Secrets vs Sandals Resorts

Are you planning a romantic getaway or a fun-filled vacation with friends? Choosing the right all-inclusive resort can make all the difference. Two of the most popular options for adults-only resorts are Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts. While both offer luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and exciting activities, there are some key differences to consider when deciding which one is right for you.

One of the main differences between Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts is their target audience. Sandals is known for being more couple-oriented, making it a top choice for Caribbean weddings and honeymoons. 

On the other hand, Secrets Resorts caters to a wider audience, including singles and groups of friends. Another difference to consider is the number of inclusions. Sandals offers more inclusions, such as airport transfers and PADI-certified scuba diving, while Secrets Resorts offers more à la carte options. 

By understanding these differences, you can choose the resort that best fits your unique needs and interests.

Overview of Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts

If you’re looking for a luxurious adults-only all-inclusive resort, you might be considering Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts. Both offer stunning locations in the Caribbean and Mexico, making them perfect for a romantic getaway or a relaxing vacation.

Sandals Resorts has a total of 15 resort locations across the Caribbean islands, while Secrets Resorts has 18 locations in Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica. Both offer all-inclusive packages that include meals, drinks, and activities.

One of the main differences between Secrets and Sandals is their focus. Sandals is more oriented towards couples, making it a popular destination for Caribbean weddings and honeymoons. On the other hand, Secrets Resorts caters to adults only, making it perfect for couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers alike.

In terms of amenities, both Secrets and Sandals offer a range of activities and entertainment, including water sports, fitness classes, and live music. Sandals Resorts, however, includes a wider range of motorized and non-motorized water sports, land sports, and resort activities.

When it comes to dining, both Secrets and Sandals offer a variety of restaurants and bars with unlimited food and drinks. Sandals, however, includes more dining options and offers a wider range of cuisine choices.

Location and Destination

When it comes to choosing between Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts, one of the most important factors to consider is the location and destination of each resort. Both chains have a number of properties throughout the Caribbean, but there are some key differences to keep in mind.

Sandals Resorts has a total of 17 properties located throughout the Caribbean, including destinations like Antigua, Jamaica, Grenada, Barbados, and St. Lucia. Each resort is situated in a prime location, often featuring stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Some of the most popular Sandals Resorts include Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica and Sandals Royal Bahamian in the Bahamas.

On the other hand, Secrets Resorts has 13 properties located in Mexico, two in the Dominican Republic, one in St. Martin, and one in Costa Rica. Each resort is situated in a prime location, often featuring stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Some of the most popular Secrets Resorts include Secrets Cancun in Mexico and Secrets St. James in Jamaica.

If you’re looking for a specific destination, it’s important to check whether Secrets Resorts or Sandals Resorts have properties in that area. For example, if you’re interested in visiting Cancun, Mexico, Secrets Resorts is your best bet. If you’re more interested in Jamaica, Sandals Resorts has a number of properties to choose from.

Overall, both Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts offer a variety of stunning destinations throughout the Caribbean. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled vacation with friends, you’re sure to find the perfect location at one of these resorts.

Accommodation and Room Options

When it comes to accommodations, both Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts offer luxurious and comfortable options for their guests.

At Secrets Resorts, you can choose from a selection of rooms and suites, including junior suites, honeymoon suites, and presidential suites. Some of these accommodations come with a private balcony or terrace, while others offer a swim-out option for easy access to the pool. You can also opt for a beachfront room if you want to wake up to the sound of the waves.

Sandals Resorts, on the other hand, offers a range of room options, including club-level rooms, sky pool suites, and beachfront rondoval suites. You can also choose to stay in an overwater villa with a soaking tub for a truly luxurious experience.

Both resorts offer room service and a well-stocked minibar in each room. Secrets Resorts also offers clothing-optional accommodations for those who prefer a more liberating experience.

All-Inclusive Packages

When it comes to all-inclusive packages, both Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts have a lot to offer. With both resorts, you can expect all of your meals, snacks, and beverages to be included in the price of your stay. This means that you won’t have to worry about carrying around cash or credit cards while you’re on vacation.

At Secrets Resorts, you’ll have access to a wide range of dining options, including a la carte restaurants, buffets, and snack bars. The resort also offers 24-hour room service so that you can order food and drinks to your room at any time of day or night. All of the restaurants and bars at Secrets Resorts serve top-shelf alcoholic beverages so that you can enjoy premium drinks during your stay.

Sandals Resorts also offers a wide range of dining options, with gourmet restaurants, buffets, and cafes available at each resort. Room service is also available 24 hours a day, so you can enjoy a meal in the comfort of your own room. At Sandals Resorts, all alcoholic beverages are included, and the resort prides itself on serving premium brands.

Both resorts provide a wide range of dining options, so you can choose the type of cuisine that you’re in the mood for.

Overall, both Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts offer excellent all-inclusive packages that include food, drinks, and snacks. 

Unique Services and Amenities

When it comes to unique services and amenities, both Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts offer a range of options to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable.

One of the standout features of Secrets Resorts is their “Secret Box” service. This is a private box where you can leave your room service dishes or laundry for pickup without having to interact with anyone. It’s a great option for those who value privacy and convenience.

Sandals Resorts, on the other hand, offers a butler service for guests staying in certain room categories. Your butler will take care of everything from unpacking your luggage to making dinner reservations and even drawing a bubble bath for you. It’s a truly luxurious experience that adds an extra level of pampering to your stay.

Both resorts also offer concierge services to help you with anything you need during your stay. Whether you need help booking a tour or making a dinner reservation, the concierge is there to assist you.

When it comes to private pools, Secrets Resorts has a slight advantage. Many of their room categories come with a private pool, perfect for those who want to relax in peace and quiet.

Overall, both Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts offer a range of unique services and amenities to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you prefer the privacy of the Secret Box or the luxury of a personal butler, there’s something for everyone at these all-inclusive resorts.

Activities and Entertainment

When it comes to activities and entertainment, both Secrets and Sandals resorts offer a variety of options to keep you entertained throughout your stay. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, there’s something for everyone.

At Secrets Resorts, you can participate in a variety of activities, such as dance lessons, yoga classes, beach volleyball, and water aerobics. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can try paddleboarding, kayaking, or even take a scuba diving lesson. Secrets resorts also offer nightly entertainment with live music, shows, and themed parties.

Sandals resorts also offer a wide range of activities and entertainment options. You can enjoy sports such as beach volleyball, tennis, and golf. If you’re a water sports enthusiast, you can try snorkeling, scuba diving, or even take a ride on a Hobie Cat. Sandals resorts also offer nightly entertainment with live music, shows, and themed parties.

If you’re a golf enthusiast, both Secrets and Sandals resorts have golf courses on-site or nearby. At Secrets resorts, you can play at courses designed by professional golfers such as Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. Sandals resorts offer complimentary green fees at their golf courses, which are designed by renowned golf course architects.

When it comes to nightlife, both Secrets and Sandals resorts have bars and lounges where you can enjoy drinks and socialize with other guests. Secrets resorts also offer a variety of themed parties such as beach parties, casino nights, and karaoke nights. Sandals resorts have a variety of bars and lounges, including swim-up bars and piano bars.

Overall, both Secrets and Sandals resorts offer an array of activities and entertainment options to keep you entertained throughout your stay. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, there’s something for everyone.

Resorts for Different Audiences

When it comes to choosing between Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts, it’s important to consider which resort is best suited for your specific audience. Both resorts offer luxurious accommodations, all-inclusive packages, and stunning tropical settings but cater to different demographics. Here’s a breakdown of which resort is best for different types of travelers:

Couples and Honeymooners

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your significant other, both Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts are great options. Secrets Resorts, however, is exclusively for adults and offers a more intimate atmosphere. 

Sandals Resorts, on the other hand, offers couples-only and family-friendly options, so you’ll need to choose carefully. Both resorts offer honeymoon packages, but Secrets Resorts has a more extensive selection of romance packages and amenities.

Groups and Friends

If you’re traveling with a group of friends, Sandals Resorts is the better option. They offer a wide variety of activities and entertainment, including beach parties, water sports, and live music. Secrets Resorts, on the other hand, has a more relaxed atmosphere and is better suited for couples or small groups.

Families with Adult Children

If you’re traveling with adult children, both Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts offer great options. Secrets Resorts has a more intimate and romantic atmosphere, but they do offer family-friendly options. Sandals Resorts, on the other hand, offers family-friendly resorts and activities, so you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation with your adult children without sacrificing luxury.

Singles

If you’re traveling solo, both Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts are great options. Secrets Resorts offers a more intimate atmosphere, which is perfect for solo travelers looking to relax and unwind. Sandals Resorts, on the other hand, offers a more social atmosphere, with plenty of activities and entertainment for solo travelers.

In conclusion, both Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts offer luxurious accommodations, all-inclusive packages, and stunning tropical settings, but they cater to different demographics. When choosing between the two, it’s important to consider which resort is best suited for your specific audience.

Comparison Between Secrets and Sandals

When it comes to adults-only all-inclusive resorts, two of the most popular options are Secrets and Sandals. While both offer luxurious accommodations and a romantic atmosphere, there are some key differences between the two.

Similarities

First, let’s start with the similarities between Secrets and Sandals. Both resort brands offer a variety of luxury amenities and inclusions, such as:

• Fine dining options
• Premium drinks
• Daily activities
• Nightly entertainment
• Adults-only relaxation with a romantic vibe
• Luxury accommodations

Differences

One of the main differences between Secrets and Sandals is their location. Sandals resorts are located in the Caribbean on seven different islands, while Secrets resorts are primarily located in Central America - Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic.

Another difference is the target audience. Sandals is more oriented towards couples, making it a popular destination for Caribbean weddings and honeymoons. On the other hand, Secrets is more geared towards adults in general.

In terms of inclusions, Sandals offers more than Secrets, including airport transfers and PADI-certified scuba diving. However, Secrets is now part of World of Hyatt, so you can earn Hyatt rewards points for stays at Secrets resorts, as well as use them to book stays there.

Booking and Pricing

When it comes to booking and pricing, both Secrets and Sandals resorts offer online booking options, as well as the ability to book through a travel agent. You can easily book your stay directly on their websites, which often offer special promotions and discounts.

The prices for both resorts can vary depending on the time of year and the specific resort you choose. It’s important to note that both Secrets and Sandals are all-inclusive resorts, meaning that your meals, drinks, and activities are included in the price of your stay.

If you have any questions or concerns about booking or pricing, both Secrets and Sandals have friendly customer service representatives available to assist you. 

Additionally, both resorts offer airport transfers for an additional fee. You can easily arrange for transportation to and from the airport when booking your stay.

Overall, booking and pricing for Secrets and Sandals resorts are straightforward and easy to navigate. Whether you choose to book online or through a travel agent, you can rest assured that you’ll receive excellent customer service and get the best value for your money.

Partnerships and Affiliations

When it comes to partnerships and affiliations, both Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts have established relationships with reputable companies in the hospitality industry.

Sandals Resorts has a partnership with Hyatt, through which World of Hyatt members can earn and redeem points for stays at Sandals properties. This partnership allows guests to enjoy the benefits of the Sandals and Hyatt loyalty programs, including exclusive discounts and promotions.

On the other hand, Secrets Resorts has an affiliation with the international hospitality company AMResorts. This affiliation allows Secrets Resorts to offer guests access to a wider range of amenities and services, such as spa treatments and gourmet dining experiences.

Both Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts have also established partnerships with local businesses and organizations in the destinations where their resorts are located. These partnerships allow guests to experience the local culture and attractions while also supporting the local economy.

In terms of sustainability, both Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts have implemented eco-friendly practices and initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint. Sandals Resorts has received numerous awards and certifications for its sustainability efforts, including the Green Globe Certification. Secrets Resorts has also implemented sustainable practices, such as using biodegradable products and reducing energy consumption.

Overall, both Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts have established partnerships and affiliations with reputable companies and organizations in the hospitality industry. 

These partnerships allow guests to enjoy a wide range of amenities and services while also supporting the local economy and promoting sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some all-inclusive resorts similar to Sandals and Secrets, but at a lower price point?

If you’re looking for luxurious all-inclusive resorts but want to save some money, there are several options that offer similar amenities to Sandals and Secrets. Some of the best options include Excellence Resorts, Breathless Resorts, and Zoetry Resorts. These resorts offer great value for your money and are perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway.

What are some of the best Secrets resorts?

Secrets Resorts is known for their luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and world-class amenities. Some of the best Secrets Resorts include Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, and Secrets St. James Montego Bay. Each of these resorts offers a unique experience and is perfect for couples looking for a romantic retreat.

What are some of the best Sandals resorts?

Sandals Resorts are known for their luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and world-class amenities. Some of the best Sandals Resorts include Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island, Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort, and Sandals Montego Bay. Each of these resorts offers a unique experience and is perfect for couples looking for a romantic retreat.

What are the differences between Secrets and Dreams resorts?

While both Secrets and Dreams Resorts are owned by the same parent company, they offer different experiences. Secrets Resorts are adults-only and offer a more intimate and romantic atmosphere. On the other hand, Dreams Resorts are family-friendly and offer various activities and amenities for guests of all ages.

Are Secrets and Sandals Resorts the same?

No, Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts are not the same. While they offer similar amenities and cater to couples, they are owned by different companies. Secrets Resorts is owned by the hospitality giant World of Hyatt, while Sandals Resorts is owned by Sandals Resorts International.

Are Secrets resorts truly all-inclusive?

Yes, Secrets Resorts are truly all-inclusive. This means that all meals, drinks, and activities are included in the price of your stay. Some additional amenities, such as spa treatments and off-site excursions, may cost extra. However, everything you need for a luxurious and relaxing vacation is included in your stay at a Secrets Resort.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between Secrets Resorts and Sandals Resorts, there are a few factors to consider. Both offer luxurious accommodations, well-maintained greeneries, and world-class amenities amid a glorious tropical setting. However, each has its own advantages.

Sandals Resorts are located in the Caribbean on seven different islands, while Secrets Resorts are primarily located in Central America, including Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic. Sandals offers PADI scuba diving included, after-dinner nightly entertainment, and casual and early dining options.

On the other hand, Secrets Resorts offer a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds, more privacy, and a focus on wellness and relaxation.

If you’re looking for a resort with a clothing-optional policy, Secrets Resorts may be a better choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a resort that offers more dining options, Sandals Resorts may be a better fit.

It’s worth noting that Secrets Resorts is now part of the World of Hyatt program, so you can earn Hyatt rewards points for stays at Secrets resorts and use them to book stays there.