Head to head

Calabash HotelvsHotel Riu Palace Maldivas

Calabash Hotel

Five-Star·★ 4.8

Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas

Five-Star·★ 4.7

Scores at a Glance

Calabash HotelHotel Riu Palace Maldivas

Overall

9.3

8.9

Beach

8.6

8.9

Food

9.5

8.8

Service

9.6

9.0

Rooms

9.4

8.7

Luxury

9.4

Value

8.2

8.8

Romance

9.5

8.7

9.3

8.9

Overall

8.6

8.9

Beach

9.5

8.8

Food

9.6

9.0

Service

9.4

8.7

Rooms

9.4

—

Luxury

8.2

8.8

Value

9.5

8.7

Romance

Scores out of 10 · higher is better

Quick Stats

Calabash Hotel	Measure	Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
(better)9.3	Overall Score	8.9
5-star	Star Rating	5-star
(better)4.8 (355)	Google Rating	4.7 (1,273)
From $555	Price / Night (pp)	From $217 (better)
No	Adults Only	No
Unverified	Kids' Club	Listed
Near coast	Beachfront	Near coast
Mid-size	Resort Size	Mid-size
(better)20 min	Airport Transfer	60 min

Calabash Hotel

Kids' club & childcare: Unverified
Room service: Unverified
Dining reservations: Restaurant reservation rules are unverified; confirm before booking.
Single accommodation capacity: Largest confirmed capacity: 2 people in one accommodation. Westside Suite; Superior Deluxe Suite; Pool Suite; 1 more categories at this capacity. Adult limit unverified.

See supplier details at Calabash Hotel

Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas

Kids' club & childcare: Kids’ club listed. Confirm supervision and drop-off rules.
Room service: Unverified
Dining reservations: Restaurant reservation rules are unverified; confirm before booking.
Single accommodation capacity: Capacity unverified; confirm the exact category before booking.

See supplier details at Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas

Calabash Hotel

Highlights

3 places to eat
Full-service spa
20 min from GND

Why choose it

Exceptional service and food consensus.
Quiet beachfront boutique atmosphere.
Suites and villas emphasize privacy, balconies and luxury touches.

Keep in mind

All-inclusive is optional and has exclusions.
High price point.
Small scale means fewer facilities than a large all-inclusive resort.

Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas

Highlights

1 pool
3 places to eat
Full-service spa
Overwater bungalows
60 min from MLE

Why choose it

Strong guest ratings across TripAdvisor, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Booking.com.
24-hour all-inclusive model is straightforward and value-oriented for the Maldives.
Modern rooms, including overwater suite categories.
Guests repeatedly praise food, cleanliness, and friendly staff.
Access to neighboring RIU Atoll adds activity and dining flexibility.

Keep in mind

The modern built environment may feel less natural or boutique than older-style Maldives islands.
Transfer logistics and inclusions need careful verification.
Some activities are located on or shared with the RIU Atoll side.
Not ideal for travelers seeking an ultra-secluded, high-design luxury resort.

All Scores

Calabash Hotel	Measure	Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
8.6	Beach	8.9 (better)
(better)9.5	Food	8.8
(better)9.6	Service	9.0
(better)9.4	Rooms	8.7
8.3	Pools	8.4 (better)
9.4	Luxury	–
8.2	Value	8.8 (better)
–	Family	8.3
(better)9.5	Romance	8.7
–	Nightlife	7.9
9.4	Quiet	–
8.9	Wellness	–