My husband and i stayed at the riu from feb 5-12. We flew from Regina with sunwing. Here's my review:

Sunwing: staff wasn't friendly at all. I don't think I saw any of them even smile on the way there or back. They don't give out blankets on the plane so bring your own. They only played 1 movie, and the TVs were blurry (on the way there at least) you do get served a hot meal.

Front desk other info: nice staff. They don't exchange American money, but they exchange Canadian, so you can just bring your Canadian if you want. There is an ATM in the lobby but it only gives out pesos, and you get charged about $5 Canadian. We only had American money but everywhere accepted it. In the gift shops you might get back pescos which is fine if it's not your last day there. there is only 1 clock in the hotel, and it's at the front desk. I didn't bring a watch and I wished I would have. Bring an alarm clock too for your room because there isn't one. There is free wi-fi in lobby only.

Gift shops: there is a Jewelery store, 2 gift shops and a smoke shop. If you want souvenirs, go to town, it will be way cheaper. Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's they let a couple venders come set up. Or there's a mini flea market on the beach.

Room: 2.5 stars. we had 2 double beds pushed together and they were very uncomfortable. The mattresses were also covered with plastic or something which got annoying fast because every time one of us moved you could here it. The pillows were also very flat and uncomfortable, I would suggest bringing your own. I've read people complaining that the rooms aren't very nice, which is honestly try, but your in Mexico! How much time are you really spending in there? Sleeping and showering so who cares if the decor isn't nice.

Restaurants/food: the buffets were actually really good. There was a good variety and it wasn't the same every night. The coffee is horrible though. Its instant coffee, and Not very good. There's 2 breakfast buffets, and 2 lunch buffets. There are 2 supper buffets. One starts at 6:30, the other at 7. The lunch buffets are closed at 5, so if you usually eat at 5 or 5:30, I'd suggest having a snack. (the buffet is super busy at 6:30) The sports bar is open 24hrs and provides snacks such as sandwiches, nachos, hamburgers and hotdogs (which you have to heat in the microwave). You can only book the al la caters 2 days in advance, and only 2days. Cant book for friday on tuesday, which is super annoying. You also have To be there at like 8am or everything gets booked. We did 2 al la carts. The Asian one was good. Buffet style. The Brazilian one wasnt that good, but I'm picky. You get served a bunch of different meats. The chicken was dark meat, the turkey was wrapped in bacon, and it all tasted oily. They forgot us when serving the beef. We didn't care cause we were full, but that's the main thing my husband wanted to try. We never did get to try the steakhouse al la cart.

Waiters/waitresses: honestly, hit and miss. There's always a bunch of waiters going around cleaning tables, but maybe 1 trying to serve at least 20 tables. First couple of days we didn't see a waiter at all, but then it seemed to get a little better. They had 1 waiter for the entire beach and pool area. Tip really good and you will get awesome service and they will remember you. They work really hard. The bar tenders are great! Very good at their job. Angel is an amazing waiter and bar tender. The waiters are bang on taking your plates etc. at the buffets.

Pool/beach: 5 stars. the beach was big and lots of chairs, but go before 10 if you want one. Same goes for the pool. The pool was awesome. Nice and big with sun loungers in the pool too. We really liked how there was a separate kids pool, so kids weren't splashing and jumping around everywhere while we were trying to swim. The kids pool was actual pretty big too with a Couple little slides.

Spa/gym/entertainment: we had rain the last day we were there so we sat in the jacuzzi. It was really nice. Free too. Just make sure you reserve a time. We booked a spa day that day. There are 3 packages to chose from and they are 100 each. So worth it. Just a massage, or just a wrap is 74, so you might as well get the package. They say it's 80min but it was a little longer which was awesome. We did the pck with the massage, detox body wrap and facial. So relaxing, so worth it. We both felt great after. I was awake before my husband one morning so I was going to go to the gym but it was busy. Looked like a decent gym though, but if you are the type that has to work out every morning, (which is silly, youre on holidays lol) go early. There are pool activities every day such as volleyball, name that tune, water exercises, and other games. At 3 every day they have step class or Zumba class on the stage. At night, they have entertainment for the kids first, I think at 8:30, then a show at 9:30. One night they had a movie on the beach and gave out popcorn etc which was kind of cool. We enjoyed the Mexican band. People staying at the resort got up and sang and were dancing and everything lol. The disco is fun. We went 3 times. Twice they played awesome music, once not so much.

All in all it's a great resort. I would definitely go back, I would just ask for a room with a king bed, and I'd bring my own pillows, and a watch. I would definitely suggest the resort to people as well. Families and couples.