New RIU Resort Opens in Falmouth May 4

The growing hospitality sector in Falmouth, Trelawny is set to welcome the RIU Hotels & Resorts’ new Aquarelle Hotel, with a planned opening of the five-star resort on May 4.

This addition will mark RIU’s seventh property in Jamaica, solidifying its position as one of the largest resort chains in the country.

Spanning an impressive 753 rooms, the RIU Aquarelle Resort will significantly boost the room stock of the coastal parish of Trelawny, offering guests a “luxurious and unforgettable” vacation experience.

“The RIU Palace Aquarelle will be the seventh establishment of the hotel chain in Jamaica after 23 years of operating here. We have, indeed, invested in renovations, but a brand-new hotel is a totally different project,” said RIU’s Regional Director of Operations, Frank Sondern, following a recent walkthrough of the property with Reporters.

“It is ambitious, exciting, a challenge, and more so because it is a new destination. This five-star resort will feature swim-up rooms, adding a touch of exclusivity and indulgence to the guest experience,” he noted.

Mr. Sondern added that one of the standout features of the RIU Aquarelle Resort is its commitment to sustainability and renewable energy, pointing out that the resort will be equipped with 800 solar panels, harnessing the abundant Caribbean sunshine to produce an impressive 470,000 KW/h per year.

This initiative, he said, not only underscores RIU’s dedication to environmental responsibility but also positions the resort at the forefront of the tourism sector’s shift towards more sustainable practices in Jamaica.

For her part, Director of RIU Sales in Jamaica, Niurka Garcia-Linton, said that the Aquarelle has accounted for 27 per cent of the bookings from loyalty sales the hotel recently did for the upcoming summer.

“The local market is within the four main markets that today are sending business to this hotel. We recently did a loyalty sale from May to July, and 27 per cent of the arrivals in the local market are coming to RIU Aquarelle. So, we are happy to share with you that we are ready,” Mrs. Garcia-Linton said.

“We are looking at the opportunity for the local market to come and enjoy the product that we have in Jamaica. The Aquarelle is a five-star, all-inclusive 24-hour resort with a beautiful white bay beach. What makes it special is that it is the first hotel of the chain to offer swim-up rooms located on an upper level, offering both privacy and privileged views,” she added.

She said that besides being strategically located in Falmouth, Trelawny, guests can look forward to an array of amenities and activities, including gourmet dining options, world-class entertainment, luxurious spa treatments, and exciting water sports.

“The RIU Aquarelle Resort is poised to make a substantial impact on the local economy. With the creation of 830 jobs for Jamaicans, the resort will become one of the largest employers in the country, providing valuable opportunities for individuals in the region and contributing to the socio-economic development of Trelawny and beyond,” Mrs. Garcia-Linton added.

With the addition of the RIU Aquarelle Resort, RIU Hotels & Resorts will now boast a record 4,274 rooms across Jamaica, further solidifying its position as a leading hospitality brand in the Caribbean.

The resort’s opening is expected to draw visitors from around the world, eager to experience the unparalleled luxury and beauty for which RIU is renowned.

In 2021, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness; Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, and Chief Executive Officer of RIU Hotels, Carmen Riu, broke ground for construction of the resort.