Considering a getaway to the Caribbean and can’t decide between Sandals and Secrets Resorts? We’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive review, we’ll compare these two luxury resort chains, examining everything from their accommodations, food, drinks, activities, and amenities to their locations and overall value.
An Overview of Secrets and Sandals Resorts
Established in 1981 by Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Sandals Resorts has grown into a widely recognized and respected brand with 20 luxurious properties across the Caribbean. Sandals Resorts are adults-only and especially cater to couples, making them a popular choice for romantic getaways, honeymoons, and weddings.
On the other hand, Secrets Resorts, which opened its doors in 2003 and is part of the hospitality giant AMResorts, boasts 21 properties mostly located in Mexico but also in the Caribbean. Secrets Resorts are adults-only and provide a more diverse guest profile, making them suitable for solo travelers, groups, and couples.
A Glimpse into Sandals and Secrets Resorts
Sandals and Secrets Resorts are two of the most recognized names in the world of luxury, adults-only, all-inclusive vacations. They’re often the go-to choices for romantic retreats and honeymoons, offering a plethora of amenities and experiences. However, choosing between the two can be a challenge. Let’s dive in and see what sets them apart.
Sandals vs Secrets: Highlighting the Differences
At a glance, Sandals and Secrets Resorts may seem quite similar, but distinct factors set them apart. Let’s explore these key differences:
- Target Audience: While both resorts cater to adults, Sandals particularly markets itself as a couples’ resort. On the other hand, Secrets welcomes not just couples, but also solo travelers and group vacationers.
- Inclusiveness: Sandals Resorts offers a more expansive all-inclusive package, including tips, airport transfers, and even scuba diving in the cost. Secrets Resorts, while still an all-inclusive option, may levy additional charges for tips and airport transfers.
- Locations: Secrets Resorts wins the location game with a broader variety of destinations in both the Caribbean and Central America. Sandals Resorts, while fewer in number, are exclusively located in the Caribbean.
- Accommodations: Both chains offer stunning accommodations, but Sandals Resorts ups the ante with unique offerings such as luxury suites with swim-up access, private pools, rondoval suites, and overwater bungalows.
Decoding Locations: Sandals vs Secrets
If your heart yearns for a Caribbean sojourn, both resort chains will serve you well. But if you’re seeking a destination beyond the Caribbean, Secrets Resorts, with its wider range of locales, might be a better choice.
Secrets Resorts boasts of 21 beachfront properties scattered across St. Martin, Jamaica, Spain, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Mexico. In contrast, Sandals Resorts operates 16 resorts spread across the Caribbean, in places like Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Curacao, Antigua, the Bahamas, and Jamaica.
Sandals Resorts Locations
- Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica
- Sandals Royal Caribbean, Jamaica
- Sandals Ochi, Jamaica
- Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
- Sandals Royal Plantation, Jamaica
- Sandals Negril, Jamaica
- Sandals Grande St. Lucian, St. Lucia
- Sandals Halcyon Beach, St. Lucia
- Sandals Regency La Toc, St. Lucia
- Sandals Grande Antigua, Antigua
- Sandals Barbados, Barbados
- Sandals Royal Barbados, Barbados
- Sandals Royal Curaçao, Curaçao
- Sandals Emerald Bay, Bahamas
- Sandals Royal Bahamian, Bahamas
- Sandals Grenada, Grenada
Secrets Resorts Locations
- Secrets Impression Moxché, Mexico
- Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, Mexico
- Secrets Aura Cozumel, Mexico
- Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, Mexico
- Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, Mexico
- Secrets The Vine Cancun, Mexico
- Secrets Riviera Cancun, Mexico
- Secrets Vallarta Bay Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa, Mexico
- Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Gold & Spa Resort, Mexico
- Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa, Mexico
- Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Dominican Republic
- Secrets Royal Beach, Dominican Republic
- Secrets Mallorca Villamil, Spain
- Secrets Lanzarote, Spain
- Secrets Sunny Beach Resort & Spa, Bulgaria
- Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica, Costa Rica
- Secrets St. James Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Secrets St. Martin Resort & Spa, St. Martin
Winner for Location: Secrets Resorts
Delving into Accommodations: Secrets vs Sandals
The quality of the resort accommodation can significantly influence your vacation experience. Both Sandals and Secrets offer a wide range of luxurious and modern rooms and suites, but there are a few key differences.
At Secrets, all rooms come with 24-hour room and concierge service and a private furnished balcony or terrace. Depending on the specific resort, you could choose from a variety of room types, from junior suites with pool, ocean, or tropical views to honeymoon suites with separate living rooms and hot tubs on the balcony.
Meanwhile, Sandals takes luxury accommodation to another level. With unique and impressive accommodations such as the One-bedroom Villas with private pools, Beachfront Rondoval Suites with private plunge pools, two-story Oceanview Penthouses, and Overwater Bungalows, Sandals ensures a truly luxurious experience.
Winner for Accommodation: Sandals Resorts
Food and Drink: Sandals vs Secrets
One undeniable highlight of a vacation is the chance to indulge in delectable cuisines. Both Sandals and Secrets Resorts offer a wide array of dining options and bars. However, Sandals Resorts slightly edges out Secrets Resorts in this category with their unique restaurant locations, including over-the-water eateries and food trucks.
Winner for Food & Drink: Sandals Resorts
Activities & Amenities: Sandals vs Secrets
Both Sandals and Secrets Resorts offer a wide range of activities and amenities. However, Secrets Resorts takes the crown in this category with a slightly more extensive offering of land activities, including mixology classes, cooking classes, minigolf, tequila, rum, and wine tastings, archery, tennis, and more.
Winner for Activities & Amenities: Secrets Resorts
Nightlife: Sandals vs Secrets
When it comes to nightlife, both resort chains offer a vibrant mix of entertainment options. However, Sandals Resorts, with its wide range of themed nights, karaoke, live shows, beach parties, and live local music, takes the top spot.
Winner for Nightlife: Sandals Resorts
Value for Money: Sandals vs Secrets
While both resorts offer fantastic all-inclusive packages, Sandals Resorts goes the extra mile by including all tips and gratuities in their fee, allowing you to enjoy your holiday without worrying about extra costs.
Best Value: Sandals Resorts
Inclusions: More Bang for Your Buck
Both Secrets and Sandals offer a myriad of inclusions as part of their packages. Here’s a brief overview of what’s included when you stay at Sandals or Secrets.
Sandals Resorts Inclusions
- Unlimited food and drinks
- Stocked bars and coffee makers per room
- PADI-certified scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking
- Motorized water sports at select resorts
- Golf courses at select resorts
- Beach volleyball, basketball, pool tables, tennis
- Fitness center
- Day and night entertainment
- Personalized butler service in select suites
- Free WiFi
- Free wedding for bookings of at least three nights
- Roundtrip airport transfers
Secrets Resorts Inclusions
- Unlimited food and premium drinks
- Stocked bars per room
- 24-hour room service
- Non-motorized watersports
- Fitness center
- Golf and tennis at select resorts
- Daily group activities
- Personalized butler service in select suites
- Free WiFi
- Free wedding for bookings of at least seven nights
- Pool and beach wait service
Conclusion
Whether you choose Sandals or Secrets Resorts for your next getaway, you’re guaranteed a luxurious, memorable vacation. However, it’s crucial to consider your specific preferences and requirements to make the right choice. Now that you’re equipped with all the information, it’s time to start planning your dream vacation!
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