When the expansive, 753-room, all-inclusive Riu
Aquarelle opened in May 2024 on the shores of Falmouth, Jamaica, it unveiled a
whole new world of fun-filled vacation “ops” for the entire family.
Its proximity to Montego Bay’s International Airport is an added “perk,” affording
international vacationers an easy transition to this stunning addition to the island’s
resort collection.
Tucked along the tranquil shores of White Bay, the
resort is the perfect perch to participate in myriad water sports or simply
kick back on the beach or poolside and enjoy the warm Jamaican vibe and
welcoming hospitality offered at this 5-star paradise.
From the minute you register at the reception desk in
the expansive lobby, the welcoming staff, along with the soothing Caribbean
décor, dotted with lush tropical plants and comfortable amenities, envelopes
you with a warm welcome.
Located in the lobby, the popular Capuchino will tempt
you with a sweet selection of specialty coffees and teas, freshly baked
pastries, cookies, and ice cream sundaes to take with you.
Across from it, the trendy
Daiquiri Bar offers a collection of stronger beverages and unique cocktails.
Both are open 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
With 90 percent of the suites offering partial or
ocean views, there are no bad choices, with options ranging from single suites to
two-bedroom, connecting rooms. The comfortable accommodations feature private
balconies with deck chairs.
Rooms are furnished with king-size or two double
beds, a sofa, a small desk, a ceiling fan, a large flat-screen satellite TV and
free Wi-Fi.
Also available is an in-room safe coffee bar, a small fridge
stocked with water, beer, and soft drinks, and a liquor dispenser with rum,
whisky, vodka, and gin.
Bathrooms include a walk-in shower (some with a
bathtub), hair dryer, double sinks, bathrobes, and toiletries. Room service is
available 24-hours.
Swim-up suites at Riu Aquarelle. (Photo Credit: Michelle da Silva Richmond)
For the ultimate experience, 18 adult-only suites with
a small swim-up pool on the terrace are an added draw. These rooms have all the
amenities of standard suites, with the added benefit of allowing guests to enjoy
a personal pool. Some are located on an upper level, offering yet more privacy.
These luxurious ocean-view suites offer standard
amenities: a king-size bed, free-standing tub, spinning TV, sofa, and ample
sitting area.
Connecting rooms can be booked, setting the stage for a very comfortable
family experience.
White Bay, the hotel’s main restaurant, offers
spacious indoor or outdoor seating options while boasting bountiful buffet choices
for all three meals. Live cooking stations feature a variety of tempting
treats, including a tasty Jerk selection, encouraging visitors to savor local
fare.
In addition, adventurous gourmands get to explore a
variety of a la carte, international dining choices: Kyoto highlights Asian
cuisine;
Napoli features a tasty appetizer buffet along with typical Italian dishes;
Krystal offers a gourmet menu, and Steakhouse showcases steak and seafood
specialties.
Cool drinks always
go hand-in-hand with beach resort activities, and guests will delight in the
variety found here.
Daiquiri Bar, located in the lobby, is always a favorite
and boasts a full roster of frosty refreshments, including beer and specialty
cocktails.
Ska lounge bar offers the perfect perch from which to witness the
on-stage evening entertainment.
The 24-hour American Country Sports Bar serves
typical American light fare and an ample drink selection and has pool tables
for the sporting crowd.
Bar plaza at Riu Aquarelle. (Photo Credit: Michelle da Silva Richmond)
For casual treats
throughout the day, Pepe’s, the Jerk-style grill, dishes up a selection of tangy
Jamaican treats while the bustling Marley and Kingston swim-up bars serve a
variety of snacks and drinks – to the tune of lively music – throughout the
day.
With four pools on the expansive property – two with
swim-up bars – guests are encouraged to chill out and enjoy total relaxation. Depending
on the day, a variety of energetic activities, such as water aerobics, foam
parties, and more, are scheduled and hosted by talented DJs at one of the main
pools.
The adult-only
Splash Water World features winding water slides and promising exhilarating
rides, while the kids’ Water Park offers mini water slides and a splash park.
Also, on tap
throughout the day, outdoor exercise activities are held at Riu Fit, near the
pool, while a fully equipped gym and a beach volleyball court add additional
“work out” opportunities.
Guests can kick
back and enjoy total R&R in the tranquil Renova Spa, offering a full slate
of soothing therapies. Treatments can be personalized by selecting from a
variety of facials and body massages for both men and women.
A steam room,
Jacuzzi and cold-water plunge assure the perfect finale.
An onsite beauty
parlor and nail salon offer an additional slate of services.
The expansive beach, with its soft sands, affords yet
more downtime on comfortable sun loungers along palm tree-dotted shores.
Located there, Scuba Water Sports Caribe offers many free beach activities such
as paddle board, kayaking and more. For an additional fee, guests can sign up
for scuba diving, snorkeling, and sailing lessons and choose from themed
daytime and evening cruises.
Children’s pool at Riu Aquarelle. (Photo Credit: Michelle da Silva Richmond)
Kids will delight in the programs and mini water park
designed especially for 4 – 12-year-olds. Mini slides and a small splash park
are sure to keep them entertained, or they can sign up at Riuland, where they
can participate in a variety of age-appropriate indoor and outdoor activities under
the supervision of resort staff, allowing Mom and Dad some “alone time.”
When night falls, it’s party time at the resort’s
outdoor plaza and the adjoining Sku bar as the stage comes to life with colorful
performances by the very talented hotel staff, promising an evening of fun for
the entire family.
