Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa vs Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta
Sandals Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas — Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 9.1 | 8.2 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Room Count | 257 | 271 |
| Restaurants | 10 | 7 |
| Pools | 5 | 3 |
| Year Opened | 2013 | 2012 |
| Year Renovated | 2013 | 2018 |
Features
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 18 | 19 |
| Included | 17 | 18 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 10 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 6 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa | Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 25 | 24 |
| Included | 22 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 3 | 5 |
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 Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta
Pros
- Five-minute transfer from PVR airport — the most convenient location among luxury adults-only resorts in the Puerto Vallarta market.
- Free-flow access to Dreams Vallarta Bay meaningfully extends the dining and amenity options without leaving the beach complex.
- The proximity to Puerto Vallarta's Old Town and Malecón adds a real city dimension that remote resort destinations lack — accessible by short Uber for day or evening trips.
- The Preferred Club Ocean View suites include a private terrace hot tub — a genuinely specific amenity that's not just a category label.
Summary
Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa has more restaurants, while Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta is the larger property, while Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta has more dining venues, while Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa offers more activities.