Hotel review: RIU Palace Maldivas- experiences, pros and cons.

Experience pure luxury on a private island at RIU Palace Maldivas, an exclusive 5-star hotel. The unique location offers stunning water villas and a water jetty connected to the RIU Atoll (4-star resort). Surrounded by picturesque sandy beaches and turquoise blue sea, this is the ideal place to relax and unwind. The hotel was opened in 2019 and offers modern comfort in the best condition. Enjoy outstanding dining quality with a diverse selection, although dishes may become repetitive after a few days. The friendly staff and high level of cleanliness make for a pleasant stay. If you're looking for relaxation, your own pool/bath on a water villa, or just a beach vacation with direct ocean views or beach access without the hustle and bustle of a club hotel, this is the place for you.

Room Categories:

Discover the luxurious rooms at RIU Palace Maldivas and experience an unforgettable stay amidst paradisiacal scenery with breathtaking views and first-class facilities.

Beachfront Suites

The Junior Suites at Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas are spacious rooms that offer all the comforts to make your stay unforgettable. With a size of 40^m2, they have a large bed (2 x 2m) or two single beds and (1.25 x 2m).

• Junior Suite with balcony (facing the sunrise or sunset)
• Junior Suite with direct beach access (sunrise or sunset direction)

Water Villas

The overwater suites (water villa) with outdoor bathtub or in the more expensive category with private infinity pool at Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas offer you ultimate luxury and comfort. With a size of 47^m2 or the luxury version with 60^m2, they are ideal for you if you are looking for the highest level of relaxation and luxury. The suites have a large bed (2 x 2m) or two single beds (1,25 x 2m) and offer a breathtaking view of the sea. Enjoy your stay in this unique setting and be pampered by first class service and exclusive ambience.

• Water villa with outdoor infinity bathtub (facing sunrise or sunset)
• Water villa with private outdoor infinity pool (facing sunrise or sunset).

Amenities:

• Living area with sofa
• Individually adjustable air conditioning
• Satellite TV
• Free WLAN
• Safe in the room
• Ceiling fan
• Iron and ironing board
• Baby crib on request
• Room service
• Minibar (free of charge and refilled daily)
• Drink dispenser with alcoholic beverages
• Coffee and tea facilities
• Hair dryer
• Bathrobe
• Shower
• Balcony or terrace with direct beach access or water access (depending on room category)
• Access to the hotel's pool and beach

View:

The views from the Riu Palace Maldivas are simply breathtaking. From the rooms and suites, there are spectacular views of the turquoise sea stretching to the horizon. The hotel's location on its own island allows for uninterrupted views of the endless ocean and surrounding paradisiacal landscapes. Whether you are on the balcony, by the pool or on the beach, the view will enchant you with its beauty and tranquility. Experience unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, watch the play of the waves and be enchanted by the picturesque backdrop of the Maldives.

Room review

Rooms at the Riu Palace Maldivas are spacious and offer plenty of room for a comfortable stay. Furnishings are meticulously maintained, so everything is in top condition. The beach villas are especially quiet and offer a relaxing atmosphere. On the water villas, you can hear shuttles going back and forth as they pass over the concrete slabs or music from the surrounding islands in the evening. However, these sounds cannot be heard in the room. If there are strong waves or the sewage pump is running, there can be some noise. But you have direct access to the sea from the water villas and with a little luck you can discover rare fish species. Another highlight can be a free delivered breakfast in the water villa with pool and a sunrise. Unfortunately, the water villas with pool are almost always fully booked.

  For those looking to save money and enjoy the water villa experience for once, I recommend booking the beach suites first and considering an upgrade for one night on site. This upgrade usually costs between 200 and 250€. Please note, however, that room availability cannot be guaranteed due to high demand.

Benefits:

• Free daily refilled minibar (Sprite, Schweppes, Fanta, Coke, Diet Coke, beer and water).
• kettle and tea/ instant coffee
• free safe
• daily replenished bathroom utensils
• large shower
• equipment modern and intact
• Room on the island relatively quiet

Neutral:

• Villas on the water partly bright

Disadvantages:

• Water villas very expensive

The RIU Palace Maldivas is located on its own island called Kedhigandu in the Maldives' enchanting Dhaalu Atoll. The private island is connected to the neighboring Riu Atoll hotel on Maafushi Island via a picturesque jetty. This unique connection allows you to enjoy the amenities and activities of both resorts to the fullest.

Your arrival to RIU Palace Maldivas is usually via Malé, the capital of the Maldives. You have two options: You can either take a domestic flight on a regular plane to Kudahuvadhoo, which takes about 45 minutes, and then take a motorboat for about 15 minutes to get to the hotel. Alternatively, you also have the option of a direct seaplane from Malé to the hotel, which takes about 45 minutes and gives you spectacular views of the surrounding atolls.

The idyllic location of the RIU Palace Maldivas on its own island and the incomparable beauty of the Dhaalu Atoll create a breathtaking backdrop for your dream vacation. Enjoy pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and a diverse underwater world that invites you to snorkel and dive. Immerse yourself in the paradisiacal atmosphere of the Maldives and experience unforgettable moments at RIU Palace Maldivas.

Distance:

Malé airport: approx. 180 km (as the crow flies).

• domestic flight approx. 45 min + speedboat approx. 15 min
• Seaplane approx. 45 min

Underwater restaurant (Subsix): approx. 9 km

Experience a unique culinary experience at the world's first underwater restaurant Subsix. Dive 6 meters below sea level and enjoy the breathtaking ambience with its glass walls offering a spectacular view of the fascinating underwater world. Subsix is known for its exquisite champagne breakfasts and vibrant party setting. Be enchanted by this incomparable location and immerse yourself in a world of flavor and magic.

• Speedboat approx. 35 min

Experience exquisite gastronomy at the 24-hour all-inclusive RIU Palace Maldivas resort. The resort offers a variety of first-class restaurants and bars to tantalize every palate. Enjoy culinary delights from around the world, from international cuisine to local specialties. Look forward to a perfect combination of exquisite flavors, quality ingredients and top-notch service. Whether you prefer a romantic dinner on the beach, a poolside barbecue party or a refreshing cocktail on the beach, RIU Palace Maldivas leaves nothing to be desired. Immerse yourself in a culinary journey of indulgence and discovery and experience unforgettable gastronomic moments in paradise.

Gastronomy at a glance

A variety of gastronomic highlights await you at RIU Palace Maldivas. Start your day with a varied breakfast buffet that offers show cooking and a wide selection of dishes. For lunch and dinner, you can look forward to an extensive buffet with show cooking, accompanied by a variety of delicious desserts. In addition, there are special theme nights that take place twice a week.

For a special dinner, there are several options available to you. You can choose between the fusion restaurant "Krystal" and the Japanese restaurant. In the neighboring Riu Atoll, you'll also find an Italian restaurant with an appetizer and dessert buffet, as well as a steakhouse. Outside of regular meals, snacks are available at the sports bar or poolside, where you can freely choose from the offerings at the Riu Palace Maldivas and Riu Atoll hotels.

Enjoy national and international non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, including premium drinks, around the clock.

Restaurant Rating

The Palm Main Restaurant

At the RIU Palace Maldivas' main restaurant, The Palm, you can expect a lavish breakfast buffet with show cooking, where you can choose from a variety of delicious options. For lunch and dinner, an extensive buffet awaits you with a diverse selection of dishes. In addition, there are two theme days per week with extra outdoor buffets to tantalize your taste buds.

It should be noted, however, that the dishes offered are repeated during the course of a week. Nevertheless, you can be sure that the quality and variety of food will always remain at a high level, so you can continue to enjoy delicious meals. All tables are located outside the restaurant and are not air-conditioned, occasionally you will find ceiling fans.

  Ideally, you should use the themed restaurants in the evening as an alternative. Note, however, that these are usually booked up quickly.

Japanese Restaurant

Beautiful ambience in Japanese style, there are freshly prepared Japanese specialties served. A very small restaurant with a small show cooking corner. The à la carte dishes are served as a 3-course menu, where you can choose from several delicious options. Enjoy an exquisite selection of appetizers, main courses and desserts, carefully prepared and presented. Flavorful and delicious selection, portions are kept rather small.

Fusion Restaurant "Krystal

Fusion cuisine is an exciting culinary experience that combines different flavors, ingredients and cooking techniques from different cultures and traditions. It combines elements of Western cuisine with Asian, Latin American or other influences to create unique and creative dishes. Fusion cuisine offers a harmonious fusion of flavors, textures and presentations to delight discerning palates. With innovative combinations and a balance of flavors and aesthetics, fusion cuisine promises an unforgettable culinary experience. If you're a fan of new taste experiences, then you should definitely give this a try. Again, you should expect exclusive dishes and small portions.

Italian Restaurant at RIU Atoll (pre-dinner and dessert buffet)

The restaurant is located on the neighboring island of the RIU Atoll and can be reached either completely on foot or partially by shuttle from pool to reception. The restaurant is also used by the hotel guests of the RIU Atoll and therefore much more booked than the previously mentioned restaurants. The main courses are ordered à la carte and appetizers and desserts are served as a buffet. The taste is also very good and delicious selection, almost like in Italy, if you still get hungry at the end, then you can of course help yourself to the buffet.

Steakhouse in the RIU Atoll

The Steakhouse is also located on the other island and offers different steak variations as à la carte. The restaurant is rather simple and is not air-conditioned compared to the other theme restaurants. Taste also very good and tasty selection.

Dhoni main restaurant of the RIU Atoll

The "Dhoni" is completely comparable to "The Palm", but much louder and more guests. Is therefore only an alternative if you happen to be on the island.

Advantages

• Quality of food very good
• large selection of dishes
• All restaurants unlimited included
• Free choice of seats in the main restaurant
• Several themed restaurants
• Allergens are indicated

Neutral

• Menu selection repeats after a week

Disadvantages

• The water for the soft drinks/mineral water doesn't taste good to everyone as they come from the water treatment plant.
• Unfortunately allergens are not always correct

  Alternative is only the drinks in the rooms from cans or bottles

  Allergens to be on the safe side always ask!

Menu overview

Menu Japanese Restaurant

Menu Italian Restaurant

General tips

1st tip: The restaurants can be booked 3 days in advance. Punctually are released at 0 o'clock in the app for all guests. Do not think long, otherwise the seats can already be gone during the booking.

2nd tip: Now and then you are also lucky during the day when someone cancels.

3rd tip: If there are two of you, try to select 1 pax (1 person) in the app and specify the second person in the comment, so you also have a higher chance of getting a place.

The RIU Palace Maldivas attaches great importance to sustainability and environmental protection. The hotel implements various measures to reduce its environmental footprint. These include the use of renewable energy, water conservation through efficient systems, waste separation and recycling, local food, and the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products. Fresh water is obtained through the use of its own desalination plant to meet the islands' needs. In addition, the resort has its own wastewater treatment plant that collects and purifies dirty water before it is reused for purposes such as watering the garden. This ensures efficient water use and responsible stewardship of natural resources. The resort also supports local communities and initiatives to protect marine ecosystems. Guests are encouraged to actively contribute to sustainability by conserving resources and being environmentally conscious. RIU Palace Maldivas is committed to a sustainable future and strives to be a role model for environmentally friendly tourism.

At RIU Palace Maldivas, guests are offered a wide range of sports activities and animation. From water sports like snorkeling, diving and kayaking to land activities like beach volleyball, there is something for everyone. In addition, a state-of-the-art fitness room and yoga classes are available to promote physical fitness. Guests can therefore be active both in the water and on land, adding variety to their leisure time.

Evaluation sports offer and animation

A wide range of leisure and entertainment options await guests at the RIU Palace Maldivas. Most of the activities and offerings take place on the neighboring island of RIU Atoll, resulting in a livelier atmosphere. At RIU Palace Maldivas, on the other hand, guests can enjoy a quieter environment and fully immerse themselves in the idyllic atmosphere of the island. The gym offers a pleasant atmosphere and is equipped with modern equipment. The treadmill is particularly popular, offering breathtaking views of the beach, the sea, and spectacular sunsets. Water sports enthusiasts can rent free single kayaks, double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, paddleboats, and snorkeling equipment, and participate in diving demonstrations in the pool. However, due to conservation regulations, use of these water sports is limited to a specific area. Other paid activities, such as jet ski rides and fishing excursions, are also available.

Benefits

• Free gym
• Free water sports
• Various animation programs
• Relaxation on the RIU Palace side possible, due to low offers
• Great variety of species ideal for divers

Disadvantages

• Few offers on the RIU Palace side
• Long ways to the offers
• Attractions very expensive

The dedicated animation team at RIU Palace Maldivas organizes a varied daily entertainment program that includes games, contests and shows. Guests can look forward to evening entertainment with live music and DJ performances at the Paradise Pool in the RIU Palace, as well as varied events at the Baduberu Bar in the RIU Atoll. The spa area focuses on relaxation, and guests can book optional beauty treatments and massages, which are not as inexpensive. The staff is always friendly and helpful and available to provide guests with the best service possible.

Advantages

• varied entertainment program
• different evening events
• child care
• various bars and a sports bar with billiards and sports TV
• Great spa offers

Disadvantages

• Entertainment program mainly on the other island
• Spa partly very expensive (between 15 to 500 €)