Riu Palace Aruba Resort reopened its doors on August 5, 2026, following a complete renovation. Located on Palm Beach, the Spanish group Riu Hotels & Resorts’ property moves upmarket with the launch of the adults-only Elite Club concept, 31 suites featuring private pools, and a fully reimagined dining offer.
- The reopening: August 5, 2026, following a full renovation of the iconic Palm Beach property
- Upmarket transition: launch of the adults-only Elite Club, featuring 31 suites with private pools
- Dining: a restructured culinary offering centered around seven dining venues and five bars
- The setting: gardens, pools, and lobby modernized in a contemporary style
A Contemporary Beachfront Metamorphosis
Present on the island of Aruba since 2007, Spanish group Riu Hotels & Resorts has just completed the full makeover of its flagship property. Located along the Palm Beach coastline, the hotel has been redesigned to offer a more contemporary aesthetic while preserving the prestigious character of the Palace brand. The lobby now pairs abundant natural light with contemporary materials. The comprehensive renovation breathes modern sophistication into the heart of one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after bays.
◆ In pictures · The new decor
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Elite Club: An Exclusive Adults-Only Experience
All guest rooms now feature a soft color palette and natural materials. Spaces offering the most spectacular views are now reserved for guests of the Elite Club, the brand’s premium adults-only concept. Among these exceptional accommodations, 31 suites now boast a private pool. This privileged access comes with a dedicated restaurant, as well as a reserved sunbed area on the beach with beverage service.
◆ In pictures · Reimagined guest rooms
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Seven Restaurants and Five Bars: A Reimagined Culinary Offer
The culinary side has undergone a thorough overhaul, from ingredient selection and preparation methods to dining room decor. The dining experience now centers around varied concepts ranging from a steakhouse to Asian specialties. The property houses the Don Nicolás buffet restaurant, the Krystal fusion restaurant, the Japanese venue Sayuri, the Milano trattoria, as well as two casual outlets, Pepe’s Food and Tiki Taco. The beverage offer is also enhanced by an ice cream and pastry shop inside Cappuchino cafe, complemented by several lounges and pool bars.
◆ In pictures · Dining
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Redesigned Entertainment and Outdoor Spaces
The pool and landscaped area facing the Caribbean Sea has been completely redesigned to streamline relaxation around the water. The property maintains its versatile positioning: the resort combines the atmosphere of themed Riu Party events with family-friendly facilities. Younger guests enjoy supervised activities at the Riu Land club, while adult travelers can access Friday festive events hosted at the neighboring hotel, Riu Palace Antillas.
Our take
With this renovation, Riu brings its Aruba flagship in line with current high-end all-inclusive expectations: clearly separated adult areas, suites with private pools, and dining options segmented by mood rather than meal plan. On an island where the season stretches year-round, this repositioning comes at just the right time to attract North American and European guests looking for a more refined Caribbean experience. To extend your getaway in the region, discover the Caribbean itineraries of the yacht Amangati for winter 2027-2028.
