RIU Hotels and Resorts is temporarily closing two of its Palace-branded properties on Mexico’s Caribbean coast as part of a broader renovation push in the region.
The company has confirmed scheduled closures this year for both the Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun and the Riu Palace Mexico in Playa del Carmen, with each resort set to undergo significant upgrades before reopening later in the year.
It comes after Riu just opened a brand-new resort in Cancun, the highly-anticipated Riu Ventura.
Riu Palace Peninsula, Cancun
The Riu Palace Peninsula, located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, is slated to close beginning April 6 for a renovation project. The beachfront all-inclusive is expected to reopen July 25, 2026.
The resort, one of RIU’s established addresses in Cancun, includes more than 500 guestrooms and suites, multiple pools and a wide lineup of dining venues. On-site restaurants include Krystal for fusion cuisine, Kabuki for Japanese fare and Tamales for Mexican specialties, along with a steakhouse, buffet restaurant and 24-hour lounge. Bars are spread throughout the property, from lobby spaces to pool areas.
While RIU has not publicly detailed the full scope of the work, the temporary closure indicates a comprehensive refresh of guestrooms and common areas as the brand continues to update its Mexican Caribbean portfolio.
Riu Palace Mexico, Playa del Carmen
Further south in the Playacar enclave of Playa del Carmen, the Riu Palace Mexico is also scheduled to close for renovations beginning May 4, 2026. The property is expected to reopen September 5, 2026.
The beachfront all-inclusive has long operated as a family-friendly resort within the gated Playacar community. When it reopens, the hotel will transition to an adults-only concept, marking a notable shift in positioning for the property.
The resort currently features multiple specialty restaurants, several swimming pools and direct access to the white-sand beach in Playacar. Its relaunch as an adults-only hotel will align it more closely with RIU’s couples-focused offerings in the region.
The dual closures underscore RIU’s continued investment in the Mexican Caribbean, as established resorts undergo periodic renovations to remain competitive in Cancun and Playa del Carmen’s high-density all-inclusive market
Caribbean Journal Staff
2026-02-16 21:35:00