
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Riu Palace Aquarelle, the newest property in RIU’s portfolio, located along Jamaica’s northern coast. The Spanish brand has truly excelled in providing affordable luxury, combining classic service with a touch of Jamaican flair.
As an upscale resort, Riu Palace Aquarelle prioritizes sustainability with its eco-conscious design and exceptional service. Offering a fresh, exciting product that sets the resort apart from competitors, Riu Palace Aquarelle caters to a wide range of guests, from families to couples seeking romance or adventure.
Elevating Falmouth as a Destination
Before diving into all that Riu Palace Aquarelle offers, let’s take a moment to explore its location: Falmouth. A town rich in history and culture, Falmouth sits on Jamaica’s north coast in Trelawny Parish, and it’s quickly becoming one of the island’s must-visit destinations. Falmouth’s vibrant charm is a perfect blend of old-world Caribbean history and modern resort culture.
Once a bustling port in the 18th century, Falmouth was known for Jamaica's sugar, rum, and slave trades. Today, it stands as the best-preserved Georgian town in the Caribbean, with beautifully restored mansions and the homes of freed slaves adding depth and character to its charm.
Once overshadowed by Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Falmouth is now stepping into the spotlight. A wave of high-end resort developments, including Excellence Oyster Bay, Royalton, and now RIU Palace Aquarelle, have transformed the town into a chic resort hub. This area is an up-and-coming region that offers something fresh to recommend to clients looking to experience the true soul of Jamaica, and is only 36km's from Montego Bay Airport.

Pioneering Luxury and Green Energy
The Riu Palace Aquarelle stands out from the crowd for a variety of reasons and a lot of ‘firsts’ for the brand in Jamaica. With more than 700 rooms, it’s the largest Riu Palace in Jamaica. Despite its size, the resort maintains an intimate atmosphere.
One of the most exciting features are the swim-up suites; the first of their kind for a RIU hotel in Jamaica. Unlike other resorts, RIU has built small pools for each room instead of connected by a lagoon. This design provides the ultimate luxury and privacy.

There are nine second-level rooms available with private pools, as well. These are exclusively for adult guests (18+) seeking a unique experience, complete with a terrace, loungers and stunning views of the turquoise sea.
But it’s not all about luxury; it’s also about responsibility. The Riu Palace Aquarelle is the first RIU property in the Caribbean to introduce solar panels, marking a major step towards sustainability. With 795 solar panels generating 470,000 kWh per year, the resort is offsetting about 5-10% of its total energy consumption. The panels reduce the resort’s carbon footprint and are designed to withstand a hurricane.

Blending Luxury with Community Impact
The RIU brand goes beyond offering luxury stays by actively supporting local communities and environmental initiatives. During my visit, I witnessed the resort's involvement in various social and environmental initiatives, all without visible branding or logos. This subtle approach highlights their dedication to these important causes.
In Negril, RIU has partnered with the Negril Paediatric Orthotic Clinic to provide specialized care and orthotic devices for children with mobility issues and disabilities, significantly improving their quality of life. Since its establishment in 2008, the clinic has relied solely on volunteers, with RIU covering the rent and maintenance of the facility. Additionally, RIU hosts visiting doctors from Canada and the USA who volunteer their services.
This unique initiative is led by Elaine Allen-Bradley, a dedicated retired nurse who has been involved for 24 years. She organizes visits from specialists who come to the clinic three times a year to provide essential care for children with mobility challenges. They supply necessary aids such as lower limb orthotics, braces, socks, and shoes donated by children in North America who have outgrown them. Some orthotics can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000 each.

Bradley spoke passionately about the volunteers' dedication and the positive impact they have on the families they serve. The clinic accepts patients aged 18 months to 8 years, and children must be referred by a doctor or physiotherapist. Since its inception, 550 children have benefited from this program, 120 last year alone.
In Montego Bay, RIU has partnered with the Montego Bay Marine Park Trust to protect the endangered parrotfish, a crucial species for the health of coral reefs. By supporting marine conservation efforts, the resort contributes to the preservation of Jamaica’s precious underwater ecosystem. The marine park rangers enforce strict regulations to ensure that fishing within the protected area remains illegal, fostering a safe environment for scientific research. RIU’s support has also helped expand environmental education programs, which reach approximately 1,200 students annually.
Entertainment That Pops
While sustainability and community initiatives are at the forefront, Riu Palace Aquarelle doesn’t compromise on fun.
Niurka Garcia Linton, the Director of Sales for RIU in Jamaica, emphasized the three main pillars that contribute to the brand's appeal: Staff, Food and Beverage (F&B), and Entertainment. The warm and approachable nature of the staff is a key reason why guests keep returning. Even if they don’t venture outside the resort to explore their surroundings, they will still feel as though they have experienced authentic Jamaican hospitality.
RIU offers a diverse array of F&B options, ensuring that guests can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences. At Aquarelle, there are six restaurants, ranging from the gourmet restaurant “Krystal” and the Asian restaurant “Kyoto” to the grill “Steakhouse,” providing guests with a wide selection of dining choices.

In terms of entertainment, RIU stands out by offering a unique experience each night, featuring different themes and shows. Guests can enjoy the lively Riu Party, which features themed events with top DJs and live performances. We had the pleasure of visiting RIU Montego Bay for their signature White Party, which included face painters, dancers, acrobatic performers, and a high-energy DJ spinning a mix of reggae, Motown classics, dancehall, and hip hop.
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