Riu Hotels & Resorts has reopened the Riu Palace Bavaro all-inclusive in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, following an extensive renovation and expansion.
The property had been shuttered since May.
The Riu Palace Bavaro is one of several hotels within Riu's expansive Punta Cana complex, which is home to the Riu Palace Punta Cana, Riu Palace Macao and Riu Bambu. As part of the refurbishment, the Riu Naiboa was demolished, and the Riu Palace Bavaro expanded its footprint to include new amenities and accommodations.
The revamped Riu Palace Bavaro now has 994 guestrooms, with 255 designed for families and groups. The new family-oriented accommodations, which feature three beds, are situated in a newly developed area that includes attractions such as a mini splash park, pirate ship, games park, cinema and multi-sports area. Also located within this family zone is the property's kids' club, which has undergone a redesign.
A new food court offers options like a pizzeria, a "Wok-Poke station," a fried chicken area, an ice cream parlor and a taqueria. In total, the Riu Palace Bavaro is now home to 32 dining venues.
The renovation also adds the Riu's Elite Club concept to the Riu Palace Bavaro: Guests who buy the Elite Club accommodations are granted access to amenities and perks such as a dedicated swimming pool and bar area and priority check-in.
The property has allocated 108 rooms for Elite Club guests -- 60 of them feature private pools.