Open in Dec.2017, the Hotel Riu Dunamar is one of the newest properties to stake its claim in the relatively undeveloped Costa Mujeres beachfront district. Those familiar with this general area north of downtown Cancun know about Playa Mujeres and its lovely luxury all-inclusive resorts (The Beloved, Excellence Playa Mujeres, Dreams Playa Mujeres, Finest Playa Mujeres, and Secrets Playa Mujeres); however, many travelers are just becoming aware of the beautiful beaches which exist beyond familiar territory. The Riu brand is looking to expand its presence here and is constructing another Riu resort, Riu Palace Costa Mujeres, immediately adjacent to the Dunamar.
Aerial view
Taking a private shuttle will result in an ETA of 45 min. north of the Cancun airport. The resort is fairly isolated from shopping malls and the clubs for which Cancun is famous–taking a taxi is not cheap while the drive takes approximately 25 min. just to get to Plaza Forum where famous Cancun clubs are located. Obviously, Riu took that information to heart and has created a resort where its guests can stay on property and be completely entertained and kept busy 24-7. Its five pools, two water parks (this is Riu’s first water park venture), lengthy stretch of beach with motorized/non-motorized water sports availability, sports bar open 24-7, nightly theater shows, along with five restaurants and seven bars makes this a resort ideal for either families or couples.
Since many guests of all-inclusive resorts spend much of their day poolside, the multiple beachfront pools available at Riu Dunamar will satisfy even the most exacting pool aficionados. Here’s a list of what’s available:
- gradual entry for physically disabled guests
- two swim-up bars
- bar cart wheeled to all pool areas since there are no poolside wait staff
- separate activity pool
- foam party on Fridays
- in-pool tiled loungers, seating, and tables
- beachfront bar open late (Mezcal)
- nearby BBQ station for lunch
- umbrellas and sliding canvas panels for shade
- pool temperatures posted at the towel hut
One of the five beachfront pools
Want to do more than lie in the sun by the pool? The Splash Water World offers two separate water parks, one for young children while the other is for adults and children taller than three feet nine inches. Both water parks have slides appropriate for its age groupings, both are also free to use for all resort guests.
Children’s water park
Adult/older children’s water park
Beach lovers will enjoy this location for its lengthy stretch of white sand and mild to moderate waves. While the mesmerizing turquoise blue of Cancun waters is not seen quite so frequently in this general area, there are days when the ocean water color does rival the Hotel Zone’s intense blue hues. Guests can pay extra for wave runners, or take out kayaks or hobie cats on less windy days. There is a designated area for beach volleyball, and another nearby area for beach soccer. While there are plenty of loungers, palm trees are newly planted and will take several years to supply ample shade; beachgoers will have to be content with moving their loungers around during daylight hours to take advantage of shifting shade opportunities. Those who enjoy a good beach stroll can walk in either direction for quite some distance–northbound walkers will discover a massage area, a beach bar, and if one walks far enough, the lovely but remote Isla Blanca beach popular with locals and kitesurfers. Beach walkers should not forget insect repellent due to bites from “no see ums”.
The beach
Evening entertainment opportunities include nightly theater performances and the Pacha disco for late night dancing. Since this is a family-friendly resort, children and their parents are often on the theater’s stage during a portion of early evening performances, while 9 p.m. theme shows for all guests are typically well attended. The disco is open from 11 p.m to 2 a.m. and the vibe varies with the energy brought by guests who attend. For those more sports minded, there is a sports bar open 24-7 with multiple screens of varied sizes, two pool tables ($), and snacks available at all times of the day or night.
Sports Bar
Most guest rooms at the Dunamar are done primarily in white with electric blue, brown, and orange accents. The exception is the Suite which has beige walls, green and blue accents, and wood laminate flooring. All rooms include the signature Riu liquor dispensers which offer tequila, white rum, brandy, and vodka; mini-bars are complimentary and include beer, soft drinks, water, and a couple of mixers. While alcohol is included in all guest rooms, coffee makers are not (these are included at all Riu Palace resorts). Guest rooms include a sitting room area with a sofa (some sofas are sofa beds), while bathrooms include large showers with body wand and wall-mounted body wash/shampoo containers, double sinks, hair dryer, and toilet. While the bathroom can be closed off from the rest of the room, there is a transparent panel in most showers which allows those in the bedroom to see body outlines of those taking a shower. While this should not pose a problem for couples, families needing more privacy should be aware this may be an issue. Since this is a family-friendly resort, the Dunamar offers two bedroom Family Suites; larger Suites offer additional indoor and outdoor space.
Double standard room category with two double beds
Dining opportunities also abound at the Riu Dunamar. There are two buffets including an Asian and general buffet, while the Italian restaurant offers a “starter” buffet with a la carte main courses. A steakhouse and gourmet a la carte round out the restaurant options–since reservations are not required, pagers are given if staff cannot seat guests in a timely manner.
Riu resorts are an excellent value for one’s vacation dollar/euro/peso, and this resort is no exception. Age range here varies greatly at any given time with guests in strollers to those using mobility assisted devices. Guests should be comfortable with being fairly isolated from most of what Cancun and the Riviera Maya has to offer. The closest excursion is taking a ferry over to Isla Mujeres for the day.
Type of Resort: Family-friendly
Pro: Five pools with two swim-up bars, water parks, free WiFi for two devices, in-room liquor
Con: Beach shade, limited pool/beach wait staff, no in-room coffee maker, no room service
Best Suited For: Families with children of all ages, couples
No. of Rooms: 740
Pool Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Room Amenities: King or two dbl beds, A/C, balcony/terrace with drying rack, sitting area with sofa or sofa bed and coffee table, dresser, ceiling fan, full-length mirror, mini-bar, liquor dispensers, digital safe, flat screen TV, telephone, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, dbl sinks, shower with body wand and liquid soap dispensers, and complimentary WiFi for two devices. There is no room service. Here is a brief rundown of guest room categories:
- Double Standard: King or two dbl beds, sofa or sofa bed. Garden/resort view.
- Double Room with Partial Sea View: King or two dbl beds, sofa or sofa bed. Rooms face the resort’s courtyard/interior spaces, so sea views are had from the side.
- Double Room with Sea View: King or two dbl beds, sofa or sofa bed. Direct sea view.
- Family Room: Two bedrooms (king bed, two dbl beds), sofa or sofa bed. Resort, sea view/partial sea view.
- Suite: King bed, sofa, Jacuzzi tub, large balcony. Sea view.
Physically Challenged Rooms: Available
Resort Amenities: Five beachfront pools (two swim-up bars, some pools are heated), two water parks (one for younger children and one for older children/adults), spa, beauty salon, fitness center, non-motorized and motorized water sports, beach wait service, pool bar cart service, sports bar, pool tables ($), disco, outdoor theater, Kid’s Club, clothing/sundry/gift shop, tour desk, car rental, medical service, and ATM.
Restaurants/Bars: One standard buffet (Isla Mujeres), one Asian buffet (Bamboo), Italian a la carte with buffet “starters” (Pompeya), gourmet a la carte (Kulinarium), and steakhouse a la carte (Las Brasas). Reservations are not required at any restaurant. Snacks and light meals are available at the Sports Bar. There are seven bars including two swim-ups, a sports bar, lobby bar, two theater bars, and the beachfront Mezcal bar which is open late.
Entertainment: Nightly shows at the theater–there are two performances, the first one focuses on children while the second one is for all guests. The disco is open until 2 a.m. six nights p/week.
Website: https://www.riu.com/en/hotel/mexico/cancun/hotel-riu-dunamar/