Key Takeaways
- Starting last year, RIU Hotels & Resorts has been on a mission to not only renovate, but fully reimagine key properties across destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean.
- Five properties have received extensive changes, upgrades, service enhancements, and even brand-new construction across public spaces, accommodations, and dining.
- Here’s what you need to know about the reinvented Riu Flamingos, Riu Palace Aruba, Riu Palace Peninsula, Riu Palace Mexico, and Riu Palace Jamaica.
They may be a long-established, highly trusted global brand, but RIU Hotels & Resorts is a brand that’s perpetually in motion, evolving fluidly to keep its contemporary vibe exactly that and right on point. Over the years, that has meant a slew of improvements across their entire portfolio. But their more recent moves have been more than just renovations. These five properties have been wholly transformed, presenting entirely new identities, features, amenities, designs, and so much more.
Here’s what you need to know about the reinvented Riu Flamingos, Riu Palace Aruba, Riu Palace Peninsula, Riu Palace Mexico, and Riu Palace Jamaica.
Riu Flamingos
The natural, sun-drenched climate of Riviera Nayarit takes center stage in a redesign that highlights bright, natural lighting. The result is an atmosphere that feels energizing, warm, and welcoming, making this a perfect host for the signature RIU Party, which has its own dedicated DJ cabin. This aesthetic also extends from communal areas to private spaces – all the more so for families, who now have the option of 120 brand-new, modern, oversized family category rooms that comfortably fit up to six guests.
This sense of conviviality and gathering continues on to new dining venues like the new American Country concept, Candy ice cream parlor, Moka coffee bar and café, as well as a sports bar. These are, of course, in addition to the fan-favorite steakhouse restaurant that was already there, and group-friendly buffet dining. Other upgrades include a spruced-up 24-hour gym, water slides, and new amenities for the RIU Land kids club, all revealed to rave reviews just this spring.
Bonus Access: Riu Vallarta. Breakfast and dinner service excluded.
Riu Palace Aruba
A perennial favorite Caribbean destination now has a new perennial favorite resort with the complete redo of this expanded property. The addition of 29 brand-new Swim-up Junior Suite Elite Club rooms are a banner enhancement, each featuring exclusive adults-only privacy directly on Palm Beach.
Betterer ocean views aren’t just for guests of that category, though. Guests of any Elite Club room category have access to a reserved prime-location beach area with premium lounge chairs and dedicated bar service there and at the private restaurant created just for them. And all guests benefit from a pool and garden area completely redesigned to maximize sunbathing and lounge space, while little ones also have the RIU Land kids club.
Additional updates debuted this year include a food and beverage program that now includes an international buffet, steakhouse, signature Krystal fusion, Asian restaurant, Italian restaurant, and casual dining at Pepe’s Food and Tiki Taco. A daiquiri bar in the lobby; café with coffee, pastry, and ice cream; a new plaza and pool bar; and the American Country sports bar round out the additions.
Bonus Access: Riu Palace Antillas (18+), including the Friday Riu Party. Exclusions: Elite Club.
Riu Palace Peninsula
Set in one of the brand’s most exciting mega-complexes, this property now has a bright new look, expanded family dining, and the debut of Elite Club by RIU at this location, which also introduces new private pool villa accommodations, located in an exclusive section, for top-tier relaxation with swim-up access.
Reopened just this summer, ocean views remain a star, enhanced now with the remodeled District Bar’s expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. And speaking of bars, craft cocktail enthusiasts can get excited about the enhanced RIU Palace mixology experience now offered in the lobby, while casual imbibers can find classics at the American Country sports bar. But if it’s too early in the day for that, an upgraded coffee shop menu is set to do the trick, or a sweet treat at the new Candy ice cream parlor. Just don’t indulge in the latter two treats too late in the day – there’s now better bedding across all the room categories, so you’ll want to set yourself up to sleep well.
Bonus Access: Riu Palace Las Americas (18+), Riu Cancun (18+), Riu Caribe, Riu Palace Costa Mujeres, Riu Dunamar, Riu Latino (18+), Riu Ventura, Riu Palace Kukulkan (18+) Breakfast and dinner service excluded.
Riu Palace Mexico
The serenity of the Playacar RIU Hotels & Resorts complex belies the action of Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue just beyond its gates, especially with Riu Palace Mexico’s transition into an exclusive retreat tailored entirely for adults. After months of work, a whole-property makeover is introducing a sleek, airy new aesthetic that injects new life into the lobby, restaurants, pools, and accommodations on September 19, 2026 … including those of the new Elite Club by RIU categories. Guests of this level enjoy premium upgrades, such as brand-new swim-up suites, a private pool and bar, and VIP perks while on site.
Dining is also being brought up a level across the hotel. A fresh culinary lineup now includes a new Italian restaurant, the American Country sports bar concept, and Capuchino, a pastry, ice cream, and – yes, of course! – coffee shop. For another option of a refreshing treat, take advantage of the RIU Palace mixology service in the lobby, a new offering that features unique signature cocktails each night.
Bonus Access: Riu Palace Riviera Maya, Riu Yucatan, Riu Playacar, Riu Tequila. Breakfast and dinner service excluded.
Riu Palace Jamaica
Island sophistication is being redefined in RIU’s Jamaica complex, and this newly transformed property is the one rewriting what that term means. Sleek design blends with the destination’s tropical and cultural warmth, including modernized rooms meant to serve as oases on the beach. Features like Smart TVs built for streaming and casting, more modern décor, and soon, new swim-up rooms with direct pool access.
Once it reopens December 2026, guests can look forward to a refreshed pool section featuring two swim-up bars (one exclusively for Elite Club guests), and elevated dining experiences across refreshed specialty restaurants. The lobby and public spaces are also being worked on, and we at ALG Vacations® can’t wait to see the end results.
Bonus Access: Riu Reggae, Riu Montego Bay, Riu Palace Tropical Bay, Riu Palace Aquarelle. Breakfast and dinner service excluded.
The Bottom Line
The RIU Hotels & Resorts brand has gone beyond renovating existing properties and have instead begun massive transformations to key properties that will set the bar high for all-inclusive value in Mexico and the Caribbean. With totally transformed and even fully rebuilt or newly built public spaces, restaurant venues, dining concepts, accommodations and categories, and even higher service levels at Riu Flamingos, Riu Palace Aruba, Riu Palace Peninsula, Riu Palace Mexico, and Riu Palace Jamaica, travel advisors and vacationers should look to this brand for modern experiences that are raising the bar.
