The extensive RIU Palace Aruba renovation has been completed, transforming the all-inclusive Palm Beach resort with redesigned rooms, upgraded restaurants, modern public spaces and renewed beachfront amenities.
Members of the press joined government officials, parliamentarians and representatives from Aruba’s commercial and tourism sectors for a tour of the renovated property on Tuesday morning.
The project represents an investment of approximately 110 million and was carried out in several phases. Work began in April 2025 and continued through additional phases starting in April 2026.
Visitors who have not stayed at RIU Palace Aruba during the past several years may now find many areas of the resort almost unrecognizable because of the extensive changes.
RIU Vice President Juan Blanco welcomed several guests to the presentation, including Tourism Minister Wendrick Cicilia, Justice Minister Arthur Dowers, Aruba Tourism Authority CEO Ronella Croes and Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association CEO Tisa LaSorte.
Other attendees included Aruba Ports Authority representative Marc Figaroa and parliamentarians Jennifer Arends-Reyes, Gino Goeloe and Eduard Pieters.
The renovation has significantly transformed the hotel’s lobby. Updated lighting, modern materials and contrasting finishes have created a brighter and more contemporary entrance while preserving the classic elegance associated with the RIU Palace brand.
The circular sofa at the centre of the lobby was refreshed and remains one of the area’s main visual features.
A RIU Palace Aruba representative explained that renovation work began with the guest rooms in 2025 before moving into the hotel’s common and public areas.
Behind-the-scenes facilities, including the kitchens and laundry areas, were also remodelled to improve efficiency and modernize hotel operations.
The project was completed before the resort welcomed its first returning guests on Friday, July 31, 2026.
All guest rooms have been fully renovated with light colours, natural materials and updated finishes intended to create a brighter and more relaxing atmosphere.
RIU Palace Aruba now offers seven dining locations. These include four à la carte restaurants, a main buffet restaurant and two comfort-food options.
One of the additions is a new sports bar offering views of the beach.
Adult guests can also attend the weekly RIU Party held every Friday at the neighbouring RIU Palace Antillas.
RIU Palace Aruba remains a family-friendly resort and offers entertainment and activities for guests of different ages. These include the RIU Land children’s club.
The hotel’s gardens and beachfront swimming-pool areas were also completely transformed as part of the project.
The resort has additionally introduced upgraded Elite Club services for adult guests. Selected accommodations provide premium facilities, including private pools and access to exclusive areas.
Elite Club guests can use a reserved beachfront section with dedicated bar service, an exclusive restaurant and a private cocktail lounge in the hotel lobby.
Through the completed RIU Palace Aruba renovation, RIU Hotels & Resorts aims to strengthen its premium all-inclusive offering within the Caribbean vacation market.
The company said the modernization improves the guest experience at one of its most recognizable properties while reaffirming its commitment to high-quality hospitality in Aruba.
The renewed hotel combines modern design, expanded amenities and upgraded operational facilities to support a more sophisticated experience for residents, visitors and international travellers.
