Sandals vs. Excellence Resorts , the adults-only verdict.
Sandals and Excellence are two of the strongest adults-only all-inclusive brands in the Caribbean, but they appeal to different couples. Sandals is the established American favorite, with the strongest beach footprints and the most romantic suite categories. Excellence is the Spanish-style upstart, generally newer, often quieter, and a meaningfully better value at the four-star tier. Here's how they actually compare in 2026.
Compared, attribute by attribute.
| Attribute | Sandals | Excellence |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Honeymoons, suite categories, beach footprint | Quieter properties, value, modern design |
| Locations | Jamaica, St. Lucia, Bahamas, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao | Riviera Maya, Riviera Cancun, Punta Cana, Oyster Bay (Jamaica) |
| Adults only | ||
| Over-water bungalows | Yes (St. Lucia, Jamaica, Curaçao) | |
| Butler service | Top suite categories | Excellence Club tier |
| Average property size | Mid-large (250–500 rooms) | Large (450–600 rooms), but feels quieter |
| Beach quality | Industry-best (especially St. Lucia, Bahamas) | Excellent (Riviera Maya is reef-protected, calmer) |
| Specialty restaurants per resort | 8–16 | 8–11 |
| Drinks & top-shelf liquor | Included | Included |
| Allergy/celiac handling | Mature, allergy-trained chefs at most properties | Strong but property-dependent, vet in advance |
| Average per-couple nightly | $650–$1,400 (suites push higher) | $450–$1,000 |
| Repeat-guest loyalty program | Sandals Select Rewards | Excellence Club (room category, not loyalty) |
Who wins, by traveler.
Honeymoon couples wanting an over-water bungalow
Pick: Sandals
Sandals invented the Caribbean over-water bungalow category and still owns it, Sandals South Coast (Jamaica), Sandals Grande St. Lucian, and Sandals Royal Curaçao.
Anniversary couples wanting butler service and a top-suite experience
Pick: Sandals
The top-tier Sandals suites (Rondoval, Millionaire, Skypool) with butler service are unmatched in the Caribbean adults-only category.
Value-conscious couples who want near-luxury without paying suite prices
Pick: Excellence
An Excellence Club room at Excellence Playa Mujeres or Excellence Riviera Cancun delivers 85% of the Sandals top-tier experience at 60% of the price.
Couples who hate crowds and resort noise
Pick: Excellence
Excellence properties consistently feel quieter and more spread-out than comparable Sandals resorts. The Spanish-Caribbean architecture creates more shaded courtyards and quiet pools.
Celiac and severe food-allergy travelers
Pick: Sandals
Sandals' allergy program is more standardized across the brand. Excellence is excellent at specific properties but more inconsistent, work with an advisor (Sarah) who has vetted the specific resort.
Couples who've already done Sandals and want something fresh
Pick: Excellence
Different cuisine, different architecture, different vibe, and Excellence Playa Mujeres is genuinely a top-3 adults-only resort in the Caribbean.
Frequently asked.
- Are Sandals and Excellence the same company?
- No. Sandals Resorts International is a Caribbean-based company founded by Gordon "Butch" Stewart in 1981 and operates exclusively in the English-speaking Caribbean. Excellence Resorts is a Spanish-owned brand under the same parent as Beloved, Finest, and Bliss properties, concentrated in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
- Which is more expensive, Sandals or Excellence?
- Sandals is typically 20–40% more expensive for a comparable adults-only experience, especially at the suite level. Excellence's Excellence Club room category delivers a near-equivalent experience at a meaningfully lower price.
- Are Sandals and Excellence both adults-only?
- Yes, both are 18+ only. Note that Sandals' sister brand Beaches is family-friendly, and Excellence's sister brand Finest is family-friendly. If you're researching family travel, you want Beaches or Finest, not Sandals or Excellence.
- Which is better for celiac couples, Sandals or Excellence?
- Sandals has the more standardized brand-wide allergy program, so safety is more consistent across properties. Excellence is excellent at specific resorts (Playa Mujeres, Riviera Cancun) but more variable. Either way, work with an advisor who has personally vetted the kitchen at the property you're booking.
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