Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa vs Secrets St. James Montego Bay
Sandals Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.1 | 8.0 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 257 | 350 |
| Restaurants | 10 | 10 |
| Pools | 5 | 2 |
| Year Opened | 2013 | 2010 |
| Year Renovated | 2013 | — |
Features
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 18 | 21 |
| Included | 17 | 21 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 0 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 10 | 5 |
| Suite Categories | 6 | 5 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | Secrets St. James Montego Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 26 |
| Included | 22 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 3 | 8 |
Pros & Cons
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa
Pros
- Pink Gin Beach is genuinely calm and swimmable — sheltered cove geometry prevents the choppy surf that affects more exposed Caribbean beaches.
- Ten restaurants for 257 rooms is a high ratio, resulting in shorter waits and more consistent kitchen quality than larger Sandals properties.
- Five-minute airport transfer is among the shortest in the Sandals chain — no long bus rides after a redeye.
- SkyPool suites with private infinity plunge pools are architecturally distinctive and not replicated at most other properties.
- PADI scuba diving up to two dives/day is included — at $80–100 per dive externally, this adds real value for certified divers.
- The property's smaller, quieter personality makes it work well for couples who want intimacy over high-energy activity.
Cons
- The Sandals app reservation system is unreliable — restaurants show as fully booked while tables are available, and closures go unannounced.
- "Partial ocean view" and even some "ocean view" rooms deliver disappointing sightlines — verify the specific building and floor before booking.
- Butler Elite categories represent a meaningful price jump; the value is clearest for guests who actually use 24-hour room service and prefer to delegate planning.
- Beach lounger availability at the South Seas pool requires early claiming (pre-8:30 AM on busy weeks) — not ideal for late risers.
- Older sections of the property show maintenance wear relative to the newer Italian village buildings.
Secrets St. James Montego Bay
Pros
- Blue Mountain restaurant is one of the few Secrets properties with a specifically Jamaican culinary focus — order the jerk preparations.
- Free access to Wild Orchid next door meaningfully expands entertainment and dining without extra cost.
- The peninsula layout gives water access on multiple sides and a more secluded feel than a straight-line beach resort.
- Piano Bar is a quieter evening option that doesn't require the theater-show format — good for guests who want live music without a production.
Cons
Summary
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has a higher guest rating, while Secrets St. James Montego Bay is the larger property, while Secrets St. James Montego Bay has more dining venues, while Secrets St. James Montego Bay offers more activities.