RIU Hotels & Resorts has officially reopened the iconic Riu Jalisco in Riviera Nayarit following an extensive renovation and expansion, unveiling redesigned family-focused facilities, new dining concepts, and 120 additional rooms as part of the brand’s long-term investment strategy on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
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A Major Relaunch for a Flagship Riviera Nayarit Resort
The reopening of Riu Jalisco marks a significant milestone for RIU Hotels & Resorts in Riviera Nayarit, one of Mexico’s fastest-growing leisure destinations. After an ambitious refurbishment programme, the beachfront property has been fully transformed to deliver a more contemporary, family-oriented experience while expanding its overall capacity.
In parallel with the renovation works, RIU has extended the hotel with a newly constructed wing, adding 120 new rooms and bringing the total inventory to 820 fully renovated guestrooms. All rooms now feature a brighter, modern design aligned with RIU’s latest resort standards.
Among the most notable additions is a new room category accommodating up to six guests, catering specifically to larger families and multi-generational travel — a segment seeing continued growth across resort destinations.
Redesigned Rooms with a Focus on Space and Comfort
All 820 rooms at Riu Jalisco have been comprehensively refurbished with an emphasis on comfort, functionality, and contemporary aesthetics. Neutral colour palettes, improved layouts, and updated furnishings reflect the brand’s broader repositioning across its resort portfolio.
The introduction of family-sized rooms signals RIU’s intent to better serve group travellers while maintaining flexibility for couples and smaller parties. This upgrade aligns with current travel trends, where families increasingly seek all-inclusive resorts that offer space without compromising on design or amenities.
Six Swimming Pools and New Waterfront Family Zones
One of the most striking transformations can be seen in the hotel’s outdoor areas, which have been completely redesigned.
The renewed Riu Jalisco now features six swimming pools, including:
- Two dedicated children’s pools with slides and interactive games
- Four family pools, all newly constructed along the seafront
- A main pool with bar service
- A second pool with a swim-up bar
- Separate pools designed for relaxation and sports activities
This layout allows guests to enjoy different atmospheres throughout the resort, balancing lively social spaces with quieter zones for rest and recreation.
New Splash Pad and Upgraded Kids’ Facilities
Family travel is further enhanced by the introduction of a new children’s play area featuring a splash pad with slides, offering safe, water-based fun for younger guests.
Children can also enjoy the renovated RiuLand kids’ club, which has been updated as part of the refurbishment to support structured activities and supervised entertainment tailored to different age groups.
Expanded Dining Line-Up with New RIU Concepts
The hotel’s extension is home to several key additions that significantly expand the resort’s culinary offering.
New venues include:
- American Country restaurant, serving classic American favourites
- Candy ice cream parlour, a casual spot designed to appeal to all ages
- A newly added Sports Bar, providing a social hub for live sports and evening entertainment
These join an already extensive dining portfolio that positions Riu Jalisco as one of the most diverse all-inclusive resorts in the area.
Full Dining and Bar Overview
Guests at Riu Jalisco can now choose from:
- Don Gabriel Buffet Restaurant
- Four speciality restaurants:
- Steak House
- Sakura (Asian cuisine)
- Agave (Mexican cuisine)
- Duomo (Italian cuisine)
- Casual dining options:
- Pepe’s Food grill station
- Tiki Taco taco stand
- Eight bars in total, including the ice cream parlour and Sports Bar
This expanded mix supports flexible dining schedules and varied tastes, a key expectation among modern resort travellers.
Entertainment and RIU Party Experiences Continue
Entertainment remains central to the Riu Jalisco experience. Guests can continue to enjoy RIU Party events held every Friday, featuring themed shows, music, and a high-energy atmosphere designed to entertain guests of all ages.
These events have become a signature element of RIU’s resort offering, reinforcing the brand’s focus on experiential leisure beyond traditional all-inclusive formats.
Reinforcing RIU’s Commitment to Riviera Nayarit
The reopening of Riu Jalisco underscores RIU Hotels & Resorts’ long-term commitment to Riviera Nayarit. In recent years, the group has made significant investments across the destination, including:
- The refurbishment of Riu Vallarta in 2019
- The major upgrade of Riu Palace Pacifico in 2023
Together, these projects reflect RIU’s strategy to maintain a modern, high-quality resort portfolio that adapts to evolving guest expectations while strengthening its leadership in the holiday segment along Mexico’s Pacific coast.
At a Glance
- Hotel: Riu Jalisco
- Location: Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
- Rooms: 820 fully renovated rooms, including new six-guest family rooms
- New Additions: 120-room expansion, Sports Bar, American Country restaurant, Candy ice cream parlour
- Pools: Six total, including children’s pools and swim-up bar
- Family Features: Splash pad, slides, upgraded RiuLand kids’ club
- Dining: Buffet, four speciality restaurants, casual dining stations, eight bars
- Entertainment: Weekly RIU Party events
- Brand Investment: Part of RIU’s ongoing expansion and refurbishment strategy in Riviera Nayarit
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