Riu to Open Two New Palace Resorts in 2006 in Stunning Caribbean Destinations

Riu Hotels & Resorts, which offers three levels of resorts -- Classic, ClubHotel and Palace - will be opening two new Palace level resorts in 2006: Riu Palace Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and Riu Palace Punta Cana in Dominican Republic. The Riu Palace resorts are the upscale resorts of the group. There are currently 14 Riu Palace resorts around the world.

(PRWEB) March 29, 2005 -- Riu Hotels & Resorts, which offers three levels of resorts -- Classic, ClubHotel and Palace - will be opening two new Palace level resorts in 2006: Riu Palace Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and Riu Palace Punta Cana in Dominican Republic. The Riu Palace resorts are the upscale resorts of the group. There are currently 14 Riu Palace resorts around the world.

Riu Palace resorts have been very successful. Occupancy and repeat guest levels are consistently high," stated Miguel Angel Violan, Communications Manager for Riu Hotels & Resorts, The demand for our existing Riu Palace level resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic is what led us to develop Riu Palace Riviera Maya and Riu Palace Punta Cana. The new Riu Palace resorts are being developed in areas that already are home to Riu Palace resorts simply to meet the client demand."

While all Riu Palace resorts offer European elegance, the interior designers and architects paid special attention to Riu Palace Las Americas which opened in February 2004. Riu Palace Las Americas is the most detailed Palace of the company, followed by Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas and Riu Palace Mexico.

Several of the special features at the Riu Palace Las Americas include:

• Queen Maria Louise style chandeliers in the lobby. These were made in Italy with Swarosky crystal. The central and biggest chandelier is impressive featuring 13,000 different colored crystals.

• An elegant, hand-made rug made in La Fábrica de Las Alfombras (Spain) welcomes guests in the main lobby. It took seven months to make the rug.

• The rug in Riu Palace Las Américas (mentioned above) is similar to the rug in the Oval Office at the White House.

• The Riu Palace Las Americas features several period Louis XV furniture (imitation) which were made in Valencia (Spain).

• Paintings at the hotel are Renaissance copies of classical painters like Tiziano.

• The oversized mirrors in elegantly carved frames were made in Mexico.

• The main bar has an extraordinary big wooden door, which was made in Córdoba (Spain) and transported by ship. It is 7 meters tall.

• All halls are connected, so that the layout produces this sensation of being in a Palace. There is only one building, so that everything is centralized and easily reachable.

• Rooms (372 in total) are semisuite-style. Rooms are spacious and most have ocean views. Select rooms have a private jacuzzi.

Architect Luis Andino created the concept Palace" for Riu in 1989 and continues to design all Riu Palace Resorts. Interior design developed by Doña Pilar Riu, Luis Riu Güell and design specialist Martín Fernández. The architect and interior design team work closely together to create a unique and elegant experience at each Riu resort. The two new Riu Palace resorts will feature even more special touches.

Riu Hotels & Resorts, a family owned business, was founded in 1953 in Mallorca, Spain. Riu operates more than 110 hotels worldwide. The all-inclusive resort chain offers affordable vacations with elegant accommodations and friendly service. For more information about Riu Hotels & Resorts visit www.Riu.com or contact your travel professional.

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