Jamaican Me Wonder... New Gem or Just Hype?

Is RIU Palace Aquarelle Worth It?

Falmouth, Jamaica

Hey, Travel Cousins – It’s Your Girl, Kim, the Globetrotting Girlie!

I’m back with another travel diary entry, and this time I’m coming to you from the lush shores of White Bay Beach in Trelawny, Jamaica. This trip wasn’t just about relaxation; it was a celebration! I had the honor of attending a wedding at the Joia Rose Hall by Iberostar, but decided to lodge at the newly opened Hotel RIU Palace Aquarelle, a five-star beachfront property that officially opened its doors in May 2024. With the buzz around its opening and RIU's reputation, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.

RIU Palace Aquarelle featuring pristine architecture and a luxurious poolside retreat.

Location, Pricing & Travel

While the resort (RIU) also has a sister property nearby in Montego Bay, it’s actually located in the quieter, less touristy parish of Trelawny—about 25 to 30 minutes from Sangster International Airport. That distance worked in our favor; we got a more serene beachfront without sacrificing access to local attractions. I traveled with a friend, and we paid around $1,500 per person. This included roundtrip flights on Southwest Airlines, shared airport transfers, and 4 days and 3 nights at the resort—all-inclusive. For a brand-new five-star property, the pricing felt like a steal.

First Impressions Matter

From the moment we stepped on property, we noticed how pristine everything was. This wasn’t just opening-week clean—staff were visibly and continuously maintaining the grounds. You could tell the resort took pride in its upkeep—flawless floors, immaculate bathrooms, and shared spaces so clean they practically sparkled. I bring travel-size Lysol and Clorox wipes, but for the first time in a long time, I felt like I didn’t even need them. Still used them—because, well, habits—but it speaks volumes about how well-kept the place was. Customer service? Top-tier. Every staff member greeted us with warm smiles, helpful energy, and professionalism. I want to shout out Nyoka at the front desk—her hospitality set the tone for our entire stay. It's one thing to have a beautiful resort, but it's the people that truly elevate the experience.

The Room & Resort Layout

Our junior suite came with twin XL beds, a couch, satellite TV, minibar with liquor dispensers, a stocked fridge, and a private balcony overlooking the pools, entertainment spaces. The view of the beachfront was amazing. We had enough space to unpack, unwind, and feel right at home. The aesthetic is modern tropical—clean lines, neutral tones, and touches of local art that remind you you're in Jamaica. With over 750 rooms, the property is massive, but thoughtfully designed. The adults-only pool served as the social hub with DJs, foam parties, and quick access to the beach. Meanwhile, families had plenty of space and their own splash park and RiuLand kids' club. Whether you're a partygoer or a parent, there’s a pocket of paradise for you.

Let’s Talk Food—The Good, the Bad, and the Flavorful

Food is a big deal for me, and unfortunately, it’s where my experience was the most mixed. Our very first meal at the Sports Bar set a sour tone—cold wings, cold nachos, and even colder cheese. Not what you want after a travel day. The main buffet, White Bay, had a wide range of offerings—everything from lobster and beef stew to jerk chicken and plantains. But most of the dishes lacked seasoning and didn’t feel fresh. Honestly, the only consistently flavorful section was the Jamaican cuisine corner. I stuck with that and found some redemption in rice and peas, curry goat, and steamed veggies. Pro tip: As soon as you arrive, use the RIU app to reserve your à la carte restaurant dinners—slots fill up quickly, and you don’t want to be stuck with the buffet as your only option.

One of the standout restaurants of the trip was at Kyoto, the Asian restaurant. Think sushi, pot stickers, Thai rice, crispy spring rolls, and soy-glazed salmon. Everything was flavorful, hot, and plated beautifully. Another honorable mention was the Steakhouse, where I enjoyed filet mignon and shrimp mac & cheese. Portions were generous, and the setting was a nice break from the buffet chaos. We wanted to dine at Krystal, a unique fusion restaurant, but didn’t have an opportunity make a reservations. Nonetheless, the menu was... creative: chicken parfait with port wine, breadfruit gazpacho, grilled octopus. Definitely more for the culinary adventurers—an effort I can appreciate at an all-inclusive resort.

Elegant and modern design elements create a sophisticated atmosphere at Krystal Fusion Restaurant, where culinary delights meet artistic decor.

Due to our short stay, and my all-day pass at Joia Rose Hall by Iberostar for the wedding I mentioned before, I missed dining at the the Italian restaurant, Napoli, and that still haunts me. As someone who lives for an Italian fête on a plate, I was disappointed that I couldn't indulge in the focaccia, chicken parm, and zeppoles. That said, nothing—and I mean nothing—beat the food at Pepe’s, the outdoor BBQ pitstop. Grilled jerk chicken, fresh fish, smoky corn, sweet plantains—it was everything you hope for when you're eating Caribbean food on the beach. If the buffet gets a 5, Pepe’s gets a 15. Hands down.

Bars & Drinks

There’s no shortage of bars. The Daiquiri lobby bar, Marley and Kingston pool bars, SKA Lounge, and the late-night Sports Bar were all serving up drinks on demand. The Cappuccino Bar was a personal favorite of my friend, especially during breakfast hours —it had espresso, pastries, and quick grab-and-go treats that were clutch during changeovers in meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Drinks across the board were decent, not watered down, but I was disappointed that they didn’t have my favorite Disarrona (Amaretto).

A stunning scene from a resort reveals a flawless beach adorned with palm trees, all framed by vibrant turquoise waters and a clear blue sky.

The Little Details That Matter

It’s the small touches that made a difference—solar panels on the roof to reduce their carbon footprint, clearly marked smoking zones, and shaded lounging areas throughout the property. The RIU app was super helpful for navigating the property, and the Wi-Fi was fast and consistent everywhere, including the beach. And let’s talk about that beach—soft white sand, turquoise waters, and plenty of space to stretch out. There were no annoying vendors, and the beach chairs were plentiful. It was the definition of my soft life era.--Public spaces, especially bathrooms, were well-maintained and frequently cleaned. As a traveler who values cleanliness just as much as aesthetics, this left a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts

The Hotel Riu Palace Aquarelle is visually stunning and exceptionally clean, with standout service and beautiful views. The food needs some work—especially the buffet—but the specialty restaurants and the vittles at Pepe’s help balance things out. Whether you're traveling for a special occasion or just need an easy, relaxing escape, this resort gives luxury vibes with room to grow.

Would I return? Yes, but with a game plan: restaurant reservations in hand, expectations for food slightly tempered, and a carry-on full of snacks—just in case.