I'll chime in here also but I definitely agree with JMac for all the resorts mentioned.
I've personally stayed at EPM, Secrets Maroma(our wedding was here), UNICO and El Dorado Casitas and Royale.
EPM - you've been so you know how it is....but we loved our swim out room here, the service was great and the beach was nice. I would say the food here was a tiny smidge better than Secrets.
Secrets Maroma - if you choose swim out room here, definitely go with Preferred Club and try to request all your rooms be near each other so you can basically make the swim out pool your own private pool with friends. Beach is so pretty, food was great and we really liked the swim up bar. I love the layout of this resort.
UNICO - smaller and more boutique hotel charm but great. Ocean VIEW Swim out rooms are not as private and near sidewalks that most people take to walk through the resort. Ocean FRONT Swim out rooms are more private and secluded. Loved the food here and the beach is looking great right now, from what I've heard in the past it's been hit or miss with the beach.
El Dorado Casitas - This resort is broken down into different smaller sections kind of shaped like a horseshoe - I think there are five or six of them. But each horseshoe has it's own pool with swim up bar and half of the casita rooms have a private pool or a swim out pool. This might be a good option if you can all get in one of the horseshoes you could either hang out in your swim out pool or just short walk to the pool. But it's not like there's only 2 pools for the entire resort and it's a long walk from your room. You also would have privileges at El Dorado Royale that is next door. Royale is a large resort with LOTS of restaurants and nightlife. The food at both was outstanding, the best food I've had at an all-inclusive. They are known for their gourmet restaurants and chefs.
Atelier is a newer resort but it's getting rave reviews and the swim out rooms look amazing. Their rooftop suites also have private pools that look to be amazing as well. I have clients going there this month so I'm excited to hear their feedback.
I'll throw in Haven Resort & Spa -- this would only be if you didn't care about the beach because it's not great but the swim out rooms here super nice, I felt like they were wider and there was more room between suites. It's another smaller resort with only 3 pools and 5 restaurants - it's more of a modern feel and decor. And it's only about 10 minutes from the airport.
If you want any pictures of these resorts and room types or have any specific questions just let me know or email me lauren@breezecustomtravel.com - I'm happy to help!
Lauren K '07
www.breezecustomtravel.com
@breezecustomtravel