Sandals is the better choice for couples seeking a premium Caribbean experience with included scuba diving and butler service, while Hyatt Zilara appeals to Hyatt loyalists who want to use World of Hyatt points and prefer a more contemporary resort style. Having visited all 17 Sandals properties and experienced the Hyatt all-inclusive offerings, here is how these two popular brands compare.
Both Sandals and Hyatt Zilara deliver a high-quality adults-only all-inclusive experience, but they target fundamentally different travelers. One is built for romance and Caribbean immersion, while the other rewards loyalty program members with outstanding points value.
In This Article:
Quick Comparison: Sandals vs Hyatt Zilara
Where Sandals Wins
Where Hyatt Zilara Wins
My Recommendation
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Comparison: Sandals vs Hyatt Zilara
| Feature | Sandals Resorts | Hyatt Zilara |
|---|---|---|
| Properties | 17 resorts | 4 properties |
| Locations | 8 Caribbean islands | Jamaica, Cancun, DR, Curacao |
| Loyalty Program | None | World of Hyatt (points bookable) |
| Guest Policy | Couples only | Adults only (18+) |
| Starting Price | ~$250/person/night | ~$275/person/night |
| Scuba Diving | Included | Extra cost |
| Butler Service | Available | Not available |
| Dining Options | 5-16 per resort | 4-8 per resort |
| Best For | Honeymoons, diving, premium | Points travelers, modern style |
Where Sandals Wins
More Caribbean Destinations
Sandals operates across 8 different Caribbean islands, giving you far more variety in scenery, culture, and experiences. Hyatt Zilara is limited to Jamaica, Cancun, the Dominican Republic, and Curacao. If you want to explore St. Lucia’s Pitons, Antigua’s 365 beaches, or Grenada’s spice island, Sandals is your only option.
Included Scuba and Water Sports
This remains Sandals’ biggest differentiator. Unlimited scuba diving for certified divers, plus water skiing, tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and sailing are all included. At Hyatt Zilara, scuba and motorized water sports are additional costs.
Dining Variety
Sandals resorts typically offer more restaurant options. Sandals Grande St. Lucian has 12 restaurants, and some resorts allow you to dine at nearby sister properties, effectively doubling your options. Hyatt Zilara properties usually have 4-8 dining venues.
Butler and Club Level Tiers
Sandals offers a genuine progression of service levels from standard rooms through Club Level to Butler Suites. Hyatt Zilara has premium room categories but nothing equivalent to the Sandals butler experience.
Where Hyatt Zilara Wins
World of Hyatt Points
This is the single biggest advantage Hyatt Zilara has over Sandals. You can book stays using World of Hyatt points, and nights count toward elite status. A 5-night stay that might cost $3,000-$4,000 cash could be booked for 100,000-125,000 Hyatt points, making it one of the best points-to-value ratios in the loyalty program world.
Contemporary Design Aesthetic
Hyatt Zilara properties tend to have a more modern, contemporary design sensibility. The Zilara Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic is particularly impressive architecturally.
Mexico Options
If Cancun or the Riviera Maya is your preferred destination, Hyatt Zilara Cancun puts you in Mexico’s most popular resort zone with easy access to Mayan ruins and cenotes.
Fitness and Wellness
Hyatt properties generally invest more in fitness centers and wellness programming. If a quality gym and yoga classes are priorities, Hyatt Zilara may edge ahead.
My Recommendation
For most couples planning a honeymoon or romantic Caribbean getaway, Sandals delivers a more comprehensive all-inclusive value and a more romantic atmosphere. The included scuba diving, butler service option, and couples-only guarantee create an experience specifically designed for romance.
However, if you have a significant World of Hyatt points balance, Hyatt Zilara represents outstanding value on points redemptions. The key question is: are you paying cash or using points? If cash, Sandals wins. If points, Zilara is hard to beat.
Key Takeaways
- Sandals offers 17 resorts across 8 islands vs. Hyatt Zilara’s 4 properties
- Sandals includes scuba, all water sports, and airport transfers in the base price
- Hyatt Zilara’s biggest advantage is World of Hyatt points bookability
- Sandals is couples-only; Hyatt Zilara is adults-only (18+)
- For honeymoons, Sandals delivers a more romantic experience
- For points travelers, Hyatt Zilara offers exceptional redemption value
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use Hyatt points at Sandals resorts?
No, Sandals resorts are not part of the World of Hyatt program and do not accept Hyatt points. If you want to use hotel loyalty points for an all-inclusive vacation, Hyatt Zilara is the better option.
Is Hyatt Zilara couples-only like Sandals?
No, Hyatt Zilara is adults-only (18+) but not couples-only. Solo travelers, friend groups, and any adults can stay at Zilara properties. Sandals is exclusively for couples.
Does Hyatt Zilara include scuba diving?
No, Hyatt Zilara does not include scuba diving or motorized water sports. Sandals includes unlimited scuba diving for certified divers and all motorized water sports at every resort at no additional charge.
How many Hyatt Zilara resorts are there?
There are 4 Hyatt Zilara adults-only properties: Zilara Rose Hall in Jamaica, Zilara Cancun in Mexico, Zilara Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, and Zilara Curacao. Sandals has 17 resorts across 8 Caribbean islands.
From Our Travel Network
Sandals vs Secrets Resorts Compared – CaribbeanMag.com
How Much Does Sandals Cost in 2026? – CaribbeanMag.com
Best Sandals Resorts Ranked – PixieHoneymoons.com
Complete Sandals Resort Guide – PixieVacations.com
Steve Griswold is a Sandals CRC Platinum Elite Advisor who has visited all 17 Sandals resorts. For help choosing the right all-inclusive, visit PixieVacations.com.
