This Massive All-Inclusive Brand Is Finally Opening Its First Hotel in Southeast Asia — on a 700-Metre Beach

Riu Hotels & Resorts is planting its first flag in Southeast Asia with the Riu Palace Phuket, a 504-room all-inclusive resort stretching along 700 metres of Mai Khao Beach on Phuket's northern coast.

The Spanish hotel giant, which operates more than 100 properties worldwide, has been steadily expanding beyond its traditional Caribbean and Mediterranean strongholds. Thailand represents a major strategic bet on the booming Southeast Asian leisure market, where demand for all-inclusive packages has surged among European and North American travelers.

The Riu Palace Phuket will feature the brand's signature 24-hour all-inclusive service, six specialty restaurants — including one dedicated to authentic Thai cuisine — and its premium Elite Club tier with enhanced amenities and exclusive lounge access. The property's design draws on tropical modernism, blending open-air spaces with Phuket's lush jungle backdrop.

Why It Matters

Riu's move into Thailand signals a broader trend of Caribbean-dominant all-inclusive brands eyeing Asia-Pacific growth. With beach tourism in Phuket rebounding strongly since the pandemic, the island has become an increasingly attractive market for large-scale resort operators looking to diversify their portfolios.

The hotel was originally slated for an April 2026 opening but the timeline has shifted, with the latest indications pointing to a September 2026 debut. Booking platforms including Expedia are already listing the property for reservations.