Shaky economies and less than robust currencies have not slowed Riu Hotels & Resorts, who have just opened their latest five-star, adults-only Riu Republica on the Arena Gorda Beach in Punta Cana. Oliver Kluth was in Toronto recently and he believes Riu has tapped into a new segment of the market that wants ‘affordable luxury.’

Kluth, the senior vice president of Sales & Business Development for RIU Hotels & Resorts, says this ‘sub category’ which is more affordable than the Riu’s Palace level, attracts a high percentage of young couples, who like the ease and of an all-inclusive package but want luxury options included.
The Riu Republica offers three large pools, free WiFI throughout the property, concierge service plus a modern fitness centre and a Renova Spa. There are a variety of dining options, with three a la carte restaurants, five bars and a 24-hour sports bar.
The resort is available in Canada exclusively through Signature Vacations with packages from Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City. This summer, packages will be available from Vancouver with twice weekly service (via Toronto) and in the winter travellers can choose from 19 gateways across Canada, including daily service from Toronto and Montreal.
Kluth is also excited about Riu’s global expansion.
Last year, the company opened its first property in Mauritius, the Hotel Riu Creole. Then the Riu Plaza New York opened earlier this year at the “perfect location” – in the heart of Times Square - which attracts both business and leisure travellers - and in November the five-star Riu Reggae will open in in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
By 2018 we will see two new Riu hotels in the Maldives, and RIU’s first resort in Dubai is scheduled to open later that same year. Amazingly, there is still a ‘first’ left to be had in Dubai - it will be Dubai’s first-ever 24-hour, all-inclusive property.
Other new destinations planned include Shri Lanka and Ireland.
“Our city hotels operate differently than beach resorts and people tend to move (further afield) than they used to,” said Kluth, noting too that generational travel means catering to different requirements, “we have to reinvent ourselves and be creative.”
Kluth says Riu Resorts and hotels will adapt their menus to accommodate regional tastes and cuisine, but some thing never change, “we always maintain the same standards of excellence.”