7 Best RIU Hotels & Resorts in Jamaica
If you’re weighing up the RIU resorts in Jamaica, here’s the quick answer: the brand runs seven all inclusive hotels across the island, spread among Montego Bay, Falmouth, Negril, and Ocho Rios. Some are adults only hideaways built for a calmer, more romantic pace, while others are high-energy family and party resorts loaded with water parks, kids’ clubs, and nightly entertainment, so the right pick really comes down to who’s coming along on your trip to Jamaica.
We rounded up all seven, from the upscale adults only palaces to the lively family favorites, so you can compare them side by side. Every one runs on the all inclusive model, sits on or near the sand, and taps into RIU’s signature shared-access perks between neighboring properties. Whether you want a quiet beach escape or a buzzing pool scene, there’s an option here to match your group. Start by comparing the adults only and family friendly resorts below.
| Resort | Area | Best For | Adults Only / Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica | Montego Bay | Couples wanting an upscale, quieter escape | Adults Only |
| Hotel Riu Montego Bay | Montego Bay | Families who want water park fun and parties | Family |
| Hotel Riu Reggae | Montego Bay | Couples and friends after a modern, lively scene | Adults Only |
| Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle | Falmouth | Families wanting newer luxury and a kids’ club | Family |
| Hotel Riu Palace Tropical Bay | Negril | Families and couples on Seven Mile Beach | Family |
| Hotel Riu Negril | Negril | Families who want lively entertainment | Family |
| Hotel Riu Ocho Rios | Ocho Rios | Families near waterfalls and attractions | Family |
1. Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica
Perched on Mahoe Bay, Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica is the brand’s upscale adults only retreat, built for grown-ups who want a calmer, more polished pace. Three infinity pools step down toward the sea, the beach stays easygoing, and the all inclusive covers buffet and à la carte dining, unlimited drinks, and nightly entertainment without the constant party buzz. Elegant rooms and refined public spaces give the whole place a quieter, more romantic feel, which makes it a favorite for couples. You can still find the lively RIU energy when you want it, since guests can use the shared facilities at the neighboring RIU resort next door.
For a refined adults only base on the beaches of Montego Bay, this palace delivers.
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2. Hotel Riu Montego Bay
Right next door, Hotel Riu Montego Bay is the high-energy, family friendly half of the brand’s Montego Bay duo, and it’s where the fun runs loud and late. The big draw is Splash Water World, a shared water park packed with slides and pools that keep kids busy for hours, while the rest of the resort leans into a lively pool scene, themed parties, and nonstop entertainment. The all inclusive covers buffet and a la carte dining, unlimited drinks, and a full daily activities program, with energetic evening shows after dinner. Spacious rooms give families room to spread out, and the long Mahoe Bay beach sits just beyond the pools.
For a spirited, kid-friendly week in Jamaica, this is the RIU to book.
Book and SAVE on Your Vacation to Hotel Riu Montego Bay
3. Hotel Riu Reggae
Hotel Riu Reggae brings a modern, adults only energy to the same Mahoe Bay stretch in Montego Bay, and it’s a lively pick for couples and friend groups who want the party without the crowds of kids. Two pools anchor the days, from easy morning swims to buzzing afternoons with music and drinks, and the contemporary rooms and public spaces feel fresh and current.
The all inclusive covers buffet and à la carte dining, unlimited drinks, and nightly entertainment, so the fun rolls from the pool deck straight into themed evenings. And because it sits in the heart of the RIU cluster, guests can also tap into the shared facilities at the neighboring properties. For a grown-up, high-energy escape near the beaches of Montego Bay, Riu Reggae keeps the vibe going.
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4. Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle
One of the newest additions to the brand, Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle sits along the quiet coast of Falmouth, in the Trelawny area between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. This family friendly palace pairs modern luxury with plenty for kids to do, from a water slide zone to the RiuLand kids’ club that fills the day with games and activities. The all inclusive covers buffet and à la carte dining, unlimited drinks, and a full entertainment lineup, while big pools and a wide beach give everyone room to stretch out.
Bright, spacious suites make it easy to travel with the whole crew, and the calmer setting offers a break from the busier resort strips. For a fresh, upscale family stay in Jamaica, Aquarelle is a standout.
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5. Hotel Riu Palace Tropical Bay
Set right on the famous Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Hotel Riu Palace Tropical Bay works for both families and couples who want a classic palace on one of Jamaica’s best stretches of sand. The beachfront setting is the star, with calm, swimmable water just beyond the pools and legendary Negril sunsets to close out the day. A full-service spa adds a relaxing touch, and the all inclusive covers buffet and a la carte dining, unlimited drinks, and nightly entertainment. Roomy accommodations suit families, while the laid-back Negril vibe appeals to couples after something more relaxed. Guests can also enjoy shared access to the neighboring RIU resort for even more pools and dining.
For a beachfront palace in Negril, Tropical Bay is hard to beat.
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6. Hotel Riu Negril
Just up the coast on Bloody Bay, Hotel Riu Negril is the brand’s lively family friendly option in Negril, with a fun, energetic atmosphere and a prime spot on a calm, swimmable cove.
The all inclusive covers buffet and à la carte dining, unlimited drinks, and a packed entertainment schedule, including the theme nights that give the evenings their signature buzz. Big pools, sports, and a daily activities program fill the days, while the soft Bloody Bay sand makes for easy beach time with kids. Spacious rooms and a friendly, upbeat vibe make it a dependable pick for families and groups alike. With shared access to the neighboring RIU property, there’s even more to explore nearby. For a spirited beach week in Negril, Riu Negril brings the energy.
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7. Hotel Riu Ocho Rios
Spread across a sprawling beachfront on Mammee Bay, Hotel Riu Ocho Rios is the brand’s family friendly giant in the Ocho Rios area, with room to roam and large pool complexes that anchor the days. The all-inclusive covers buffet and a la carte dining, unlimited drinks, and a full entertainment program, while the long beach and multiple pools give families plenty of space to spread out. The real bonus is the location, with Ocho Rios’ famous waterfalls, gardens, and excursions all within easy reach for day trips. Comfortable rooms, a lively activities schedule, and energetic evening shows round out the stay.
For a big, active family base close to the attractions of Ocho Rios, this resort delivers that classic RIU formula on a grand scale.
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What to Know About RIU Resorts in Jamaica
RIU runs one of the most recognizable all inclusive footprints on the island, and a few shared traits tie these resorts together. Here’s what to keep in mind as you compare them.
- RIU resorts span four areas. You’ll find them in Montego Bay, Falmouth, Negril, and Ocho Rios, so you can match the hotel to the part of Jamaica you want to explore.
- Neighboring RIU resorts share access. Where two RIU properties sit side by side, like in Montego Bay, guests can use the restaurants, bars, and pools at both, which adds even more to do.
- There’s a mix of adults only and family resorts. Adults only picks like Riu Palace Jamaica and Riu Reggae sit alongside family friendly favorites like Riu Montego Bay, Riu Palace Aquarelle, and Riu Ocho Rios.
- Expect water parks and lively parties. The family resorts lean into features like Splash Water World in Montego Bay and theme nights, while the pool scene and evening entertainment keep the energy high across the brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which RIU resort in Jamaica is adults only?
Two RIU resorts in Jamaica are adults only: Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica and Hotel Riu Reggae, both in Montego Bay. Riu Palace Jamaica leans upscale and quieter with its three infinity pools, while Riu Reggae brings a more modern, lively energy, so couples and friend groups can pick the pace that suits them.
Which RIU resort in Jamaica is best for families or partying?
For families, Hotel Riu Montego Bay stands out thanks to Splash Water World, along with Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle and its RiuLand kids’ club. If partying is the priority, the high-energy pool scenes and theme nights at Riu Montego Bay and the adults only Riu Reggae keep the fun going day and night.
Are RIU resorts in Jamaica all inclusive?
Yes. Every RIU resort in Jamaica runs on the all inclusive model, so your room, meals, snacks, unlimited drinks, and nightly entertainment are bundled into one upfront price. Many also offer 24-hour service, so food and drinks are available around the clock.
When is the best time to visit RIU resorts in Jamaica?
When is the best time to visit RIU resorts in Jamaica? The stretch from December through April brings the driest, sunniest weather and the biggest crowds. For a better mix of good weather and lower rates, aim for shoulder season in late spring or early fall, keeping in mind that summer and early fall overlap with the Caribbean’s rainier season.
Do I need a passport to visit Jamaica?
Yes. Jamaica is an international destination, so U.S. travelers need a valid passport to enter and return home. It’s smart to make sure your passport won’t expire within six months of your travel dates.
Book Your RIU Jamaica Vacation Today
Ready to swap everyday life for warm sand and all inclusive ease? Whether you’re after a quiet adults only palace or a lively family beach week, there’s a RIU resort in Jamaica with your name on it.
Compare the adults only and family friendly options side by side, settle on your travel dates and budget, and let one upfront price handle the meals, drinks, and entertainment while you focus on the beach. Browse the latest all inclusive deals and start planning your Jamaica getaway today.
Maggie Sabin
Maggie has always loved traveling and discovering new places and cultures. Before joining All Inclusive Outlet as SEO Manager in 2024, she spent nearly a decade teaching at international schools across Europe and Asia, from the UK and Spain to Taiwan. Today, she creates and manages all of the blog's content, making sure travelers can easily find the answers and inspiration they need to plan their perfect all-inclusive getaway. When she's not working, you'll find Maggie learning a new language, curled up with a good book, working out, or soaking up the sun at the beach. She's happiest at home snuggling with her dogs, Lola and Minnie.
