RIU Hotels & Resorts reopens the fully refurbished Hotel Riu Guanacaste in Costa Rica - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Located on the pristine Matapalo Beach in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province, the iconic resort has been fully redesigned to blend modern hospitality with the region’s natural beauty and vibrant culture.

A new look for a Costa Rican classic

Originally opened in 2009 as RIU’s first property in Costa Rica, the Riu Guanacaste has undergone an extensive renovation of all 1,041 rooms, public spaces, restaurants, bars, and outdoor areas. The refreshed interior design draws inspiration from Costa Rica’s biodiversity, using natural materials and colours that reflect its lush environment.

Among the upgrades are eight new swim-up rooms with private pools, along with more spacious, light-filled guest rooms that enhance comfort and relaxation. The lobby has been reimagined with an open, airy design that maximises space and natural light, while the outdoor areas now feature expanded gardens, shaded relaxation zones, and a completely rebuilt pool complex with six pools, including three swim-up bars.

Expanded dining and leisure experiences

All restaurants have been renovated, and the resort now offers a wider culinary selection with fresh concepts. Guests can enjoy:

·         International menus in the Asian, Mexican, and Italian restaurants

·         A classic steakhouse and two buffet restaurants with live cooking stations

·         Pepe’s Food snack stations serving grilled favourites

·         Tiki Taco counters offering authentic Mexican tacos

The hotel’s bars have also been redesigned, and guests can now indulge at Candy, a new ice cream and dessert parlour. The Sports Bar introduces an American-country theme with an à la carte menu of classic U.S. dishes, open 24 hours for drinks and snacks.

Family fun and entertainment

The RIU Land children’s area has been completely reimagined for younger guests, complementing the resort’s existing attractions such as Splash Water World, a water park open to guests of both RIU properties in the destination, and the lively RIU Party events held weekly.

Strengthening RIU’s footprint in Costa Rica

The renovation reaffirms RIU’s long-term commitment to tourism development in Costa Rica, where it also operates the Riu Palace Costa Rica (opened in 2012). With over 1,500 local employees, the company continues to contribute to the economic growth of the Guanacaste region.

For more information, visit www.riu.com

Image Credit: © RIU Hotels and Resorts