Here in the U.S., RIU Hotels & Resorts have become synonymous with reasonably priced, group travel-friendly, all-inclusive great times in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. With signature features like RIU Party at the pools or stages, shared amenities across several properties in one resort complex, in-room liquor dispensers, and sleek, modern rooms, they’ve got the market down pat.
However, what a lot of American travelers may not know is that this brand is actually a European one – Spanish, to be exact, with a history of hospitality that predates the experiences we’ve had here in Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Panama, and other destinations in the Western Hemisphere. In fact, this brand is a global favorite with reliable, beautiful hotels in Africa, Asia, and of course, Europe. And now, as American consciousness turns toward visiting the Spanish Islands, it’s time we turn our focus to RIU’s roots and where it all started: Mallorca.
The chain was founded in Mallorca in 1953, but the family-friendly all-inclusive Riu Playa Park in Playa de Palma is a far cry from that era.
Located near the Palma de Mallorca airport and right next to one of the area’s most popular beaches and a nearby ocean promenade, this Travelife Sustainability System GOLD-certified resort offers more than 450 contemporary rooms across the property. Three pools, including one with a swim-up bar, invite leisure between daytime activities, whether it’s renting a bike to explore the hotel surroundings, making use of easy public transportation to visit the historic city of Palma and villages of Serra de Tramuntana, or just working out at the fitness center on the property.
However guests plan to expend their energy (if at all; we don’t blame anyone for wanting to just relax in the region’s sunny climate!), this pioneering 24-hour service all-inclusive brand offers plenty of options to refuel. As with the RIUs in the Americas, all snacks and meals are included, from the dinner buffet with live cooking stations to the theme restaurant. And at lunch and dinner, three alcoholic drinks, house wine and beer, are included with your meal.
This is a little different from our side of the pond, but note that this is a Mallorca tourism decree put in place in 2020, and is not exclusive to the hotel.
If it was the Canary Islands and not the Balearic you had in mind, Riu Palace Tenerife should be a top-of-mind choice.
Another family-friendly resort, this one has also earned GOLD certification for the Travelife Sustainability System and also has three outdoor pools, one of which is an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and another just for children, and a heated indoor one. And not only is it right on top of the beach, it’s convenient to enchanting spots like the Maspalomas Dunes, Amadores Beach, the volcanic Roque Nublo landmark, the historic village of Agüimes, and the Biosphere Reserve – all unforgettable excursions for the family.
Rooms here take on a more modern glam aesthetic; silvers, grape, and whites form the base of the color palette of the bright and roomy spaces.
Other ways this property shows its own “flavor” – outside of the buffet with live cooking stations and à la carte fusion restaurant – is the flexible half-board option, which means breakfast and dinner is included with your stay. This offers plenty of opportunity and no guilt to go explore the island without feeling like you’re missing out!
Additionally, guest of Riu Palace Tenerife are invited to take advantage of the Riu Party events at nearby Riu Buenavista, with alternating, exciting themes that add further vibrance to any stay. The #RiuGetTogetherParty hosted by its neighboring resort alternate weekly between the White Party and Neon Party, so check the calendar to pack appropriately!
Of course, these are only the start of RIU Hotels & Resorts available through ALG Vacations® travel advisors, so it’s always best to Plan with a Pro to ensure the right fit and best value. Whether Formentera, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Majorca, or Tenerife are called for, just remember that Travel Advisors Get You There.
