Everything You Need to Know About Riu Palace Aquarelle

by Michelle da Silva Richmond
Last updated: 11:00 AM ET, Sat January 11, 2025

When the expansive, 753-room, all-inclusive Riu Aquarelle opened in May 2024 on the shores of Falmouth, Jamaica, it unveiled a whole new world of fun-filled vacation “ops” for the entire family. Its proximity to Montego Bay’s International Airport is an added "perk," affording international vacationers an easy transition to this stunning addition to the island’s resort collection.

Tucked along the tranquil shores of White Bay, the resort is the perfect perch to participate in myriad water sports or simply kick back on the beach or poolside and enjoy the warm Jamaican vibe and welcoming hospitality offered at this 5-star paradise.

Lobby

From the minute you register at the reception desk in the expansive lobby, the welcoming staff, along with the soothing Caribbean décor, dotted with lush tropical plants and comfortable amenities, envelopes you with a warm welcome.

Located in the lobby, the popular Capuchino will tempt you with a sweet selection of specialty coffees and teas, freshly baked pastries, cookies, and ice cream sundaes to take with you. Across from it, the trendy Daiquiri Bar offers a collection of stronger beverages and unique cocktails. Both are open 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Accommodations

With 90 percent of the suites offering partial or ocean views, there are no bad choices, with options ranging from single suites to two-bedroom, connecting rooms. The comfortable accommodations feature private balconies with deck chairs. Rooms are furnished with king-size or two double beds, a sofa, a small desk, a ceiling fan, a large flat-screen satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. Also available is an in-room safe coffee bar, a small fridge stocked with water, beer, and soft drinks, and a liquor dispenser with rum, whisky, vodka, and gin.

Bathrooms include a walk-in shower (some with a bathtub), hair dryer, double sinks, bathrobes, and toiletries. Room service is available 24-hours.

Swim Up Pool Suites

For the ultimate experience, 18 adult-only suites with a small swim-up pool on the terrace are an added draw. These rooms have all the amenities of standard suites, with the added benefit of allowing guests to enjoy a personal pool. Some are located on an upper level, offering yet more privacy.

King-Size Suites

These luxurious ocean-view suites offer standard amenities: a king-size bed, free-standing tub, spinning TV, sofa, and ample sitting area. Connecting rooms can be booked, setting the stage for a very comfortable family experience.

Dining Delights

White Bay, the hotel’s main restaurant, offers spacious indoor or outdoor seating options while boasting bountiful buffet choices for all three meals. Live cooking stations feature a variety of tempting treats, including a tasty Jerk selection, encouraging visitors to savor local fare.

In addition, adventurous gourmands get to explore a variety of a la carte, international dining choices: Kyoto highlights Asian cuisine; Napoli features a tasty appetizer buffet along with typical Italian dishes; Krystal offers a gourmet menu, and Steakhouse showcases steak and seafood specialties.

Bar Hopping

Cool drinks always go hand-in-hand with beach resort activities, and guests will delight in the variety found here. Daiquiri Bar, located in the lobby, is always a favorite and boasts a full roster of frosty refreshments, including beer and specialty cocktails. Ska lounge bar offers the perfect perch from which to witness the on-stage evening entertainment. The 24-hour American Country Sports Bar serves typical American light fare and an ample drink selection and has pool tables for the sporting crowd.

Pool Bars

For casual treats throughout the day, Pepe's, the Jerk-style grill, dishes up a selection of tangy Jamaican treats while the bustling Marley and Kingston swim-up bars serve a variety of snacks and drinks – to the tune of lively music - throughout the day.

Poolside Fun

With four pools on the expansive property - two with swim-up bars – guests are encouraged to chill out and enjoy total relaxation. Depending on the day, a variety of energetic activities, such as water aerobics, foam parties, and more, are scheduled and hosted by talented DJs at one of the main pools.

The adult-only Splash Water World features winding water slides and promising exhilarating rides, while the kids’ Water Park offers mini water slides and a splash park.

Also, on tap throughout the day, outdoor exercise activities are held at Riu Fit, near the pool, while a fully equipped gym and a beach volleyball court add additional “work out” opportunities.

Soothing Spa Time

Guests can kick back and enjoy total R&R in the tranquil Renova Spa, offering a full slate of soothing therapies. Treatments can be personalized by selecting from a variety of facials and body massages for both men and women. A steam room, Jacuzzi and cold-water plunge assure the perfect finale. An onsite beauty parlor and nail salon offer an additional slate of services.

Chilling on the Beach

The expansive beach, with its soft sands, affords yet more downtime on comfortable sun loungers along palm tree-dotted shores. Located there, Scuba Water Sports Caribe offers many free beach activities such as paddle board, kayaking and more. For an additional fee, guests can sign up for scuba diving, snorkeling, and sailing lessons and choose from themed daytime and evening cruises.

Especially for Kids

Kids will delight in the programs and mini water park designed especially for 4 – 12-year-olds. Mini slides and a small splash park are sure to keep them entertained, or they can sign up at Riuland, where they can participate in a variety of age-appropriate indoor and outdoor activities under the supervision of resort staff, allowing Mom and Dad some “alone time.”

Show Time

When night falls, it’s party time at the resort’s outdoor plaza and the adjoining Sku bar as the stage comes to life with colorful performances by the very talented hotel staff, promising an evening of fun for the entire family.