10 Best and Fabulous All-Inclusive Swim-up Suites You’ll Fall in Love With

 Having a luxurious home-away-from-home while on holidays is important to many travelers. Especially when it comes to all-inclusive getaways where you have the opportunity to be spoiled in every aspect from cuisine, fancy cocktails, and incredible service levels. These competitive beachfront resorts always seem to be one-upping each other on a regular basis and what feature is all the rage these days and in hot demand? The infamous swim-up suite room category but of course. 

What is a Swim-up Suite?

A swim-up suite essentially brings the swimming pool right to your patio. They are mostly located on the ground floor which allows you to walk out and be dipping in the refreshing pool within a few steps. Most times this pool is shared by multiple swim-up suites in the same building. It's a concept that has gained immense popularity for it's convenience of having everything within steps of your room.

#1 - Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres, Mexico

This is one of Mexico's newest 5-star all-inclusive resorts in the exclusive area North of Cancun called Costa Mujeres, located just 20 minutes from the Cancun airport. It offers spacious rooms and impressive oceanview suites combined with exceptional quality service including unlimited dining, unlimited premium liquor, infinity pools with ocean views, attentive butler service in The Club section and more.

The Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres has a variety of swim-up suites including the Majestic Swim-up Junior Suite for families, the Swim-up Suite with Outdoor Jacuzzi for families, Elegance Club Majestic Swim-up Junior Suite or Suite for adults only.

Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres Swim-Up Suite with Outdoor Jacuzzi Family

#2 - Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica

The Beachfront Swim-up Millionaire Butler Suite at the adult-only Sandals Montego Bay in Jamaica is as luxurious as they come. With breathtaking Caribbean Sea views, butler service, 24-hour room service, wet bar with premium liquors and a tranquility soaking tub for two, you'll never need to leave your suite.

The Beachfront Swim-up Millionaire Butler Suite, Sandals Montego Bay Resort

#3 - Sandals Royal Barbados, St. Lawrence Gap Barbados

The Millionaire Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Butler Suite at this exclusive adult-only resort not only provides you with a private Rolls Royce airport transfer, exclusive butler service, 24-hour room service and VIP check-in, it gives you access to a large swimming pool lagoon! This suite is one of the higher end swim-up suites available in Barbados and is also equipped with a four-poster king-size bed, a tranquility soaking tub with privacy curtains, and spacious patio.

The Millionaire Crystal Lagoon Swim-up Butler Suite, Sandals Royal Barbados

#4 - Dreams Las Mareas Resort and Spa, Costa Rica

Discover this emerald hideaway on Playa El Jobo in the middle of the Costa Rican tropical rainforest. Offering lush landscapes and awe-inspiring views, this charming all-inclusive offers everything for families and couples alike. The Preferred Club upgrade provides elevated concierge service, personalized check-in and check-out services, exclusive access to the Preferred Club lounge and designated areas, plus upgraded suite in premium location with enhanced room amenities.

There are four room categories that offer swim-up suites; The Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim Out Tropical View, The Preferred Club Master Suite Swim Out, The Preferred Club Master Suite Swim Out Oceanfront and The Preferred Club Presidential Suite Swim Out Oceanfront.

Preferred Club Master Suite Swim Out, Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

#5 - Generations Riviera Maya Resort, Mexico

This all suite, all oceanfront, all gourmet-inclusive family-friendly resort will wow all visitors. It's not often that you can find a swim-up suite on your second or third floor balcony but you can with the Generations Riviera Maya Resort. The spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom oceanfront swim-up suites comes with direct access to an infinity pool from the balcony, rewarding you with privacy and stunning view of the white sand beaches and the largest artificial coral reef in the world. Alternatively choose the main level for direct access to the main pool and swim up pool bar.

Oceanfront One, Two and Three-bedroom Swim-up Suites at Generations Riviera Maya

#6 - Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort, Bahamas

The West Bay Honeymoon Hideaway Swim-up Crystal Lagoon Zen Butler Suite's key feature is Zen. From the moment that you walk out onto your private patio and find zero-entry access to a Zen Garden river pool, you know you've arrived to a relaxed paradise. The spaciousness and beauty of this room includes a four-poster king-size bed, a separate bedroom and living room (which includes a dining area), and an en-suite bathroom with a rain head shower/tub combo. Top off this luxurious experience with included butler service, 24-hour room service and private Rolls Royce airport transfer.

Honeymoon Hideaway Swim-up Crystal Lagoon Zen Butler Suite, Sandals Royal Bahamian

#7 - Sandals Grenada, St. George's Grenada

The Italian Swim-up Bi-level Butler Suite and the Italian Oceanview Penthouse 1 Bedroom Skypool Butler Suite in the Italian Village at Sandals Grenada are something so unique to experience that you'd think you've died and gone to a Caribbean heaven. These oversized Love Nest Suites are the pinnacle of luxury. Slip into your zero-entry elevated infinity pool in seconds from your private patio on the main level or private plunge pool with infinity edge with stunning ocean views on the higher levels. Each come with butler service, 24-hour room service and luxury private airport transfers.

Italian Swim up Bi-level 1 Br. Butler Suite w/ Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub - Sandals Grenada

#8 - Royalton Punta Cana Resort , Dominican Republic

The Diamond Club Luxury Swim-out rooms at this family-friendly resort ensures that the fun never ends. Guests here can enjoy full access to one of the Caribbean's largest water parks plus tennis facilities and more. The Diamond Club upgrade includes extra amenities such as butler service, preferred room locations, private lounge and pool access, nightly turndown service, exclusive beach area with dedicated bar and waiter service and much more.

The Diamond Club Luxury Swim-out rooms, Royalton Punta Cana Resort

#9 - Secrets Puerto Los Cabos, Mexico

The Junior Suite Swim Out Ocean View at the adult-only Secrets Puerto Los Cabos on the West side of Mexico offers striking views of native flora and fauna with miles of unspoiled beachfront of the Sea of Cortez. Elevate your stay with Preferred Club that offers personalized check-in and check-out, preferred club lounge access, preferred suite locations, private pool access and more.

Preferred Club Junior Suite Swim Out Ocean View, Secrets Puerto Los Cabos

#10 - The Finest Playa Mujeres, Mexico 

The unique feature of the Junior Suite Swim Up at the family-friendly Finest Playa Mujeres Resort is the overwater hammocks, private deck and privacy screens for ultimate relaxation. Guests can cool off with a dip in the pool right from their balcony. The resort is situated on a peninsula with pristine virgin beaches and endless sand dunes overlooking the deepest Caribbean blues. There is a separate section for adults only for those looking for extra peace and relaxation.

To check availability and to book your next upcoming travel retreat, please connect with Boutique Travel Services at 1-866-247-8123 or info@boutiquetravelservices.com. We are your dedicated travel agency to ensure the best price at the best service level.

Author: Laurie Keith
President, Boutique Travel Services
https://boutiquetravelservices.com/contact/

Best Catholic Chapels for Destination Weddings

We understand the dilemma that many Catholic brides and grooms face when deciding to book a destination wedding and just how they can combine both a Catholic ceremony with a destination wedding away from home. Many times we are approached by brides of grooms of the Catholic faith asking us how it all works, is it even possible and if so, what are the best resorts that offer on-site Catholic chapels or churches. Here, we dive into finding the answers.

In eyes of the Catholic Church, a marriage is a blessed Sacrament. With a Catholic wedding ceremony,  you are choosing the forming of a covenant to serve God, your faith, your community, and your new husband or wife. The ritual is to take place in the presence of Jesus Christ and witnessed by the minister of the church, a priest or deacon. 

A Catholic Destination Wedding needs to follow the same rules and protocol as a Catholic wedding at home. These include that you meet with your local priest in advance, that the couple attend a parish-approved pre-marriage counseling program, that the sacred scriptures at the ceremony be read by a Catholic priest (which can be your own priest or one at the destination that your priest has met over the phone), and that the venue location also be parish-approved. Please note that Catholic beach ceremonies are not approved by the Catholic church as it is deemed not sacred. 

Below are considered as the best and most awe-inspiring Catholic Destination Wedding Venues;

Jamaica - 
Jamaica has limited options for an onsite catholic ceremony service but there are many churches located throughout this Caribbean island that many Catholic get married at. The resort's wedding coordinator can assist with booking the church and your group's transportation there and back. However, for more convenience, even though they do not have a Catholic chapel on-site, we understand that Iberostar Rosehall is one of the few that will perform catholic ceremonies right there. The most popular resort in Jamaica for a destination wedding with an on-site Catholic chapel however, is the adult-only Sandals Montego Bay.

 

 Another alternative might be the Jewel Runaway Bay (formerly Breezes) with their open-aired oceanfront chapel.

The Lady of Fatima church tends to be our most popular off-site Catholic wedding venues in Ocho Rios for destination wedding brides and grooms.

Hawaii - 

Moving on to the other side of the planet, we take a look at the tropical oasis of Hawaii. Here, one of the cutest and most picturesque oceanfront chapel's in the world has be found at the Grand Wailea Resort in Maui. Although not an all-inclusive resort, this property boasts 5-star elegance and charm. 

Other alternatives in Hawaii include the Sheraton Keauhou or the Turtle Bay Resort.

One of our personal destination favorites where money-is-no-object and that provides the most unique experience possible, is the "over-water chapel" at the beautiful Intercontinental Bora Bora Thelasso Resort. Here, you can actually see fish swimming underneath the glass-floor as you walk down the isle! In the background is the most picturesque landscape of the rolling mountains on Bora Bora and the turquoise blue ocean. The average cost of a travel package including flights from Los Angeles and a 7 night stay in Bora Bora is around $8,000 per person.

However, if all-inclusive and affordable is what you are looking for, then the Dominican Republic and Mexico are going to be your very best bet. Here, a travel package for you and your weddings guests including flight, airport transfers, 7-nights accommodations and the all-inclusive feature with all meals and drinks, generally is $2,000 and under per person. 

Rooted in Catholic traditions, each of these countries have numerous Catholic destination wedding options to choose from. 

Dominican Republic -

Our personal favorite and top destination wedding resort in Punta Cana for years, is the Barcelo Resorts. This complex is made up of four different resorts and include a golf course, the most expansive beach in the Dominican Republic, a mini-golf course, casino, water park and so much more. Exploring the grounds by golf cart, we stumbled upon one of the most picturesque, tranquil, organic and natural Catholic chapel we've seen. The open-aired structure over-looks a pond setting with flowers and chirping birds and can accommodate larger wedding groups.

Our other top all-inclusive Punta Cana seller for destination wedding groups is the Majestic Colonial and Majestic Elegance Resorts. Although they do not have sharing privileges, they are sister properties situated next door to each other. Their chapel is reserved for Catholic weddings only.

Outside Punta Cana but requires honorable mention and consideration are the Spanish-colonial style chapels at both Cap Cana and Casa Del Campo. When considering the new development at Cap Cana, you can get married at the Catholic Chapel in town but stay at the adult-only Secrets Cap Cana Resort for a luxurious 5-star experience.

The complex of Casa Del Campo is located closer to La Romana and the capital of Santo Domingo. Our favorite 5-star family-friendly resort here is the Dreams La Romana, then bring your friends and family to the historic Catholic Chapel in Casa Del Campo.

And finally we touch on our most popular place for destination weddings - Cancun and the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. Cancun is one of the most connected airports in the world, allowing guests from every corner of the globe to gain easy access to your wedding. The resort options are endless from EP to all-inclusive from 3 star to 5 star luxury. Here are our top choices for all-inclusive resorts that are 4-star or higher and offer Catholic Chapels right on-site;

Cancun -

The Royal Cancun is an adult-only luxury resort and shares their oceanfront "Our Lady of Guadeloupe" chapel with their next door family-friendly sister property - the Gran Caribe. It offers a glass-protected and enclosed area with the most beautiful view of the azul Caribbean Sea behind. 

Recognizing the demand for more Catholic Chapels in Cancun, The JW Marriott and Casa Magna Marriott have built a new chapel to accommodate their Catholic destination wedding guests.

Mayan Riviera -

One of our top-sellers in the Mayan Riviera for destination wedding groups is the beautiful 5-star family-friendly all-inclusive resort of Dreams Tulum. Here, it's color Catholic Chapel is portrayed to be a part of a Mexico pueblo (small town).

We also greatly favor the Barcelo Maya, Beach, Caribe, Tropical and Palace Resort complex and like their property in Punta Cana, they also have an on-site Catholic wedding chapel. At this all-inclusive resort you will find the whitest, softest and most expansive beach in the Mayan Riviera. It's open-aired chapel feels spacious and natural.

The all-inclusive Palladium Resort complex also consists of a Catholic Chapel but is designed as a Spanish colonial-style building - a perfect backdrop for wedding photos.

If you are looking for an oceanfront Catholic chapel in the Mayan Riviera, then The Moon Palace all-inclusive resort is going to be the place. This is the largest resort in the Mayan Riviera offering three different resort sections and so many resort amenities including a wave rider, dolphin enclosure and golf course as well as a large variety of restaurants. Combine this with their designer wedding collections and $1500 per room resort credit (which can be used towards your wedding, upgrade in room, spa treatments, golf, tours and more), it makes it most ideal for destination weddings. 

 

The Grand Sirenis is another top value-package all-inclusive recommended resorts where the price sells itself. The Catholic chapel here overlooks the ocean.

Said to have the only Roman Catholic Chapel in the Mayan Riviera, is the upscale and all-inclusive resort of the Valentin Imperial. It's chapel is more modern and contemporary with marble, white and brown hues.

If you're looking for an upscale adult-only resort that has a picturesque Catholic Chapel, then you can find it at the gourmet-inclusive El Dorado Royale Resort. Just steps from the beach, this Spanish-colonial white-washed chapel is the perfect setting for an intimate Catholic destination wedding ceremony.

 

Although not located at a resort, we had the opportunity to explore the Xcaret Eco Theme Park in the Mayan Riviera and was truly amazed and drawn into the mystical and spiritual place that it is. Created as a colonial town among the jungle, cenote caves and ancient Mayan ruins, it's truly the most ideal setting for anyone who is looking for that feeling of be re-connected to nature, history, God or your own spiritual being on your wedding day. 

Xcaret has two Catholic chapels that are both recognized officially by the Catholic Prelature in the state capital, Chetumal. Although enjoyed throughout the day, one of the very best times to wed at Xcaret is in the evening as the buildings and pillars are lit up in a spiritually lifting way. The wedding team at Xcaret ensures that no detail is left undone.  

St. Francis of Assisi Chapel is perched on top of a hill at the end of a windy cobblestone road. It's open aired venue is very spacious and feels like you can touch the sky.

The Chapel of Guadalupe is located in the center of the "puebla" (town). On the outside it appears to be a Spanish colonial-style building but as you enter the giant wooden doors, you feel like you've entered a magical world not known like any other place on Earth. This chapel has been created out of an old cenote cave and this giant 'tree of life' appears over the alter. It feels organic, natural and very spiritual and will definitely be a stunning venue that you and your wedding guests will never forget.

If considering the Xcaret Eco Park for your wedding, you can stay at the Occidental Grand Xcaret all-inclusive resort because they offer free entrance and river transfer into the park for you and your guests.

Romantic Planet Vacations has been serving destination wedding groups since 2004 and has heaps of first-hand knowledge, expertise and experience of these resorts and more worldwide. They have organized destination wedding trips for wedding ceremonies of all religion-types including Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and more, as well as non-legal, civil, symbolic and now renewals. 

We can be contacted at inquiries@romanticplanet.ca or 1-877-247-8123 for your group's destination wedding quote or if you have any questions about these resorts and more. For more information about other resort or destination options, please visit www.romanticplanet.ca

Sincerely;

Laurie Keith

President

Romantic Planet Vacations

laurie@romanticplanet.ca

Riu Launches First Adults Only Resort in Punta Cana

Signature Vacations is pleased to announce that as of November 1, 2012, the Riu Palace Macao in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic launched its Adults Only Concept.  The first RIU resort in the Americas to adopt this concept, the Riu Palace Macao offers couples and adults over 18 an ideal place to enjoy a relaxing and romantic vacation on one of the finest beaches in the Caribbean.

Having undergone extensive refurbishments and several upgrades to its facilities, the Riu Palace Macao has adopted the new, modern, and contemporary RIU interior design concept.  While the resort maintains its colonial style facade, it now boasts new swimming pools, updated restaurants, and newly designed guestrooms.  The 364 bright and spacious rooms feature new furniture, décor, linen and drapes, flat screen televisions, and showers.  Hydro massage baths are available in the suites.  The resort’s pool and garden areas have also been completely remodeled to better reflect the mature and sophisticated atmosphere. Dining is taken to new levels with the choice of Italian, Steak-house, and Japanese speciality restaurants as well as the exquisite buffet and RIU’s signature Krystal fusion restaurant.

Signature Vacations and the Riu Palace Macao exclusively offer RIU®-Topia , which includes features such as a welcome cocktail, unlimited international drinks, in-room liquor dispenser, in-room mini bar re-stocked daily, unlimited dining at specialty restaurants, free in-room safe, and complimentary WiFi in guestrooms, common areas, and lobby.  In addition, guests can also enjoy exclusive Riu Palace Resorts extras such as 24 hour room service, poolside waiter beverage service, champagne breakfast daily, and more.

Romantic Planet Vacations is your full serviced travel agency specializing in RIU Resorts. Book your honeymoon or destination wedding today!

inquiries@romanticplanet.ca
Romantic Planet Vacations Inc.
1-866-247-8123

BARCELO BAVARO BEACH DEALS!
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

10.08.07-31.08.07

Barcelo Bavaro Beach & Caribe
Double room..............56
Single room................78

Barcelo Bavaro Golf & Casino
Double room.............45
Single room...............63

Barcelo Bavaro Palace
Double room.............95
Single room..............132

Standard room, valid for new bookings made from 13th of July, 2007 onward, ALL-INCLUSIVE per person, not combinableable with other offers, only valid for Canadian market, quote special :OE11" when booking.

GREAT CARIBBEAN SPECIALS!

Dominican Republic
Punta Cana

Casa De Campo, AI, EP

4th Night FREE

*Categories: Superior, Luxury

Travel 1-May-07 through 31-Aug-07

Occidental Grand Punta Cana

from $105*(Deluxe)

Book now through 02-Apr-07Travel 01-Sep-07 through 22-Dec-07

Aruba

Amsterdam Manor, EP

5th Night FREE

*Categories: Standard Studio, Superior Studio, 1Bedroom Suite, 2Bedroom Suite

Travel now through 31-Aug-07

Book now through 29-Mar-07

Radisson Aruba, EP

5th Night FREE

*Categories: Standard. Garden View, Partial OceanView

Travel now through 31-Aug-07

Book now through 29-Mar-07

St. Martin

Grand Case, EP

5th Night FREE

*Categories: Gardenview Studio, Oceanfront Studio, Oceanfront 1 Bedroom

Travel 1-Sep-07 through 15-Oct-07

St. Lucia

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, EP

5th Night FREE

*Categories: OceanView, 1Bedroom Villa no Pool, 2Bedroom with Pool

Travel: 13-Apr-07 through 24-Apr-07; 26-Apr-07 through 8-May-07; 13 May-07 through 22-May-07; 27-May-07 through 16-Nov-07; 04-Dec-07 through 19-Dec-07

Book now through 29-Mar-07

Nassau

Atlantis, Paradise Island, EP

from $188*(Beach Tower Promo Terrace)

Categories: Beach Tower Promo Terrace; Coral Tower Promo Terrace; Royal Tower Promo Terrace.

Book now through 16-Apr-07Travel 22-Apr-07 through 02-Sep-07

* per person double room, subject to change.

www.romanticplanet.ca

PARADISUS PUNTA CANA MARCH SALE!

Save almost $600 per couple for a week stay!

Deluxe Junior Suite - Reg. $256...............SALE $214

Family Concierge Suite - Reg. $322.........SALE $280

Royal Service Garden Suite - Reg. $322..SALE $280

Rates are per person, per night, all-inclusive, in CAD$

Rates are subject to change & based on availability.

MUST BE BOOKED BY FEBRUARY 15, 2007

TRAVEL MARCH 1 - 31, 2007