RIU Sale Ends Today +
Jamaica Resort Intel

Here's the useful stuff I'm seeing this week in Mexico and the Caribbean — without making you dig through dozens of resort sites yourself.

The Deal: RIU's promotion ends today

Vacation Express is advertising savings of up to 67% at participating RIU resorts when booked by August 31, 2026, for travel through April 30, 2027. Participating destinations include Cancún, Riviera Maya, Jamaica, Punta Cana, Los Cabos and others.

Brandon's TakeDon't book because the percentage-off number looks huge. Compare the actual final trip price against resorts that fit you. But if RIU is already on the shortlist, today is a reasonable day to check the numbers.

The Resort: Couples Swept Away, Negril

Couples Swept Away sits on Negril's Seven Mile Beach and currently lists 312 suites, seven restaurants, eight bars, three pools, five Jacuzzis and a 10-acre sports and fitness complex.

Brandon's TakeThis is the kind of resort I want on the roster because it creates a real Jamaica comparison against Sandals, Excellence and Hyatt — rather than just another version of the same product.

The Intel: Jamaica status has to be checked property by property

Jamaica is still working its way back from last fall's Hurricane Melissa, and the recovery is moving resort by resort. The official tourism reopening page shows many Negril properties open — including Couples Swept Away, Couples Negril, RIU Negril and Sandals Negril — and Royalton Negril, Hideaway at Royalton Negril and Grand Lido Negril just reopened on August 25. Several Montego Bay properties carry later reopening dates.

Brandon's TakeThis is why I don't recommend a destination from an old "best resorts" article. Before sending somebody somewhere, I want to know what the property looks like now.

The Wingman Rule

I'd rather send you somewhere that costs a little more and fits what the two of you actually enjoy than save money and have you spend five days wishing you had booked somewhere else.

Sources checked Aug. 31, 2026: Vacation Express current RIU promotion · Couples Resorts official Couples Swept Away information · Jamaica Tourist Board hotel reopening updates.