Unveiling the Ultimate All-Inclusive Oasis: Your Complete Guide to Riu Palace in Cabo San Lucas
- Jessica Mason
- Feb 11
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 17
Cabo San Lucas is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking landscapes. If you're seeking an exclusive escape just for adults who are looking for a more aforable option, the Riu Palace Baja California should be at the top of your list. This lively all-inclusive resort offers an unforgettable experience, whether you're celebrating a milestone or unwinding. Let’s explore what makes this oasis in Cabo San Lucas special before you plan your trip.
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Table of Contents:
Riu Palace: Location and Accessibility
When planning your getaway, location is crucial. The Riu Palace Baja California sits gracefully on the peaceful sands of El Medano beach. This prime spot not only offers stunning ocean views but also provides easy access to Cabo San Lucas’ attractions.
The resort is a quick drive from the town center, where you can explore local markets filled with artisan crafts, enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants like El Mercado, or partake in exciting water activities such as parasailing, whale watching, or sunset cruises. With Los Cabos International Airport just 30 minutes away, reaching your tropical haven is simple.
Riu Palace: Accommodation Options
At Riu Palace Baja California, guests can choose from various accommodations that blend comfort and elegance. Every room features upscale amenities, including:
King-sized beds or two double beds - we booked late and had two double bed Junior Suite Partial Ocean view, but I was surprised to find that they were pushed together, making one ultra large bed. (Picture of view from our room below)
Minibar stocked with complimentary drinks, including local favorites like Pacifico beer, juices, and waters and additionally liquor choices in the room. In our room, we had Beefeater Gin, Bacardi Rum, Smirnoff Vodka, and Jose Cuervo Gold Tequilia.
Private balconies offering breathtaking ocean views where you can relax with morning coffee.
Complimentary Wi-Fi ensuring you stay connected throughout your stay.
King-sized beds or two double beds - we booked late and had two double bed Junior Suite Partial Ocean view, but I was surprised to find that they were pushed together, making one ultra large bed. (Pictures below)
Minibar stocked with complimentary drinks, including local favorites like Pacifico beer, juices, and waters and additionally liquor choices in the room. In our room, we had Beefeater Gin, Bacardi Rum, Smirnoff Vodka, and Jose Cuervo Gold Tequilia.
Private balconies offering breathtaking ocean views where you can relax with morning coffee.
Complimentary Wi-Fi ensuring you stay connected throughout your stay.
For more details on booking, click here.
Riu Palace: All-Inclusive Dining Experiences
Dining at Riu Palace Baja California is a highlight. With several on-site restaurants catering to a variety of tastes, your culinary journey is sure to impress. Some options include:
Krystal: This restaurant gives traditional dishes a creative spin, featuring a menu that changes seasonally to incorporate the freshest local ingredients.
El Medano Steakhouse: A go-to for meat lovers, offering perfectly cooked steaks with a selection of sauces.
Asian Fusion Restaurant: A delightful experience with dishes from Japan and China, including fresh sushi and lively teppanyaki cooking.
Agave: with your traditional Mexican dishes.
Promenade: Offering a large buffet for all meals.
Sofia: with Italian options for dinner.
Guacamole: For poolside snacks and causal fair.
Pepe's Food: For amazing tacos and some other American food options.
Riu Palace: All-Inclusive Bar and Cafe Options
To complete your dining experience, the resort boasts numerous bars serving cocktails and spirits. Enjoy a fruity margarita at a poolside bar or savor a glass of fine wine at an elegant lounge as you soak up the evening ambiance. Here are a few of the options:
Tropicana and Sunset: Two swim-up bars to meet all your needs while enjoying views of the ocean.
Daiquiri: Grab a drink before dinner with the breathtaking views offered at this bar.
24: A small lounge at the lobby that is open with a few snack options that is available 24/7.
Riu Palace: Entertainment and Activities
Riu Palace Baja California excels at providing entertainment to keep guests active and engaged. You can enjoy various activities like poolside games, beach volleyball, and aerobics classes. Additionally, the resort features multiple swimming pools, including an infinity pool that offers unobstructed ocean views.
For relaxation, the Renova Spa is a must-visit. With treatments like massages and access to a full gym, you can unwind and rejuvenate your body and mind during your stay.
If you are looking for Vegas pool party, look no further!
While being a guest at Riu Palace Baja California, you can also visit the two adjoing resorts. The Riu Santa Fe offers themed pool parties with fun DJ's each week. When we visited in February, 2025, they had the Pink Party on Fridays from 2:30-7:00 PM. Additionally, they offer 3 other parties on different days of the week, including the Neon Party (Saturdays), White Party (Wednesdays), and Jungle Party (Tuesdays). Be sure to pack your swimwear accordingly!
Riu Santa Fe also offers Splash Water World with various exciting water slides!
Nightlife and Evening Entertainment
As evening falls, Riu Palace Baja California transforms into a lively destination. The nightlife is vibrant, featuring live music, themed events, and exciting performances that highlight Mexico's cultural spirit.
If you're looking for a quieter evening, you can sip cocktails at one of the resort’s classy bars. Here's a great spot to enjoy the ambiance while mingling with other guests or sharing a romantic moment with your partner.
Beach Access
The main attraction of Cabo San Lucas lies right outside your door. Riu Palace Baja California offers direct beach access, allowing guests to step onto golden sands easily.
Whether you prefer soaking up the sun, playing beach volleyball, or thrilling your senses with water sports like jet skiing or snorkeling, there is something for everyone. Be sure to take a sunset stroll along the shore for an unforgettable view of the Pacific Ocean as the sun dips below the horizon.
Of note, this resort is on El Medano Beach, which is considered a swimmable beach HOWEVER, when we were there it was a red flag and from what I understand it is rarely on option as a swimmable beach without walking further down El Medano Beach.
Understanding the Weather
Before finalizing your travel plans, it's important to consider Cabo San Lucas's climate. Known for its tropical desert weather, temperatures remain warm year-round.
The best time to visit is from October to May when you can enjoy sunny skies and temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C). Remember, summer months can be hot, so pack light, breathable clothing. Cabo San Lucas wet season is considered to be August through October, although we have been twice in October and never had rain.
Tips for the Best Experience
To make the most of your stay at Riu Palace Baja California, keep these tips in mind:
Book Early: Given its popularity, this resort fills up quickly. Secure your reservation early to ensure you get the best rates. We booked about two days before going and we were only able to secure a partial ocean view, but it was still a nice view.
Discover Cabo San Lucas: While the resort offers much to enjoy, exploring the city is a must. Book tours for experiences like whale watching or visiting the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, a natural rock formation that attracts many tourists.
Here is a great whale watching tour, or a sunset cruise, or don't miss the hike on Mt. Solmar for unforgettable views. Here's the need to info on the hike.
Be Mindful of Dress Codes: Some of the resort's restaurants may enforce a smart casual dress code for dinner. Consider packing collared shirts and nice sandals to fit in comfortably.
Stay Hydrated: With warm weather and plenty of sun, drink plenty of water to stay refreshed.
Should you stay at the Riu Palace- Our Experience:
After being to numerous resorts in Los Cabos, we would rate this one a solid 8 out of 10. If you looking for gormet dining, I would say look elsewear. We personally had no issues with the wifi on our phones, but didn't' do any work on our laptops, so we didn't really put it to the test and I did see some reviews that complained about their ability to connect and stay on the wifi.
The room service options were negligible and we opted not to even try, since they maily offered basic sandwiches and nachos. Nothing looked appetizing.
We were looking for more of a party crowd for this trip, this resort was a better option, while still enjoying a very clean resort, with decent service. We personally had no issues and found all of the staff to be very kind and welcoming. We did not find that the resort overly focused on party, but there were options, like the pool parties mentioned above for Riu Santa Fe.
We loved that this resort was an all inclusive and adults only, we definitely stay there again! We loved that the cost at this resort was much lower than most other all inclusive adult options and we didn't feel like we were missing out on a lot of amenities at this lower price point.
Wrapping Up Your Oasis Experience
Riu Palace Baja California is more than just a hotel; it’s an adult-only all-inclusive paradise. With remarkable dining options, luxurious accommodations, and an immersion into the vibrant culture of Cabo San Lucas, this resort offers an unforgettable getaway.
Whether you are planning a romantic vacation, celebrating with friends, or seeking a peaceful retreat, your adventure here promises lasting memories.
So, grab your suitcase and favorite swimwear—it's time to enjoy the unparalleled beauty and activities that Cabo San Lucas has in store for you.
Explore this stunning destination and make your next vacation truly exceptional. Happy travels!
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