Why RIU and Iberostar Became Leading All-Inclusive Brands

For more than 50 years, RIU Hotels & Resorts and Iberostar Hotels & Resorts have quietly built two of the most respected all-inclusive collections in Mexico and the Caribbean. Both companies remain family-owned Spanish hotel groups, bringing European hospitality standards to some of the finest beaches in the region.

While luxury brands often focus on a small number of exclusive resorts, RIU and Iberostar have perfected something different — consistently delivering beachfront locations, dependable quality, food that guests actually remember, and value at prices that work for families, couples, honeymooners, and retirees. That balance is why these two brands continue to be among Apple Vacations’ most requested resorts year after year.

The RIU Tier System

Standard RIU properties offer the classic 24-hour all-inclusive concept — food, beverages, entertainment, and room service around the clock. RIU Palace is an upgraded property tier with larger rooms, premium spirits, and generally elevated dining. Palace properties vary by location — some welcome families (RIU Palace Punta Cana), some are adults-only. Confirm the specific property’s policy before booking.

Signature RIU properties across our most-booked destinations: RIU Republica Punta Cana (adults-only), RIU Palace Punta Cana (family-welcoming), RIU Palace Aruba, RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas, RIU Palace Riviera Maya, and RIU Palace Tropical Bay Jamaica.

The Iberostar Tier System

Iberostar Waves is the value-family tier — great location, solid experience, kid-friendly. Iberostar Selection is the step-up premium tier with adults-only Star Prestige sections available at many properties. Star Prestige guests within Selection resorts get private pool areas, upgraded spirits, and reserved seating at specialty restaurants. JOIA is the top luxury all-suite tier described above.

Signature Iberostar properties we book most: Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya, Iberostar Waves Paraíso Beach, Iberostar Selection Bávaro Punta Cana, Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites Jamaica, and the JOIA collection.

Dining Differences That Actually Matter

At RIU, expect live-cooking stations for pasta, stir-fry, and carved meats, with themed nights rotating (Mexican, Italian, Caribbean, Asian fusion). The 24-hour concept means food and drinks are available whenever you want them.

At Iberostar, the philosophy is fresh, coastal, and more refined. Iberostar was among the first Caribbean brands to eliminate single-use plastic and pilot regenerative fishing partnerships. At Selection and Star Prestige tier properties, expect several à la carte specialty restaurants included in the package. At JOIA properties, dining is genuinely gourmet with wine pairings — closer to a fine-dining resort than a traditional all-inclusive.

Airport and Flight Notes

Apple Vacations packages include flights from PHL (Philadelphia), EWR (Newark), JFK, ABE (Lehigh Valley/Allentown), BWI (Baltimore), and other Northeast/Mid-Atlantic airports. The bundled package price is often better than booking flights and hotel separately.

Seasonal Planning

The sweet spot for RIU and Iberostar travel: January through March (excluding Spring Break weeks) — great weather, quieter resorts, pricing that hasn’t yet peaked. November and early December are also excellent — pre-holiday pricing, mild weather. Avoid Christmas/New Year and Spring Break unless budget isn’t a concern. Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt and is excellent year-round.

Room Category Guidance

Room category matters more than most travelers realize. Garden view rooms at large resorts can be significantly further from the beach than expected. Oceanfront upgrades are usually worth it. Star Prestige sections at Iberostar Selection properties, adults-only wings at RIU Palace properties, and Preferred Club-equivalent tiers deliver meaningful amenity upgrades. We know the specific room buildings at the major properties and can steer you to the category worth booking.

Why Booking Through Us Costs the Same

The total price you pay is identical whether you book on applevacations.com yourself or through Doylestown Travel. Apple Vacations builds the referral commission into the package price. When you book direct, the commission goes to Apple’s system. When you book through Doylestown Travel, it goes to a 40-year specialist who answers your calls, reviews your reservation for errors, and has a stake in your trip being right.