TORONTO — Sunwing Vacations has announced the grand reopening of Riu Guanacaste on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast following a top-to-bottom refurbishment.

Originally built in 2009 on Matapalo Beach, the resort has the distinction of being the first RIU Hotels & Resorts property in Costa Rica.

Following the addition of 300 rooms in 2024, Riu Guanacaste now features 1,041 completely redesigned rooms that are brighter and more spacious. The lobby has also been redesigned with an open and functional layout, while new shaded areas and landscaped gardens create a welcoming atmosphere outdoors. The pool area has been completely restructured and now features six pools, three of which include swimup bars.

There’s more to sip and savour, too, with the resort’s new dining concepts, including Asian, Mexican and Italian restaurants, a classic steakhouse and two buffet restaurants with live cooking stations. New additions include two Pepe’s Food snack stations serving grilled food, two Tiki Taco Mexican taco stations and a new ice cream parlour called Candy. The Sports Bar has adopted a new American country concept, offering an à la carte menu and 24-hour drinks.

Families will also enjoy a completely renovated RIU Land children’s area, and still available for all guests are the Splash Water World water park and RIU Party events – weekly themed parties at both RIU hotels in Costa Rica.

Travel advisors who book Riu Guanacaste before Oct. 14 can take advantage of Sunwing Vacations’ RIU October promotion during family-friendly resorts week, for travel until April 2026. Advisors will also receive up to 3X RIU Partner Club Points on select vacations packages.

For more information, visit the Sunwing Travel Agent Portal.