Riu Just Reopened This 1,041-Room All-Inclusive in Costa Rica With a Fresh Look, an Ice Cream Parlor, and New Swim-Up Rooms
There’s a new energy on the shores of Costa Rica’s Matapalo Beach. After a sweeping renovation, the Riu Guanacaste has reopened its doors, unveiling a completely refreshed look, upgraded amenities and new experiences that take this popular all-inclusive to another level.
RIU Hotels and Resorts has reimagined its flagship Costa Rican property with a modern coastal aesthetic that the company says pays homage to the country’s biodiversity and culture, using natural materials and colors that bring the outdoors inside.
The result is a brighter, more spacious resort experience that blends comfort with a sense of place, all in one of the most scenic corners of the Pacific coast of the country.
A New Stay Experience
The hotel’s 1,041 rooms have been completely redesigned to maximize light and space, offering a more serene environment for relaxation after days in the sun.
That includes eight new swim-up rooms with private pools have been added, creating a more exclusive experience for guests seeking privacy and luxury within the all-inclusive setting. The lobby has been restructured with an open, airy design that draws in the natural light, while landscaped gardens and shaded outdoor spaces create inviting corners to linger and unwind.
The pool complex is now one of the most impressive in Costa Rica, with six pools in total, including three with swim-up bars. Whether guests want to socialize with a drink in hand or enjoy a quiet swim surrounded by tropical greenery, the new layout offers more ways to enjoy the resort’s signature relaxed atmosphere.
Expanded Culinary Options
Food is central to the Riu Guanacaste experience, and the renovation has brought a completely revamped dining program. Guests can now choose from a diverse lineup of restaurants, including Asian, Mexican and Italian options, alongside a classic steakhouse and two large buffets with live cooking stations. The introduction of Pepe’s Food snack stands and Tiki Taco stations adds a more casual, flexible element, perfect for quick bites between pool sessions or excursions.
Every bar has also been renovated, and a new ice cream parlor called Candy brings a whimsical touch, serving desserts and sweet treats throughout the day. The Sports Bar has been redesigned with an American-country theme, offering à la carte comfort food and 24-hour drinks and snacks, giving guests a lively gathering spot at any hour.
Family Fun and Signature Experiences
For younger guests, the RIU Land children’s area has been completely rebuilt, creating a vibrant, engaging space designed for play and exploration. Families can also make the most of Splash Water World, the on-site water park, and the resort’s popular RIU Party events, weekly themed celebrations shared between the Riu Guanacaste and its sister property, the Riu Palace Costa Rica.
This reopening marks a new chapter for the Riu Guanacaste, which first welcomed guests in 2009 and has since become one of RIU’s most beloved properties in the Americas. By blending upgraded amenities with Costa Rican character, the resort is positioning itself as a top choice for holiday travelers seeking both comfort and authenticity.
The refreshed Riu Guanacaste is now ready to welcome guests back to Matapalo Beach — just in time for the peak winter travel season.
It’s part of what is now a years-long effort to transform and refurbish Riu’s properties in the wider Caribbean Basin, like last year’s overhaul of the Riu Palace Bavaro.
Karen Udler is the Deputy Travel Editor of Caribbean Journal. A graduate of Duke University, has been traveling across the Americas for three decades. First an expert on Latin American travel, Karen has been traveling with CJ for more than a decade. She likes to focus on wellness, luxury travel and food.
