Sandals vs Secrets vs Excellence: Which Is the Best All-Inclusive Honeymoon Resort?
Let’s simplify this.
If you’re planning your honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort, you’re likely choosing between Sandals, Secrets, or Excellence.
They’re three of the most popular options—but they are not the same. And choosing the wrong one doesn’t ruin your honeymoon… it just means it may not feel as elevated, seamless, or memorable as it should.
As a certified wedding planner and travel designer, I approach honeymoons a little differently.
I’m not just looking at the resort—I’m looking at the experience.
The flow. The energy. The details that most people don’t think about until they’re already there.
And personally, this matters to me too.
My husband and I were married on the 23rd, and since then, we’ve made it a tradition to celebrate a “mini honeymoon” on the 23rd of each month. Sometimes it’s local. Sometimes it’s a full getaway. But that intentional time together? That’s the experience we’re really creating.
Your honeymoon should feel like that—just elevated.
In this guide, I’m breaking down Sandals vs Secrets vs Excellence so you can confidently choose the best all-inclusive honeymoon resort for you.
Sandals vs Secrets vs Excellence: What Actually Matters
Before we break this down, here’s the most important thing to understand:
The brand matters—but the specific resort matters more.
Across all three, you can find beautiful properties, modern luxury, and incredible service.
What actually determines your experience is:
• The specific resort
• The room category
• And how everything is planned around your stay
Sandals Resorts
(Couples-Only + Tiered Luxury)
Best for: Couples who want a true couples-only environment with elevated inclusions
Sandals is designed exclusively for couples, which immediately creates a more romantic, intentional atmosphere.
What Makes Sandals Unique:
• True couples-only environment
• Consistent experience across properties
• Butler service options
• Strong inclusions (premium drinks, dining, water sports)
• Overwater bungalows at select locations
Important Distinction:
• Sandals 1.0 → Classic feel, great value
• Sandals 2.0 → More modern, updated, elevated experience
Honeymoon Insight:
Sandals isn’t just about honeymoon perks—it’s about structure and consistency.
✔ Couples-only focus
✔ Seamless inclusions
✔ Elevated service tiers
My insight:
This is ideal for couples who want everything handled and clearly defined from the start.
Secrets Resorts
(Romance + Energy + Flexibility)
Best for: Couples who want a romantic experience with a little more energy and variety
Secrets Resorts are adults-only and offer a wide range of options across Mexico and the Caribbean.
What Makes Secrets Stand Out:
• Adults-only environment
• Wide variety of locations and styles
• Preferred Club upgrades
• Lively yet romantic atmosphere
• Modern resort options
Honeymoon Experience:
Secrets offers a more flexible honeymoon experience:
✔ Entertainment and nightlife options
✔ Multiple dining experiences
✔ Social but still romantic energy
Honeymoon Packages:
Secrets tends to offer stronger honeymoon perks, especially at higher room categories.
• Romantic dinners
• Potential upgrades
• Added experiences
My insight:
Secrets works well for couples who want romance without feeling too quiet or isolated.
Excellence Resorts
(Privacy + Space + Elevated Value)
Best for: Couples who want a quiet, intimate, and relaxed honeymoon
Excellence Resorts are known for their calm, spacious, and less crowded environment.
What Makes Excellence Stand Out:
• Adults-only focus
• Larger suites, often with private pools or rooftop terraces
• Strong value for the level of experience
• More private, less crowded feel
• Consistent service quality
Honeymoon Experience:
Excellence delivers a more relaxed, intimate honeymoon:
Quiet pools Slower pace More space and privacy
Honeymoon Packages:
Like Secrets, Excellence offers enhanced honeymoon packages tied to upgraded room categories.
My insight:
This is where I guide couples who want to disconnect, slow down, and truly relax.
⚖️ QUICK COMPARISON
| Feature | Sandals | Secrets | Excellence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Couples-only | Romantic + social | Quiet + intimate |
| Luxury Style | Tiered | Varies by property | Relaxed luxury |
| Best For | Structured experience | Balanced vibe | Peaceful honeymoon |
| Price Range | $$–$$$$ | $$–$$$ | $$–$$$ |
| Honeymoon Packages | Included | Stronger w/ upgrades | Stronger w/ upgrades |
| Privacy Level | High | Moderate | High |
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST OPTION
Instead of asking:
“Which brand is best?”
Ask:
“What do we want this honeymoon to feel like?”
✨ Couples-only + structured → Sandals
✨ Romantic + social + flexible → Secrets
✨ Quiet + intimate + relaxed → Excellence
That’s how you choose the best all-inclusive honeymoon resort.
❓ FAQ
Which is better for a honeymoon: Sandals, Secrets, or Excellence?
It depends on your preferences. Each offers a different style of experience.
Is Sandals worth it for a honeymoon?
Yes, especially for couples who want a true couples-only environment and strong inclusions.
Are Secrets Resorts good for honeymoons?
Yes, they offer a balance of romance and energy with strong package options.
Is Excellence good for honeymoons?
Absolutely—especially for couples prioritizing privacy, space, and relaxation.
Do I need a honeymoon travel expert?
Working with someone who understands both wedding planning and travel design helps ensure every detail is aligned—from resort selection to overall experience.
Let’s bring this together.
By now, you’ve seen that Sandals, Secrets, and Excellence each offer something completely different.
The goal isn’t to pick the most popular option.
It’s to choose the one that aligns with how you want your honeymoon to feel.
Because the right resort doesn’t just look beautiful—it feels right the entire time you’re there.
And that’s where my approach is different.
As both a certified wedding planner and travel designer, I don’t just help you book a honeymoon—I help you design an experience that flows effortlessly from beginning to end.
If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and want guidance choosing the right resort, room category, and destination—
Click here to schedule your complimentary honeymoon consultation HERE
Sandals, Secrets, or Excellence?
Let’s make sure you choose the one that actually fits you.
