News list

RIU introduces the Elite Club service at the Riu Palace Baja California

RIU Hotels & Resorts has introduced its new Elite Club service at the Riu Palace Baja California, in Los Cabos. After several months of renovation work, the chain has adapted the hotel spaces to introduce the unique benefits provided by this new service, designed for those customers who want to bring their experience at RIU hotels up a notch.

After the renovation, the hotel now has an Elite Club restaurant which offers à la carte dinner for those guests who choose this service. Likewise, an exclusive area for Elite Club customers has been established in the swimming pool, in addition to an exclusive Elite bar and a rooftop area with lounge chairs and Balinese beds. As an added benefit, Elite Club customers now have a private lounge just for them, where drinks from the best brands are served.

Other benefits that the Elite Club service includes are: 82 rooms featuring privileged views and equipped with liquor dispensers with premium drinks; a minibar with snacks and a bottle of wine; confirmed late check-out until 1:00 p.m., and the possibility of early check-in, as well as an exclusive check-in line at reception for early birds; welcome gift and aromatherapy in the room; and the possibility of making reservations at our themed restaurants.

The establishment of our Elite Club service in Los Cabos represents another step in RIU's commitment to this innovative service, which was also launched a few weeks ago in Nayarit after the reopening and renovation of the Riu Palace Pacifico. In Mexico, the Riu Palace Kukulkan (in Cancun) was the first RIU hotel to offer this new concept to its customers. A concept that today is also offered in the Dominican Republic, at the renovated Riu Palace Macao, in Punta Cana, and also in Jamaica (after the changes made at the Riu Palace Jamaica, in Montego Bay).

For further information please visit: www.riu.com

About RIU: The international RIU chain was founded in Mallorca by the Riu family in 1953 as a small holiday firm and is still owned by the family's third generation. The company specialises in holiday resorts and over 78% of its establishments offer its acclaimed All Inclusive by RIU service. With the inauguration of its first city hotel in 2010, RIU is expanding its range of products with its own line of city hotels called Riu Plaza. RIU Hotels & Resorts now has 97 hotels in 21 countries. In 2023, the chain welcomed 6,4 million guests and provided jobs for a total of 35,808  employees. RIU is currently the world's 36th ranked chain, one of the Caribbean's most popular, the largest in Spain in terms of revenue and the fourth largest in number of rooms.

For further information: Communications Department // Tel: +34 971 74 30 30 // [email protected]

What is the new Hotel Riu Palace Nautilus like after its comprehensive renovation in Torremolinos?

RIU Hotels & Resorts has inaugurated the renovated Hotel Riu Palace Nautilus in Torremolinos, Andalusia, on 23 March 2026. After a complete renovation, the establishment has been upgraded to the Riu Palace category, becoming the chain's first premium standard hotel on the Iberian Peninsula.

What changes does the renovation of the Riu Palace Nautilus include?

The hotel's transformation focuses on elevating its category through an architectural design that enhances the natural light and views of the Mediterranean Sea. The new design uses a palette of neutral colours to create a timeless and contemporary atmosphere.

The lobby has been completely redesigned to offer an immediate panoramic view of the sea upon the guest's arrival. Furthermore, all rooms and common areas have been renovated, prioritising spaciousness and the freshness of materials.

What are the new features in gastronomy and services?

The main new feature is the incorporation of the Krystal restaurant, a gourmet space with à la carte service. This joins the hotel's main restaurant, which has expanded both its interior capacity and the area of its outdoor terrace.

How does the "Proudly Committed" sustainability strategy impact?

In compliance with the Proudly Committed strategy, the renovation has integrated infrastructure to reduce the environmental footprint. Heat exchangers and state-of-the-art air conditioning systems have been installed, as well as a network of solar panels.

Furthermore, the social commitment is reflected in the improvement of universal accessibility, increasing the number of adapted rooms to guarantee inclusive tourism on the Costa del Sol.

RIU's Presence in Andalusia

With this reopening, RIU consolidates its presence in the region with four establishments:

• Riu Palace Nautilus (Torremolinos)
• Hotel Riu Costa del Sol (Torremolinos)
• Hotel Riu Monica (Nerja)
• Hotel Riu Chiclana (Chiclana)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Hotel Riu Palace Nautilus

1. Where exactly is the Hotel Riu Palace Nautilus located? It is located on the beachfront in Torremolinos, just 20 metres from the sea and with direct access to the promenade, near Benalmádena.

2. What differentiates the Riu Palace standard from the previous one? The Riu Palace category is the chain's premium standard, offering more luxurious facilities, additional services, and a superior gastronomic offer, such as the Krystal restaurant.

3. Is the Riu Palace Nautilus the first Riu Palace on the peninsula? Yes, it is the first establishment of RIU to reach this superior standard in the Spanish peninsular territory.

4. What sustainable measures have been applied in the renovation? Photovoltaic solar panels, high-efficiency air conditioning systems, and heat exchangers have been installed to reduce energy consumption.

5. Is the hotel adapted for people with disabilities? Yes, accessibility has been improved in all common areas and the hotel now has 11 fully adapted rooms.

6. What dining options does it offer after the renovation? It features a main buffet restaurant with an extended terrace and the new Krystal à la carte gourmet restaurant.

7. Which airport is most convenient to arrive at? The hotel is strategically connected to Malaga Airport (AGP), facilitating access for international travellers.

For more information or bookings: www.riu.com

About RIU Hotels & Resorts: The international RIU chain was founded in Mallorca, Spain, in 1953 as a small holiday business of the Riu family, founder and current owner in the third generation. The company focuses on holiday hospitality and more than 74% of its establishments offer the renowned All inclusive by RIU service. With the opening of its first city hotel in 2010, RIU expands its product range with its own line of urban hotels called RIU Plaza. RIU Hotels & Resorts has 101 hotels in 22 countries which in 2025 welcomed 6.8 million customers and employed a total of 38,955 employees. Currently RIU is the 40th largest chain in the world, and the third in Spain by number of rooms.

For more information: Communications Department // Tel: +34 971 74 30 30 // [email protected]

How is RIU Hotels supporting children in Ireland through its partnership with Barnardos?

RIU Hotels & Resorts has announced a strategic three-year alliance with the children's charity Barnardos to support 1,200 children and families in Dublin. The project, linked to the Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, will fund early childhood and family support programs in the Dublin 1 and Dublin 8 areas starting in February 2026.

What does RIU's social investment project in Dublin entail?

The hotel chain will provide financial resources to support the work of Barnardos (Ireland’s leading children’s charity) for an initial three-year period. This initiative is part of the company's CSR strategy known as Proudly Committed.

The primary objective is to mitigate the effects of poverty and educational disadvantage in vulnerable communities near the Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin.

Pillars of Action and Beneficiaries

The collaboration is structured around three fundamental axes to ensure a real and measurable impact:

1. Early Years Programme: School readiness for children aged 3 to 5 to ensure they start their education on an equal footing.

2. Family Support Programme: Strengthening parenting skills and providing emotional support through personalized services.

3. Essentials Fund: Direct aid to alleviate the impact of the rising cost of living on local families.

Project KPIs and Key Data

Indicator

Project Details

Direct Beneficiaries

1,200 children, adolescents, and families

Initial Duration

3 years (2026 - 2029)

Impact Areas

Dublin 1 and Dublin 8 (Ireland)

Methodology

RIU Method (Proactive Social Investment)

Global Strategy

Proudly Committed - Community and Sustainable Destinations

What is the RIU Method and how does it guarantee social efficacy?

This alliance is not an isolated donation; it has been structured using the RIU Method. This social investment protocol allows the chain to identify the real needs of the community through direct dialogue with NGOs, local authorities, and employees. The method includes strict performance measurement to ensure transparency and the continuity of projects in the destinations where the chain operates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many people will benefit from the RIU and Barnardos alliance? The project is designed to positively impact the lives of 1,200 children and adolescents, as well as their families living in central Dublin.

Why did RIU choose Barnardos as its partner in Ireland? Barnardos has over 60 years of experience in the country and is the leading organization in supporting children facing critical challenges such as homelessness or poverty.

Which RIU hotel is linked to this social initiative? The project is carried out within the area of influence of the Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, fulfilling the chain's goal of having an active social project in every city where it operates.

¿Cómo impulsa RIU Hotels la educación infantil en Bahamas y Jamaica a través de su estrategia Proudly Committed?

RIU Hotels & Resorts ha iniciado dos nuevos proyectos de inversión social en Bahamas y Jamaica en marzo de 2026. Estas iniciativas, integradas en su estrategia de sostenibilidad Proudly Committed, están diseñadas para mejorar la alfabetización, la educación STEM y la nutrición de cerca de 300 niños y jóvenes en el Caribe.

¿En qué consiste la primera colaboración social de RIU en Bahamas?

Por primera vez, RIU establece una alianza estratégica en Nassau con la organización Lend a Hand Bahamas (LAHB). Este proyecto tiene una duración inicial de tres años y se ubica en el centro comunitario de Grant’s Town.

El programa impacta positivamente en más de 200 niños y jóvenes (de 5 a 18 años). La formación se centra en cuatro pilares fundamentales: alfabetización, educación STEM (ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas), talleres socioemocionales y artes culinarias.

¿Cómo refuerza RIU su apoyo educativo en Montego Bay, Jamaica?

En Jamaica, la cadena hotelera consolida su patrocinio al Wested Educational Centre en Montego Bay. Este programa de intervención académica beneficia a 77 estudiantes de 12 escuelas locales que requieren refuerzo educativo especializado.

La intervención destaca por su enfoque holístico, combinando el apoyo pedagógico en lectura y matemáticas con un componente crítico de nutrición, proporcionando comidas diarias a los alumnos. Además, se ha implementado un sistema de aprendizaje digital mediante el uso de tabletas para modernizar las competencias de los menores.

Tabla de KPIs: Impacto Social de RIU en el Caribe (2026)

Indicador

Proyecto Bahamas (Nassau)

Proyecto Jamaica (Montego Bay)

Organización Aliada

Lend a Hand Bahamas

Wested Educational Centre

Beneficiarios directos

+200 niños y jóvenes

77 estudiantes

Áreas de intervención

STEM, Alfabetización, Cocina

Refuerzo académico y Nutrición

Ubicación

Centro Grant’s Town

Montego Bay (12 escuelas)

Herramientas clave

Talleres socioemocionales

Tabletas y mentorías

"Estas acciones son fruto de la aplicación del Método RIU, un sistema propio de inversión social que prioriza proyectos de salud, educación y protección de la infancia basándose en criterios de impacto positivo y relevancia."

Compromiso local y resiliencia

A pesar del paso del huracán Melissa, el centro educativo en Jamaica ha logrado retomar su actividad, garantizando un entorno seguro y mentorías personalizadas. Con estas incorporaciones, RIU ya colabora con más de 90 organizaciones aliadas a nivel global bajo su marco de sostenibilidad.

Preguntas Frecuentes (FAQs)

1. ¿Qué es el Método RIU de inversión social? Es un sistema propio de RIU Hotels para gestionar su inversión social. Prioriza proyectos de salud, educación, protección de la infancia y biodiversidad, seleccionando aliados basándose en el impacto real y la relevancia para la comunidad local.

2. ¿Cuál es el hotel de referencia de RIU en Bahamas? El hotel de referencia en este destino es el Riu Palace Paradise Island, desde donde se coordina el compromiso con la comunidad de Nassau.

3. ¿Qué objetivos persigue la estrategia Proudly Committed? Es la estrategia de sostenibilidad de la cadena que busca generar un impacto positivo en las comunidades y el medio ambiente, centrando sus esfuerzos en el desarrollo social y la conservación del entorno natural en los 22 países donde opera.

4. ¿Cuántos estudiantes se benefician de los programas de RIU en Jamaica? Actualmente, el programa en el Wested Educational Centre beneficia a 77 estudiantes procedentes de más de 12 centros educativos de la zona de Montego Bay.

RIU Hotels sees out 2025 by reopening the Riu Jalisco following a full refurb

RIU Hotels & Resorts has reopened the doors of the iconic hotel Riu Jalisco, located in Riviera Nayarit, following the completion of an ambitious renovation project. The establishment has undergone an extensive transformation to add a variety of new dining options, as well as create a special area for the youngest members of the family that includes a splash pad with slides. In parallel to the refurbishment, work was carried out to extend the hotel and add 120 rooms in a newly constructed area.

The Riu Jalisco now has a total of 820 completely renovated, contemporary and bright rooms. What’s more, the hotel now offers a new type of room with capacity for up to six guests, a great option for larger families.

The outdoor areas at the Riu Jalisco have been completely redesigned. The hotel has a total of six swimming pools, two of which are specifically for children with games and slides and four that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The family pools have all been newly built along the seafront. The largest has a bar service and the second boasts a swim-up bar, while the remaining two are designed for relaxation and sports activities, respectively. What’s more, children can have even more fun than before thanks to the addition of a new play area with a splash pad that promises hours of safe fun for little ones, who can also enjoy the renovated RiuLand space.

The hotel’s extension is not only home to the new Sports Bar, but also to two concepts that RIU is adding to all refurbished and new hotels: the American Country restaurant, where guests can enjoy a selection of classic American dishes, and the Candy ice cream parlour. These additions complement the hotel's extensive range of dining options, which include the Don Gabriel buffet restaurant and four speciality restaurants: the Steak House, the Asian restaurant Sakura, the Mexican restaurant Agave, and the Italian restaurant Duomo. There are also two more informal dining options, the Pepe's Food grill station and the Tiki Taco taco stand. Including the ice cream parlour and the Sports Bar, the hotel has a total of eight bars.

As for entertainment, guests will continue to enjoy the RIU Party events held every Friday at the hotel, with shows and a unique atmosphere that are guaranteed fun for the whole family.

With this reopening, RIU Hotels & Resorts reaffirms its commitment to Riviera Nayarit, where it has made significant investments in recent years to refurbish the Riu Vallarta in 2019 and the Riu Palace Pacifico in 2023. Thanks to these projects, the chain offers a high-quality, modern product that is adapted to the latest trends in this destination to maintain its leading position in the holiday segment on the Mexican Pacific coast.

For further information please visit: www.riu.com

About RIU: The international RIU chain was founded in Mallorca by the Riu family in 1953 as a small holiday firm and is still owned by the family's third generation. The company specialises in holiday resorts and over 74% of its establishments offer its acclaimed All Inclusive by RIU service. With the inauguration of its first city hotel in 2010, RIU is expanding its range of products with its own line of city hotels called Riu Plaza. RIU Hotels & Resorts now has 98 hotels in 21 countries. In 2024, the chain welcomed 6,7 million guests and provided jobs for a total of 38.055 employees. RIU is currently the world's 40th ranked chain, one of the Caribbean's most popular, and the fourth largest in Spain in number of rooms.

For further information: Communications Department // Tel: +34 971 74 30 30 // [email protected]

100% of RIU’s hotels have the ECOSTARS certification, an important sustainability milestone

RIU Hotels & Resorts has achieved the ECOSTARS certification for all of its operational establishments, becoming the first hotel chain worldwide to accomplish this feat. This global certification reaffirms the Mallorcan chain’s commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism, and this milestone, which was originally planned for 2026 as part of the chain’s four-year Proudly Committed (2023 – 2026) sustainability strategy, has been reached one year ahead of schedule.

After certifying 98 hotels in 21 countries, a total that only excludes recently opened establishments such as the Riu Plaza Toronto in Canada and the Riu Ventura in Mexico that do not yet have analytical consumption data, the chain has reached a significant milestone in its Proudly Committed sustainability strategy, with the certification covering 100% of its operational hotels.

This certification from ECOSTARS, the leading ESG (environmental, social and governance) AI platform for hotels, recognised by international organisations such as UN Tourism and national bodies like the Spanish Tourism Council, provides the hotel chain with crucial environmental management tools. One example involves calculating scope 3 carbon emissions, which is the indirect impact throughout the entire value chain, from the production of the food served in hotels to the transport of supplies. It also provides RIU with a robust database of sustainability attributes, which facilitates transparent communication with travel agencies and tour operators.

Xisca Sitjar, RIU’s Operational Sustainability Manager, explains that the ECOSTARS certification was chosen thanks to its comparative analysis platform, which provides RIU with a clear overview of its consumption by comparing its hotels against a wide community of establishments with similar characteristics in like destinations. “This is the perfect tool as it is specifically designed for the hotel industry. Unlike general certification systems, the simplified process is specifically focused on key metrics with a positive impact such as energy and water consumption and waste management. What’s more, it includes third-party verification to ensure robust validation”.

By certifying all of its operational hotels with ECOSTARS, RIU gains multifaceted value that has a direct impact on operating costs by continually optimising energy and water consumption, facilitates access to niche markets with increasingly demanding sustainability requirements such as MICE tourism, attracts travellers that are highly sensitive to ESG criteria and professionals aligned with the chain's values, and helps mitigate regulatory and financial risks related to environmental management.

For further information please visit: www.riu.com

About RIU: The international RIU chain was founded in Mallorca by the Riu family in 1953 as a small holiday firm and is still owned by the family's third generation. The company specialises in holiday resorts and over 74% of its establishments offer its acclaimed All Inclusive by RIU service. With the inauguration of its first city hotel in 2010, RIU is expanding its range of products with its own line of city hotels called Riu Plaza. RIU Hotels & Resorts now has 98 hotels in 21 countries. In 2024, the chain welcomed 6,7 million guests and provided jobs for a total of 38.055 employees. RIU is currently the world's 40th ranked chain, one of the Caribbean's most popular, and the fourth largest in Spain in number of rooms.

For further information: Communications Department // Tel: +34 971 74 30 30 // [email protected]