Riu Palace on Aruba’s Palm Beach

This all-inclusive resort is located on one of Aruba’s most beautiful beaches

The Riu Palace Resort on Aruba’s Palm Beach has become immensely popular for its combination of Spanish-influenced architecture and luxury; its all-inclusive packages; and especially the location on the seemingly endless Palm Beach; home of Aruba’s luxury hotels, including the Hyatt, Marriott and newly opened Ritz Carlton. It’s a very nice neighbourhood.

I was one of several travel writers who toured the Riu Palace during a working trip to Aruba last summer, and saw first-hand that the resort is full marks for its Five Star rating. The resort’s 450 rooms are in 3 towers surrounding a central courtyard where guests enjoy two freshwater pools, a Jacuzzi and lounge areas. Guests have direct access to the white sands of Palm Beach and the azure blue Caribbean Sea; literally just steps from the central pool area.

The Spanish-based resort company purchased an existing oceanfront Sheraton Hotel and then built two additional towers, plus completely renovating the existing property to create the new luxurious resort. The company has established a solid reputation for providing in The Caribbean and Southern Europe.

The resort has five dining rooms, including a bustling buffet restaurant and four themed specialty dining rooms that accept reservations on a daily basis. Guests enjoy a full American breakfast with individual cooking stations for omelets, pancakes and crepes. The open-air Nautilus is a popular location for lunch, and it serves up excellent steaks and fresh fish in the evenings. The other three a-la-carte dining rooms are the Krystal fusion restaurant, Sayuri for Japanese cuisine, and Italian at Milano (with buffet starters).

The resort has a fully equipped fitness centre, spa, hair salon and all the amenities that you expect in a luxury resort. The all-inclusive service includes 24 hour room service, unlimited drinks, and in-room mini-bars and liquor dispensers. There is nightly entertainment starting in the piano bar at 6pm; and regularly-scheduled shows. The sports bar is open for snacks and bar service 24 hours a day.

The Riu is a popular destination for weddings, and the resort has an on-site wedding planner to help couples and their families organize the wedding and reception before arrival; and are on hand to make sure the event runs smoothly.

The Riu Palace is ideal for families, reunions and couples to enjoy an exceptional beachfront holiday. The resort is available through Signature Vacations and Sunwing. For information about the resort: www.riu.com and follow the link to the Aruba location. For bookings please visit your travel agent or contact www.signaturevacations.ca or www.sunwing.ca Enjoy!