Our recent stay at the Riu Palace Boavista was a delightful experience, blending luxury, relaxation, and vibrant entertainment. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by the friendly and engaging staff, who made every effort to ensure our stay was enjoyable.

The hotel's drink selection was impressive, featuring a variety of branded alcohol that catered to all tastes. Whether we were enjoying a cocktail by the pool or a nightcap in the bar, the quality and variety of drinks were consistently excellent. The staff’s willingness to converse and make recommendations added a personal touch that enhanced our experience.

Entertainment at the Riu Palace Boavista was a standout feature. The evening shows were of exceptional quality, providing captivating performances that kept us entertained night after night. The themed outfits of the evening entertainers as they greeted us for dinner added a charming touch, setting the tone for the evening’s festivities. Additionally, the Riu parties on Fridays at the sister hotel next door were an absolute highlight. These adult-only events were a fantastic way to let loose and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Our spa experience was another highlight of our stay. Unlike many resorts, the spa staff were not pushy with advertising, allowing us to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing environment. We indulged in a fantastic couples massage at a reasonable price, which added a layer of luxury to our trip.

The hotel grounds were beautifully maintained, with lush greenery and well-kept paths that made for pleasant strolls. The beach was another high point, featuring clean sand and clear water that provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation. The overall cleanliness of the hotel was commendable, with the housekeeping team ensuring our room, including the swim-up pool, was spotless.

The food at Riu Palace Boavista was well-cooked and offered a nice selection. While we enjoyed the meals, we did find that the menu could benefit from a few themed nights to add variety. Despite this, the quality of the food was consistently good, and we appreciated the effort put into every meal.

One minor inconvenience we encountered was the limited availability of indoor dining. Despite the heat, only half of the air-conditioned indoor dining area was open, often leaving us to dine outside. Additionally, while the staff were responsive to our requests to deal with bugs, a more proactive approach to pest control would have been appreciated. Our private pool, initially pristine, saw a decline in cleanliness towards the end of the week, suggesting a need for more consistent maintenance.

The rooms themselves were spacious and well-appointed. Our swim-up pool room was a particular highlight, offering direct access to the pool and adding a touch of luxury to our stay. However, we did feel that the bathroom could benefit from better ventilation.

Another point of improvement would be the reservation system for the a la carte restaurants. We arrived on a Thursday and found it difficult to secure reservations for the dining experiences we were looking forward to. Early booking or a more efficient reservation process could enhance this aspect of the stay.

Overall, our holiday at the Riu Palace Boavista was incredibly enjoyable and relaxing. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the positives far outweighed any negatives. We had a fantastic time and would highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for a luxurious and chilled-out getaway.