Dreaming of a getaway filled with relaxation and fun? The Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun could be your spot, so pack your bag. This all-inclusive resort offers a bunch of cool stuff, from chilling by the pools to trying different foods. In this review, we're gonna walk through the top five things you absolutely should do during your stay, so you get the most out of your vacation. Whether you are there to unwind or have some adventures, the Riu Palace Peninsula appears to have something for just about everyone.

1. Soak Up the Sun at the Stunning Pools

The Riu Palace Peninsula boasts multiple swimming pools, each with its own vibe, too it's almost like picking your relaxation zone. There's the main pool, very lively, usually has music playing and games going on, a bit like a big social hub. Then, is that a quieter, more secluded pool where you can relax, and actually, maybe even read a book without too many interruptions? Of course, each pool has its own swim-up bar, so staying cool and refreshed while soaking up the sun happens to be rather easy. Plus, attendants wander around offering drink service, which could be called peak vacation laziness.

For me, spending an afternoon alternating between a cool dip and lounging by the pool happens to be absolute bliss. I generally love grabbing a fruity cocktail from the swim-up bar, then just closing my eyes and soaking up the sun. It's those kinds of moments where I very quickly feel all my stress just melt away, yet I understand not everyone is this way. Make sure to arrive at the pool pretty early to snag your favorite lounge chair because the prime spots seem to get claimed rather quickly.

2. Indulge in a Culinary Adventure

Foodies, this is your spot, so get ready to eat. The Riu Palace Peninsula isn't kidding around with a really nice selection of restaurants, very tempting you with flavors from all over the globe. You've got your traditional Mexican spots that actually serve some authentic dishes, too you've got Italian restaurants with pasta that seems fresh, plus steakhouses grilling up juicy cuts of meat. And for something different, is that Krystal, the resort's fusion restaurant, puts a modern spin on some pretty well-known dishes, but in a good way?

One evening, I remember really loving my time at the Japanese restaurant. They made sushi right in front of us, a little bit like live entertainment, which might sound silly but works, yet the teppanyaki grill might be the star. The chef put on a whole show while cooking our meal, could be said that each bite tasted just a little bit better because of all the fun we were having. That is worth checking out, very much worth checking out. The only problem here? Figuring out which place to eat at each night!

3. Experience the Thrill of Water Sports

If relaxing on the beach just isn't for you, maybe try something active, so grab some adventure with the variety of water sports at Riu Palace Peninsula. That the resort provides, more or less, from kayaking to snorkeling, and sometimes even windsurfing, based on the conditions. Non-motorized sports appear to be included in your stay, but some of the cooler activities, such as jet skiing, often come with a separate fee.

Snorkeling seems like a super popular choice, due to Cancun’s gorgeous turquoise waters filled with marine life. If you happen to be lucky enough, the staff might take you out to nearby reefs, and in some respects, it's something to see. For an extra cost, the resort sometimes offers scuba diving excursions, usually, it doesn't matter if you're certified, the friendly on-site dive shop will gladly help you arrange it, clearly for a fee. I personally thought paddling around in a kayak happened to be a great way to get some exercise and explore the coastline at my own pace.

4. Unwind at the Renova Spa

Vacation mode should have you taking care of yourself, too maybe that should start with a trip to the Renova Spa, found at the Riu Palace Peninsula, might be your next destination. Offering a selection of treatments, ranging from massages to facials, and those body wraps too, seemingly, very focused on helping you fully chill out. Is that steam room also, really nice spot to hang after getting some sun on the beach? Very good for skin and pores, they say.

During my last stay, I actually indulged in a hot stone massage, which I guess turned out to be amazing, might be overused as a word but worked here, a little bit like the stones just melt away all your tension. Very quickly you just feel like you have an actual vacation body. You know? You might find that the spa uses quality products and has expert therapists who seemingly, clearly know what they’re doing, or they are just really good at pretending! Booking your appointment ahead of time makes sense, though, since popular slots often seem to fill up pretty fast. Give them a call. Don't delay.

5. Enjoy the Nightlife and Entertainment

Once the sun dips and your skin's glowing, yet your day is far from over. The Riu Palace Peninsula turns up the energy as the sun drops down with a rotation of shows and live music very often scheduled. Those live bands I saw tended to get the crowd moving with tunes, so try and dance if that's your bag, while those stage shows might be themed around music or pop culture. Actually, pretty good for resort fare.

There’s also the on-site nightclub, or maybe two? Pretty sure there are at least two bars on the site that generally remain open pretty late, where you can continue the party. I typically found myself drawn to the lobby bar, since it felt pretty chill and cozy for evening conversations, so is that very useful? Regardless of your taste, you're nearly sure to find a fun way to cap off your nights.