August 2026

My husband and I recently took a quick getaway to Jamaica to check out Riu Palace Aquarelle, and I was excited to experience this newer, family-friendly resort firsthand!

As a travel advisor specializing in Caribbean all-inclusive resorts, I always believe there is value in experiencing a resort for myself so I can give my clients honest, firsthand insight—and Riu Palace Aquarelle definitely gave me plenty to talk about!

🌴 First Impressions

One of the first things that stood out to me was the staff. Everyone we encountered was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. That warm Jamaican hospitality really makes a difference when you’re on vacation.

🏖️ The Beach

The beach was gorgeous! I was pleasantly surprised that there wasn’t a lot of seaweed or rocks, making it a really nice spot to enjoy the Caribbean water.

My only wish? I would have loved to see the beach raked a little more regularly. Other than that, I really enjoyed the beach area and the beautiful water.

🎶 Entertainment & Activities

There was SO much going on! The entertainment was amazing, and there were activities and options for all ages.

Whether you’re traveling with little ones, teenagers, or adults looking for something fun to do, there was always something happening around the resort.

💦 Pools & Waterpark

Riu Palace Aquarelle has multiple pools, including two swim-up pools. The swim-up areas are on the smaller side, but having two options was a nice touch.

For families, the waterpark and splash pad are definite highlights. These areas give kids plenty to do and add another layer of fun beyond the beach and pools.

📱 The Riu App

I also really liked the Riu app. It made things incredibly convenient during our stay.

We were able to use the app for:

• Restaurant reservations
• Room service requests
• Resort information
• Keeping up with what was happening around the resort

Having so much information right at your fingertips made navigating the resort easy.

⭐ My Takeaway

Overall, I really enjoyed our quick getaway to Riu Palace Aquarelle. While my husband and I traveled without the kids, I specifically wanted to experience this resort because of its family-friendly focus, and I can definitely see why it would appeal to families.

There is a lot to do, the staff was wonderful, the beach was beautiful, and the entertainment and waterpark give families plenty of options to stay busy—or simply relax and enjoy Jamaica.

And that’s exactly why I love doing these resort visits. I don’t just sell the resorts—I travel to them, experience them, and bring that firsthand knowledge back to my clients. 🌴🇯🇲

If you’re considering Riu Palace Aquarelle for your next family vacation, I’d love to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your family.