Prevue January-February 2014 - (Page 61)

RIU Palace Mexico Playa del Carmen transformed into a fresh and modern space where groups can book poolside events, beach parties or private dinners." The goal of the renovation was to step away from RIU's classic hacienda architecture by adding white angular furniture, open Jacuzzi tubs and views of the gardens from the balconies. FOOD, BEACHES & BEVERAGES RIU's latest renovation offers a chic modern vibe and ﬁve more RIU hotels nearby [ON LOCATION] GIANNA WYATT T he 434-room RIU Palace Mexico in Playa del Carmen has reopened after a $20 million renovation that added a contemporary façade and sophistication to the 6-property all-inclusive campus. Guests are greeted by a violet and chrome lobby, an expansive space ﬁlled with traditional Mexican art and sparkling chandeliers. This is a scenic and comfortable spot for groups to gather. Planners can also host outdoor cocktail events for groups of up to 120 pax in the spacious hotel gardens. The entire pool area was reworked in the gardens during the renovation allowing more space for group events near the hotel. Book a poolside event for 60 along the bar with traditional Mexican dancers and performers. "The renovation included everything," says Fernanda Rossano Castanon, meetings manager. "The entire hotel was The RIU Palace Mexico has six signature restaurants, including the glamorous Krystal restaurant. The a la carte outlet shows off fashionable duotone imagery on the walls that resembles high-end perfume advertisements, draped in shades of black and turquoise. "Krystal serves fusion cuisine, something very unique for an all-inclusive because it has a ﬁne-dining kind of vibe," says Executive Chef Wilber Mena. "That is something that we take pride in. We always try to create something special here." Be sure to try the watermelon topped ahi tuna with fresh herbs and a soy glaze. It surpassed our expectations." Chef Mena hosts group fruit carving classes as a fun teambuilding activity. Gather around the kitchen where the chef has fresh cactus and fruit juices waiting as he illustrates how to carve a ﬂower into a watermelon or cantaloupe. Work as a team to come up with an artistic and delicious creation that will serve as a centerpiece for your dining reception later in the evening. Other dining options include the new Don Julian buffet and La Bodega Mexican restaurants, along with Miyagi Japanese, Guacamole Steakhouse and the Italian La Dolce Vita. There's also a new coffee shop and guest lounge onsite. Guests staying at the RIU Palace have access to the other ﬁve RIUs in the area, including the 507-room RIU Yucatan, a family-oriented hotel that debuted a $27 million renovation this past July. Popular event spaces include a beautiful new relaxation lawn and a hammock-ﬁlled patio with monkeys swinging from the trees above. Book the convention center at RIU Tequila just across the street for groups up to 300 pax. There's also a nightclub onsite for post meeting dance parties and group events. "If you book a group at a RIU, there are complimentary upgrades to better rooms, private dinners within the new restaurants and access to six hotels with beaches and entertainment," says Laura Robles Landis, press manager. The relaxing beach, the endless amounts of food and drink and immediate access to Playa del Carmen makes it easy for planners. The Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka'an, the Crococum Zoo and the Botanic Gardens make for interesting group excursions. The hotel also coordinates with local DMCs to provide tours into Tulum, Mayan ruins and cenote (cave) dives. riu.com; rivieramaya.com prevueonline.net | 61 61-RIU 61 1/8/14 8:51 AM http://www.riu.com http://www.rivieramaya.com http://www.prevueonline.net

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue January-February 2014

Planner's Pick: Boston
Fresh Meets: Hyatt All-Inclusive
Bureau Buzz: Branson
Good Business: Baha Mar, Bahamas
Sea Shores: Celebrity Cruises
The Art of Roi
Corporate Retreats
Scotland
Florida Special Section
On Location: La Cantera, San Antonio
Convention Centers
On Location: Edgewater, Seatle
On Location: RIU Rivera Maya
On Location: Secrets Vallarta Bay, Mexico
Colombia
Check Out: Hilton Bomonti, Istanbul

Prevue January-February 2014