Towering above the turquoise coastline like an oversized white serpent, this vast five- and six-story S-shaped property soaks up hordes of American and European tourists like a wet sponge.

This resort was followed by the Riu Negril and three more destinations: the tourism capital, Montego Bay with the Riu Montego Bay, Riu Palace Jamaica and Riu Reggae; Ocho Rios with the Riu Ocho ...