Riva Marina Resort

Shamefully organized services, from arrival to departure, over 2k for an all-inclusive week, of all only disservices; Some of the little trains used for the various trips are antiquated with 30cm wooden boards, packed with sweaty people in contact and without regular schedules or frequencies, you only see them if you have lu..luck..; 4-star resort???? A catering service equal to a train station in a 1970 exodus, flies, tables packed to the centimeter, cold food always the same, children screaming, mothers yelling, plastic pitchers, watered-down drinks, obstacle courses between tables for a thread, an ordeal for an espresso cappuccino, absurd lines everywhere; Relaxation areas... exhausting children's music at full volume all day and until late at night for the little shows; "Apulian dinner" unclassifiable (and you even have to book it), food unprotected, exposed to the air and heat, a copy-paste of the restaurant's buffet food; Bar and Amphitheater area in a "black hole" with a 20-meter elevation change, in concrete, without being able to breathe, stale air, crowds everywhere even for a coffee. Pizza at the pool at 4:00 PM with only one operator, and a line like at a charity center there too; Pool bar that closes at 1:00 PM in the middle of the heat; You feel like you're in prison.. How a Resort should NOT be... Never again

We chose Riva Marina Resort despite the mixed reviews online, and overall we found it to be a stay with some real positives — but also some frustrations that future guests should be aware of. Positives * Clean and well‑kept grounds: The gardens are nice and maintained daily - we saw staff litter‑picking regularly. * Professional reception team: Every receptionist we dealt with was bilingual, polite and organised. On our first night we arrived late due to a late flight and had missed dinner — they had sent four trays of food to our room and arranged a shuttle to take us there. A brilliant first impression. * Gluten‑free kitchen: This was a huge relief for us. Our teenage daughter could eat safely every day without anxiety, and the GF options were clearly prepared with care. * Housekeeping: Rooms may be tired, but housekeeping was exceptional — spotless every day. * Beach access: The little beach train runs regularly, sunbeds were easy to find, and staff try hard to create a positive vibe with music and energy. Negatives * Restaurant staff: Many seemed inexperienced, unsure of processes, and often overwhelmed. * Bar staff behaviour: One bar staff member in particular was very rude in the bar by the restaurant — after I requested a drink she loudly said afterwards “mamma mia” and rolled her eyes. Not what you expect in a 4‑star resort. * Entertainment: Entirely in Italian. The stand‑up comedian was completely lost on us — and we genuinely think we may have been the only English guests there. * Rooms: Clean but very tired. Shower seals were barely hanging on, and water escaped onto the floor each time. * Menus: All‑Italian menus with no English translation, which made meals harder to navigate. (Translation apps helped!) * General atmosphere: Only when we visited places like Ostuni (well worth a visit) did we realise how warm and friendly Italians can be — the contrast was noticeable. Overall Riva Marina Resort has strong points — cleanliness, garden maintenance, reception staff, and excellent gluten‑free provision. But the service inconsistencies, tired rooms, and lack of English‑friendly entertainment or menus made parts of the stay feel less welcoming than expected. If you’re looking for a clean base with safe GF food and good beach access, it works. If you’re hoping for polished service, lively entertainment, or a more international feel, you may find it lacking.

I just returned from the Riva Marina Resort CDSHotels and I can say that it was a truly beautiful vacation. From the very first day, we felt welcomed and pampered by the entire staff. The property is very well-maintained, clean, and surrounded by greenery, ideal both for relaxing and for spending days in good company. The food is also excellent, with plenty of choices and always tasty dishes. The real strong point, however, was the entertainment. An exceptional group of guys: always smiling, full of energy, and capable of involving everyone without ever being intrusive. They made us have fun with games, activities, sports, and evening shows that were truly well-organized. You can see that they put passion into what they do and manage to create a family atmosphere that makes you feel part of the group. It is one of those vacations that I will remember with pleasure and that left me with a great desire to return. I recommend this resort to those looking for relaxation, fun, and a welcoming environment. Compliments to the entire staff and especially to the entertainment team: you made our vacation truly special!