This small island is famous for its white-sand beaches and relaxing resorts. One of our favourite resorts is the Riu Palace Aruba, an all-inclusive resort that packs in everything you need for your dream trip to Aruba.
You’ve earned time to relax. An all-inclusive takes all the stress out of the planning a major vacation. At Riu Palace, there is so much to do here and it will make the perfect spot for your trip.
Keep reading for a full review of the Riu Palace Aruba.
Riu Palace is an all-inclusive resort in the heart of Aruba. The hotel features large, modern rooms facing out towards the gorgeous Caribbean seas. This resort has almost anything you could need at your fingertips, from fine dining to pools to the spa.
If you are planning a trip to Aruba, this resort is the one for you!
Aruba is famous for its pristine, white-sand beaches and breathtaking turquoise waters. The climate is warm and sunny year-round and has very little rain, making this the perfect getaway spot.
In order to protect these natural wonders, the Aruba government has several laws in place you should be aware of:
No single-use plastic
No oxybenzone sunscreen
Getting to Riu Palace Aruba
The Riu Palace Resort is located on the far Northwestern side of Aruba. Just a 17-minute drive from the airport, the resort will not require more than a quick taxi ride to get there.
Location
Riu Palace Aruba is right on Palm Beach. It is also within close proximity of Eagle Beach. The resort faces directly out over the ocean.
Transportation
There are many ways to get around the island. Renting a car is an easy way to ensure that you see all that Aruba has to offer, on your schedule. The Riu Palace also offers car rental bundles with their rooms.
Aruba also has a reliable and affordable taxi system, so if you don’t want to be responsible for a rental car, this may be the best option for you.
Local Language and Culture
Aruba is a Dutch island with a rich history. Most Arubans are multilingual, with both Dutch and Papiamento as official languages, and the majority of residents also speak Spanish and English.
Aruba changed hands several times between the Caiquetio indigenous islanders, Spanish, Dutch, and British. Today, Aruba is a constituent of the Netherlands.
Is It Beneficial to Know a Little Dutch or Papiamento?
Any time you consider travelling to another country that doesn’t have English as a first language, it may be a good idea to brush up on some of their languages! Aruba has two official first languages, Dutch and Papiamento.
If you don’t speak either language, don’t fret! This island’s multicultural background has created a nation of polyglots. Students begin learning English and Spanish in elementary school, so no matter where you go, you have a good chance of interacting with someone who can understand you.
The Atmosphere at Riu Palace Aruba
The Riu Palace is the ultimate place to kick back and relax. This luxury resort is elegant, relaxing, and tranquil. With views of the ocean and tons of hotel amenities, you will be in vacation-mode in no time. If you are looking to rest and relax, this is the spot for you!
How Do People Rate the Service?
The Riu Palace resort is known for its 24/7 all-inclusive service, and the service at the resort is very highly rated. The hotel boasts a 4.0/5 rating across all categories.
Hotel Amenities
This all-inclusive resort has everything you need to make your vacation perfect. Below are some of our favourite amenities at Riu Palace.
Restaurants
The Riu Palace Aruba has several dining options to choose from. The main restaurant of the hotel has buffet-style dining 3 meals a day, live cooking stations, and lots of variety.
We recommend trying out one of the four specialty restaurants at the resort:
Krystal, an international fusion restaurant
Sayuri, a Japanese restaurant
Milano, an Italian restaurant
The Steakhouse
Nautilus bar and restaurant
Each restaurant offers a unique and delectable dining experience for resort guests.
Bars
There are many fantastic bars here to choose from.
Nautilus, Bon Bini, Barry’s, and Casino Bar are all amazing ways to take advantage of the all-inclusive perks while socializing with other guests. You won’t have to take a step off the property and each bar has a unique vibe you just have to check out.
We loved the Sports Bar for its 24/7 snacks and games. This is the perfect place to chill and play arcade games or pool and have a beer.
While relaxing poolside, be sure to stop by Palm Beach Poolside Bar. No need to even step out of the pool! We love to just swim right up and enjoy a relaxing cold drink in the sun.
If you aren’t in the mood to leave your room, you’re in luck! All rooms come with drink dispensers.
Room Service
This all-inclusive resort proudly boasts its 24/7 room service. Also included in the price of your room, order the best selections on the hotel’s diverse menu directly to your door.
Relax, enjoy the beautiful ocean views, have a drink from the dispenser, and have a great meal through room service at no additional charge.
Pools
The Riu Palace has 3 pools available. One of the two regular pools has an attached whirlpool bath, and the third is specifically for kids. The pools have amazing views, swim-up beverage service, and poolside dining.
Lounge and relax in the sun all day without ever having to stray far. Enjoy drinks at the Palm Beach Poolside Bar and a great meal at Nautilus, all while enjoying the breathtaking views of the ocean.
Spa
Right inside the Riu Palace is the Renova Spa, the perfect relaxation experience for your tropical vacation.
Featuring a jacuzzi, a sauna, and a gazebo with ocean views, Renova cannot be missed on your trip. Enjoy all number of treatments, including facials, massages from the gazebo, body treatments, and mani-pedis.
We loved the couples’ spa experience. It really was the cherry on top of a fantastically relaxing vacation.
Sports and Activities
This resort is absolutely packed with things to do! There is a gym and an aquagym on site, great for keeping in shape on the road. Be sure to enjoy a game of beach volleyball at the court and the free-floating lounge chairs.
We took full advantage of the water sports- the resort has paddle boarding, snorkelling, kayaking, and even a free scuba diving class. The amazing tropical seas are just begging to be enjoyed on a relaxing mid-morning kayak or a sunset paddleboard ride.
Entertainment Programs
There are several entertainment programs to choose from, perfect for any vacation. For families, consider enrolling your kids in the children’s entertainment program for ages 4 to 12. The program is specifically designed to keep your kids entertained, safe, and happy while you relax and enjoy the beach.
There is also a daytime program for adults. Try yoga, water sports, and social activities with fellow vacationers.
Nightlife
The resort also has regular shows and a casino on-site to keep your evenings interesting. The casino is free to enter for hotel guests and can keep the fun going all night.
The nightlife here is great for the adults on the trip! Enjoy the bars, the casino, and enjoy live music all within the resort.
Excursions
While the resort itself has an abundance of activities, the beaches in the area are really special and worth an excursion. Below are some of our favourites.
Eagle Beach
Perfectly located right next door to the Riu Palace resort, Eagle Beach is the widest beach in Aruba. The sand is soft, white, and pristinely kept, perfectly accenting the vividly blue water.
The beach has lots of huts and scenic fofoti trees to relax under. We enjoyed kayaking, paddling, and swimming here. The beach faces due West, so this is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset from the beach.
There is plenty of parking available, but be sure to arrive early to get the best spots.
Baby Beach
Clear on the other side of Aruba, Baby Beach is a great escape from the resort beaches. Though it may be on the other side of the island, Aruba’s small size means that you can reach Baby Beach in just a 45-minute drive.
This beach is unbelievably clear and calm. The breakwater allows the water to be relatively warmer, and we loved snorkelling, swimming, and suntanning with peace and quiet.
This is also a great place for kids, as the water before the breakwater is calmer and shallower.
Palm Island
Located just off of Aruba’s coast, Palm Beach is the perfect day excursion for your family. We loved scuba diving along the breathtaking coast of this small island.
The beach here is immaculately kept and the sand is white and soft. We recommend renting one of the cabanas for a very relaxing, private experience on Palm Island.
Kids will love the water park on the island. The views from the top of the water slides showcase 360° of bright turquoise waters and the slides are a blast for kids of all ages.
Try the Sea Trek experience package for an underwater tour with specialty spacesuit-style outfits. This is a one-of-a-kind, unique experience that your kids will love! No previous scuba experience is needed and everyone age 8+ will be amazed by the tour.
For a thrilling day out in Aruba, be sure to visit Palm Island!
Is the Riu Palace Aruba Kid-Friendly or Adults Only?
Yes! The Riu Palace hotel is very kid-friendly.
Not only are kids allowed, but they even have a special kids’ entertainment program specifically designed to keep your kids having as much fun as possible during their vacation! Kids will have a special pool, a play area, and lots of specifically catered activities to do.
However, if you're travelling with young ones, make sure you book your stay at the Riu Palace Aruba. The sister hotel, Riu Palace Antillas is not kids friendly.
Is It Safe to Travel off the Resort Alone?
Aruba is a very safe place for solo travellers to visit. Like anywhere else, use common-sense precautions, but outside of petty theft violent crime is low.
A good rule of thumb is to always let the front desk know if you intend on leaving the property and when you intend on returning.
Are There Extra Costs to Be Aware Of?
Riu Palace Aruba is all-inclusive, so virtually all of your general costs should be included. There are just a couple of things to be aware of:
Drinks cost extra at the casino
Spa treatments are not included in your room fee
Anything off-resort would not be included
Otherwise, this resort includes virtually everything! Food, drinks, entertainment, and activities are all included at Riu Palace.
Best Time to Visit Riu Palace Aruba
You can visit any time of year. The weather in Aruba is always warm, sunny, and ready to greet you and your family.
One thing to note is that prices are lower between April to December, and the resorts and beaches will be less crowded during these months. If you aren’t looking for a packed hotel, it may be a good idea to visit during the low months.
Overall Reviews
We absolutely love the Riu Palace Aruba! Within close proximity to everything, amazing amenities all included, and amazing dining experiences with ocean views, this resort has it all.
Be sure to make the most of your trip and enjoy the specialty restaurants and bars, and be sure to check out the entertainment programs and live shows.
NAME
DETAILS
Star rating
4
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes
Is it safe to travel off the resort alone?
Yes
Best time to visit
April - December
What Are You Waiting For? Book Your Trip Today!
Now that you know more about the Riu Palace Aruba, you should be ready to book your vacation. Enjoy the phenomenal beaches, amazing food and drinks, and enjoy all of the entertainment and relaxation options this one-of-a-kind resort has to offer.
Once you have your dream trip to Riu Palace Aruba booked, be sure to protect it with travel insurance. Visit Insurdinary today to learn more about travel insurance for your trips.