Riu Palace

Riu Palace Bavaro

Arena Gorda beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Families welcome

Status: Enlarged in 2024 onto the site of the former Riu Naiboa.

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The short version

Enlarged in 2024 onto the site of the former Riu Naiboa, Riu Palace Bavaro now has almost 1,000 rooms by RIU's count, so it suits travelers who like a big resort with lots of choice. You get 11 pools on Arena Gorda beach, two of them for adults only, along with 10 restaurants and 12 bars. Kids aged 4 to 12 have the RIU Land program, and Elite Club guests get their own restaurant plus private pool and beach areas.

Best for Families with young kids Multi-generation groups Big-resort variety

Good to know

  • A family resort on Arena Gorda beach. RIU's FAQ counts 10 restaurants, including Japanese, Italian and steakhouse options, and 12 bars.
  • The amenity list shows 11 swimming pools, two of them reserved for adults.
  • Elite Club guests have their own restaurant, a lounge, a private pool area with a bar and a private beach area with a bar.
  • Splash Water World access comes with the stay. The hotel also has the RIU Land kids' program for ages 4 to 12, a children's park, a spa and 24-hour room service.
  • About 25 km from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), roughly 30 to 40 minutes.

Before you book

RIU says the rebuilt hotel grew from 600 rooms to almost 1,000 after taking in the Riu Naiboa site, so reviews and photos from before the expansion may show a smaller resort.

Quick answers

Questions about Riu Palace Bavaro

Is Riu Palace Bavaro adults-only?

No. It is a family resort with the RIU Land kids' program for ages 4 to 12 and a children's park. Two of its 11 pools are set aside for adults.

What does Elite Club include at Riu Palace Bavaro?

Elite Club guests get their own restaurant, a lounge, a private pool area with a bar and a private beach area with a bar. Ask me and I'll check which Elite Club rooms are open for your dates.

Facts checked September 2026 against the resort's official website. Details change, so ask me and I'll confirm anything that matters to your trip.

Tell me where you want to go.

No fee, no obligation. Most first conversations take twenty minutes and end with a couple of ideas worth thinking about.

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