Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Fri September 11, 2026
WHY IT RATE: The hotel chain unveils a five-star beachfront resort in Mai Khao, overlooking the Sirinat National Park.
RIU Hotels & Resorts marks a new international milestone with the launch of the Hotel Riu Palace Phuket, a sophisticated 5-star establishment that represents the company's long-awaited debut in Thailand. This newly opened hotel enjoys a prime beachfront location on the north-west coast of Mai Khao, adjacent to Sirinat National Park, and is situated just 16 kilometers from Phuket International Airport and 40 kilometers from the historic city center.
The Hotel Riu Palace Phuket offers the renowned 24-hour All Inclusive service by RIU Hotels & Resorts. The resort's culinary experience has been meticulously crafted to bridge the richness of Thai gastronomy with international trends across six distinct dining venues: the main restaurant "Chantra" (featuring live cooking stations and themed buffets), the Thai restaurant "Ruen Siam", the Italian cuisine of "Il Gusto", a premium Steakhouse, the casual grill concept "Pepe's Food", and the exclusive Elite Club restaurant.
The leisure and dining options are complemented by seven bars with distinct atmospheres, each thoughtfully designed to suit different times of the day: the elegant Lobby bar "Mai Khao", the "Siang Sawan" lounge bar, the "Khon" plaza, a modern Sports bar, the "Capuchino" coffee and ice cream parlour, the "Sabai" pool bar, featuring a swim-up bar, and the Elite Club Lounge.
The complex features 504 rooms distributed across several buildings of up to four floors, all interconnected by covered walkways. Alongside the spacious Junior Suites, the hotel’s standout feature is the inclusion of 49 rooms within the Elite Club by RIU category, a concept meticulously designed for guests seeking to elevate their travel experience through premium service and the utmost privacy.
Guests staying in the Elite Club area enjoy a private reception with personalised check-in service, exclusive access to a dedicated restaurant and pool, a selection of premium international branded drinks, an upgraded minibar, welcome amenities, aromatherapy service, and the option to book Swim Up category rooms featuring a private pool on the terrace.
The hotel's outdoor facilities boast a total of six swimming pools, including two for children and one reserved exclusively for Elite guests. Furthermore, the property offers a dedicated wellness and personal care area, featuring a fully equipped gym, a steam bath, and a comprehensive Renova Spa offering an extensive menu of treatments, massages, and hairdressing services.
The resort has been thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, serving as a unique space for connection with the destination and its traditions. Highlights include the meditation, prayer, and offering area situated in front of the Spa building, as well as the wooden palapa located by the dining area, an open-air sanctuary dedicated to massage services in direct contact with nature.
Furthermore, the hotel's entertainment offering combines the "RiuLand" kids' club with a daily programme of daytime and evening activities, alongside the "RiuFit" sports program for those who enjoy active wellness.
Regarding sustainability, the hotel boasts a solar panel installation across two buildings in the industrial zone, facilitating the self-generation of clean energy. Furthermore, it features a rainwater harvesting system integrated into the building rooftops, allowing for the collection and subsequent recycling of rainwater to irrigate its extensive green areas and gardens.
With this opening, the hotel chain reinforces its commitment to the Asian continent and consolidates its expansion into premier international destinations. The arrival in Thailand represents a fundamental step in the global diversification strategy of RIU Hotels & Resorts, introducing its renowned hospitality model to one of the world's most demanding and established tourist enclaves through a value proposition focused on service excellence.
SOURCE: RIU Hotels & Resorts press release
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