Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island vs Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún
Sandals Resorts vs Secrets Resorts & Spas— Side-by-side resort comparison
Key Metrics
| Metric | Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island | Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Our Rating | 8.0 | 8.3 |
| Star Rating | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Room Count | 210 | 412 |
| Restaurants | 21 | 9 |
| Pools | 8 | 12 |
| Year Opened | 1986 | 2008 |
| Year Renovated | 2025 | 2024 |
Features
| Metric | Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island | Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| All-Inclusive | Yes | Yes |
| Adults Only | Yes | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Club | No | No |
Dining Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island | Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Total Venues | 13 | 20 |
| Included | 12 | 19 |
| Extra Charge | 1 | 1 |
Room Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island | Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Room Categories | 9 | 10 |
| Suite Categories | 5 | 10 |
Activities Comparison
| Metric | Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island | Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún |
|---|---|---|
| Total Activities | 20 | 24 |
| Included | 17 | 20 |
| Extra Charge | 3 | 4 |
Pros & Cons
Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island
Pros
- Sandals Cay is the Caribbean's original overwater bungalow location — the island experience with Royal Thai restaurant and the clothing-optional beach section are unavailable at most all-inclusive resorts
- 10–15 minute transfer from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) — minimal post-flight travel time
- The 1956 British colonial building has genuine architectural character that newer properties built to contemporary templates don't replicate
- 'Stay at 1, Play at 2' with Sandals Montego Bay expands dining to 21 restaurants total
- Compact main resort layout means all amenities are within easy walking distance
Cons
- Currently closed until May 30, 2026 for hurricane repairs — verify reopening status before booking
- Airport proximity means periodic aircraft noise — a consistent guest mention, though responses vary on how disruptive it is
- The main beach has rocky and reef sections in places — not uniformly sandy for wading throughout
- The building is 1956-era and renovated rather than newly built — guests expecting a contemporary resort aesthetic will find it different
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún
Pros
- Maroma Beach is objectively one of the best beaches attached to any all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean — fine sand, calm water, and consistently praised.
- All-suite format means even entry-level rooms have furnished terraces and more space than standard hotel rooms.
- The Preferred Beach Club with beachfront firepits is the most distinctive dining amenity in the Secrets portfolio.
Cons
- 500-acre property means significant walking distances between buildings — factor in buggy wait times for guests with mobility considerations.
- Sargassum seaweed accumulates on Riviera Maya beaches seasonally — the beach can look very different in August versus January.
- Price premium over other Secrets properties in Mexico is significant — primarily justified by the beach and all-suite format.
Summary
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún has a higher guest rating, while Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island has more restaurants, while Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún is the larger property, while Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún has more dining venues, while Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancún offers more activities.