3 Best RIU Resorts in Cabo San Lucas
Looking for a RIU Cabo San Lucas resort? All three RIU Hotels & Resorts here sit along Playa El Medano, the main swimmable beach in Los Cabos, just minutes from the marina and downtown Cabo. Better still, there’s a clear split between family friendly stays and an adults only escape, so it’s easy to match the right RIU to your trip.
Hotel Riu Santa Fe and Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas both welcome families, while Hotel Riu Palace Baja California is adults only for couples and friends who want a calmer scene. Here’s how the three compare, plus what to know before you book your Cabo vacation.
| Resort | Best For | Vibe | Adults Only / Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Riu Santa Fe | Families and groups | Big, lively, pool-filled | Family |
| Hotel Riu Palace Baja California | Couples and adults | Upscale and relaxed | Adults Only |
| Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas | Families wanting upscale | Polished and beachfront | Family |
1. Hotel Riu Santa Fe
Hotel Riu Santa Fe is the largest RIU in Cabo San Lucas, and it’s built for families and groups who want plenty to do. Set right on Playa El Medano, the main swimmable beach in Los Cabos, it pairs calm, swim-friendly water with a sprawling layout of pools, a splash zone, and wide open spaces that keep kids and grown-ups busy from morning to night.
The 24-hour all inclusive covers buffet and a la carte dining, poolside drinks, snacks, and nightly entertainment, so you can set your budget before you ever leave home. Days drift easily from the sand to the pool deck to the daily activity program, and lively evening shows round things out after dinner. With several pools and open gardens to roam, there’s always a spot for the little ones to splash while the grown-ups settle into a lounger nearby. You’re also a short stroll or quick ride from the marina, shops, and downtown Cabo when you want to explore.
For a fun, family friendly home base with room to spread out, Hotel Riu Santa Fe is an easy pick.
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2. Hotel Riu Palace Baja California
Hotel Riu Palace Baja California is the adults only choice among RIU’s Cabo San Lucas resorts, made for couples and friends who want a calmer, more upscale scene. Also set along Playa El Medano, it trades the kids’ club for quieter pools, elegant spaces, and a grown-up atmosphere from sunrise through the evening shows.
The 24-hour all inclusive keeps things easy with multiple restaurants, bars, and round-the-clock service, while the beachfront setting puts the Sea of Cortez and Mexico‘s warm sunshine right outside your room. Mornings are made for a slow coffee by the water, and afternoons slip by between the pool, the beach, and a quiet corner with a book. Downtown Cabo, the marina, and the area’s nightlife are close when you feel like heading out, then it’s an easy walk back to a peaceful pool deck. The swimmable water at Medano means you can actually get in the ocean here, a nice change from many Cabo beaches.
For travelers who want a refined, adults only base without the crowds, Hotel Riu Palace Baja California is a standout on one of Cabo’s best beaches.
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3. Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas
Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas brings a more polished, upscale feel to the family friendly tier. Perched on the sand at Playa El Medano, it gives families a beautiful beachfront setting with calm, swimmable water, generous pools, and the kind of refined touches that make a special trip feel extra.
The 24-hour all inclusive covers buffet and a la carte dining, drinks, snacks, and nightly entertainment, so everyone from the kids to the grandparents has plenty to enjoy without reaching for a wallet. Bright, comfortable rooms give families space to settle in, and the daily activities and evening shows keep the whole group happy from breakfast to after dinner. The beachfront location means easy mornings on the sand and lazy afternoons dipping between the pool and the sea. Its spot near the marina and downtown Los Cabos makes it easy to pair beach days with shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
For families who want the upscale RIU Palace experience without giving up a family friendly atmosphere, this beachfront favorite checks every box.
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What to Know About RIU Resorts in Cabo San Lucas
- Medano Beach is swimmable. Playa El Medano is Cabo’s main swimmable beach. Many other Cabo beaches have strong currents and aren’t safe for swimming, but Medano’s calm, protected water is great for wading and swimming, which is why all three RIU resorts sit right along it.
- You’re close to the marina and downtown. Each RIU resort is a short stroll or quick ride from the Cabo San Lucas marina and downtown, so shopping, dining, and sightseeing are always within easy reach.
- There’s an option for couples and for families. Hotel Riu Palace Baja California is adults only, while Hotel Riu Santa Fe and Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas are family friendly, so there’s a RIU to fit your group.
- There’s plenty to do on and off the resort. Between the pools, beach, water sports, and nightly entertainment, you can fill a full week on site, and the nearby marina puts boat tours, snorkeling trips, and El Arco excursions within easy reach.
Best Areas for RIU Resorts in Cabo San Lucas
All three RIU resorts cluster around the same prime stretch of Cabo San Lucas, so you’re never far from the best of the area.
Playa El Medano is the heart of it all. This long, golden crescent on the Sea of Cortez is Cabo’s main swimmable beach, with calm, protected water that’s safe for wading and swimming, unlike many Cabo beaches where strong currents keep you on the sand. It’s lined with beach clubs and water sports, and ocean access is right outside your resort.
The marina and downtown Cabo sit just a short stroll or quick ride away, packed with restaurants, shops, nightlife, and boat tours. From here, you can hop on a trip out to El Arco and Lover’s Beach or simply wander the waterfront at sunset. Staying this close lets you mix relaxed resort days with as much exploring as you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which RIU resort in Cabo San Lucas is best for families versus adults?
Families do best at Hotel Riu Santa Fe or Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas, which both offer family friendly pools, activities, and room to spread out. Couples and adults who want a quieter, grown-up scene should book Hotel Riu Palace Baja California, which is adults only.
Are the RIU resorts in Cabo San Lucas all inclusive?
Yes. All three RIU resorts in Cabo San Lucas run on RIU’s 24-hour all inclusive model, which bundles your room, meals, snacks, drinks, and nightly entertainment into one upfront price. Flights, spa services, and off-site excursions are usually separate.
Is the beach at RIU Cabo San Lucas swimmable?
Yes. The RIU resorts sit on Playa El Medano, Cabo’s main swimmable beach, where the water is calm and protected. Many other Cabo beaches have strong currents and aren’t safe for swimming, so Medano’s gentle water is a big part of the appeal.
When is the best time to visit Cabo San Lucas?
When is the best time to visit? October through May brings warm, dry days and comfortable evenings, which makes it the most popular stretch. Summer runs hotter and can see occasional storms, though it often means lower rates and fewer crowds if you don’t mind the heat.
Do I need a passport to visit Cabo San Lucas?
Yes. Cabo San Lucas is in Mexico, so U.S. travelers need a valid passport to fly in and return home. It’s smart to make sure your passport won’t expire within six months of your trip.
Book Your RIU Cabo San Lucas Vacation Today
Ready to trade the daily grind for warm sand and all inclusive ease? Browse RIU resorts in Cabo San Lucas by your travel dates and budget, and let one upfront price handle the meals, drinks, and fun while you soak up the sun on Medano Beach. Your RIU Cabo San Lucas getaway is closer than you think.
Maggie Sabin
Maggie started as the SEO Manager at DestinationWeddings.com in 2024, where she works to drive organic traffic and conversions while creating meaningful, SEO-optimized content for the website. Previously, Maggie’s career spanned from Human Resources & Recruitment to teaching at international schools for almost 10 years. Maggie spends her free time traveling, learning new languages, reading non-fiction books, working out, going to the beach and spending time cuddling her dog, Lola!
