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
Scores out of 10 — higher is better
Quick Stats
9.3
Overall Score
8.9
5-star
Star Rating
5-star
4.8 (354)
Google Rating
4.7 (1,161)
From $437
Price / Night (pp)
From $272
No
Adults Only
No
—
Kids' Club
Yes
Near coast
Beachfront
Near coast
Mid-size
Resort Size
Mid-size
20 min
Airport Transfer
60 min
All Scores
8.6
Beach
8.9
9.5
Food
8.8
9.6
Service
9.0
9.4
Rooms
8.7
8.3
Pools
8.4
9.4
Luxury
—
8.2
Value
8.8
—
Family
8.3
9.5
Romance
8.7
—
Nightlife
7.9
9.4
Quiet
—
8.9
Wellness
—
Vibes
Yes
Romance
Yes
Yes
Quiet
—
—
Lively
Yes
Activities
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Water sports
Yes
Yes
Kids
Yes
—
Nightlife
Yes
Calabash Hotel
- 3 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- 20 min from GND
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
- 1 pools
- 3 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- Overwater bungalows
- 60 min from MLE
Pros — Calabash Hotel
- Exceptional service and food consensus.
- Quiet beachfront boutique atmosphere.
- Suites and villas emphasize privacy, balconies and luxury touches.
Pros — Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
- 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.
Cons — Calabash Hotel
- All-inclusive is optional and has exclusions.
- High price point.
- Small scale means fewer facilities than a large all-inclusive resort.
Cons — Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
- 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.