Scores at a Glance
Calista Luxury ResortHotel Riu Palace Maldivas
Overall
9.0
8.9
Beach
8.8
8.9
Food
8.6
8.8
Service
9.0
9.0
Rooms
8.8
8.7
Luxury
9.0
·
Value
8.2
8.8
Romance
·
8.7
Scores out of 10 · higher is better
Quick Stats
9.0
Overall Score
8.9
5-star
Star Rating
5-star
4.7 (4,648)
Google Rating
4.7 (1,167)
Rates TBD
Price / Night (pp)
From $272
No
Adults Only
No
Yes
Kids' Club
Yes
Near coast
Beachfront
Near coast
Mid-size
Resort Size
Mid-size
–
Airport Transfer
60 min
All Scores
8.8
Beach
8.9
8.6
Food
8.8
9.0
Service
9.0
8.8
Rooms
8.7
9.1
Pools
8.4
9.0
Luxury
–
8.2
Value
8.8
9.2
Family
8.3
–
Romance
8.7
8.6
Nightlife
7.9
8.8
Wellness
–
Vibes
Yes
Lively
Yes
–
Romance
Yes
Activities
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Water sports
Yes
Yes
Nightlife
Yes
Yes
Kids
Yes
Calista Luxury Resort
- 8 pools
- 7 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- Butler service
- Gated, 24-hour security
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
- 1 pools
- 3 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- Overwater bungalows
- 60 min from MLE
Pros · Calista Luxury Resort
- Official Ultra All Inclusive concept.
- Eight-pool resort footprint with winter-heated pool.
- Strong kids, teen and water-park facilities.
- Beachfront Belek location with piers and clear sea.
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 · Calista Luxury Resort
- Many premium extras are carved out of the standard plan.
- Watersports are extra.
- À la carte dining may cost extra outside VIP conditions.
- Not walkable to a lively town center.
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.