenotes (cenotes). No other resort in the world offers this level of experiential inclusion, making it essentially a resort + theme park vacation in one.

Resort Experience

Hotel Xcaret México is a 900-room property built into the natural landscape with rivers, caves, and jungle pathways. The architecture minimizes environmental impact and integrates cenotes, underground rivers, and native vegetation. Dining is exceptional, with 10+ restaurants featuring regional Mexican cuisines from different states. Hotel Xcaret Arte, the adults-only sister property, takes an art-centric approach with workshops led by Mexican artists and artisans. Both properties feature natural swimming areas, lazy rivers through jungle settings, and access to a private beach.

Locations & Properties

Hotel Xcaret México (all-ages) and Hotel Xcaret Arte (adults-only) sit adjacent to each other on the Riviera Maya coast, south of Playa del Carmen and directly connected to Xcaret Park. The La Casa de la Playa is an ultra-luxury boutique property (63 rooms) within the complex, offering personalized butler service and exclusive experiences. The location near Playa del Carmen provides access to local restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, while the property itself feels immersed in nature.

Guest Experience

Xcaret attracts adventure-loving families, nature enthusiasts, and travelers seeking an immersive Mexican cultural experience rather than a generic beach resort. The park access alone (worth hundreds of dollars per person) makes the all-inclusive rate a strong value proposition. Transportation between the hotel and parks is included. The brand has earned recognition for sustainability and cultural preservation. Xcaret is particularly popular with Mexican domestic travelers and increasingly with international visitors seeking something beyond a traditional all-inclusive.