Away from the bustle of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the secluded Riu Palace Costa Mujeres is one of the newest resorts in the Cancun area, opened in 2018; along with its new neighbor Riu Dunamar (opened 2017), it offers a much more tranquil atmosphere than the other four Riu properties in Cancun, which are all older. The Riu Caribe (B2) and Riu Palace Peninsula (Baa2) resorts are adjacent to one another on the north end of the Hotel Zone and the Riu Cancun (B1) and Riu Palace Las Americas (Ba2) are even closer to the middle of the action, just steps from Cancun’s best nightlife. The Riu Palace Costa Mujeres, however, is well north of all of that, up on Playa Mujeres, and caters well to couples looking to relax. The food gets mixed reviews (although it’s reviewed more positively here than at most Riu properties), the beach isn’t quite as strong as most in the Hotel Zone, and the guest room bathrooms lack an abundance of privacy; but the sleek resort offers state-of-the-art interiors, a water park right next door with a few big water slides, a quiet beach with plenty of palm trees and lounge chairs, a contemporary fitness center, a nice spa, fairly good dining variety (five a la carte restaurants plus buffet, all with pool/beach views), a good hotel staff, and two swim-up bars. The beautiful, brand new rooms come with hardwood floors, large flat-screen TVs, free-standing soaking tubs, rain showers, balconies or terraces, liquor dispensers, re-stocked minibars, 24-hour room service, and an impressive amount of space; swim-out suites are available. On-site water sports include jet skiing, sailing, scuba diving, and kayaking. Other activities are limited, but the ferry to Isla Mujeres is a short taxi ride away.
Guests returning to the U.S. can take the COVID-19 antigen test on-site. There is no additional cost for all adults and children. This service is available at all Riu resorts in Mexico (except Riu Plaza Guadalajara), Jamaica, Aruba, and Punta Cana and is provided by an accredited medical testing lab that complies with the requirements of the CDC. Test results are received within 72 hours prior to departure, as required by the CDC. In the event of a positive test, Riu Hotels will provide an extension of up to 10 days at no cost.