Spanish resort giant Riu Hotels and Resorts has reopened its Riu Palace Riviera Maya resort following a large-scale renovation project, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The company transformed the Mexican Caribbean resort with what it called a “sleek, new modern style” following a $40 million enhancement program. 

The Riviera Maya resort now includes 460 rooms in a location close to the popular beach city of Playa del Carmen. 

“We have not left out a single detail,” the company said of the changes, which also meant reimagined outdoor spaces, guest rooms and common areas. “This latest reopening is very special to RIU since it brings to an end a fantastic year of refurbishments.”

Other changes include an expansion to four large pools, including a kids’ pool; a new swim-up bar with poolside wait service and a new RiuLand kids club. 

Riu also debuted some of the brand’s newer concepts, like the RIUFit fitness area and another new Riu signature, the “Capuchino” coffee bar. 

Guests at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya can access amenities and eateries at Riu’s five neighboring resorts in the Mexican Caribbean, including the weekly parties at Riu Tequila. (The latter resort underwent a similar renovation project in the summer of 2018). 

The Riu Palace Riviera Maya now features seven dining concepts, none of which requires a reservation, led by the new Italian eatery Il Portico.

Riu continues to strengthen its footprint in Mexico, whether with high-profile transformation projects or new-build resorts like its brand-new Costa Mujeres property.

And that’s not just in Mexico. 

Indeed, Riu has been transforming its resorts in the wider Caribbean region at a breakneck pace, with both renovations and expansions in destinations as diverse as Jamaica, The Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. 

For more, visit the Riu Palace Riviera Maya.

— CJ