Scores at a Glance
Dream of Zanzibar Resort & SpaHotel Riu Palace Maldivas
Overall
8.8
8.9
Beach
8.2
8.9
Food
8.8
8.8
Service
9.0
9.0
Rooms
8.8
8.7
Luxury
8.6
·
Value
·
8.8
Romance
·
8.7
Scores out of 10 · higher is better
Quick Stats
8.8
Overall Score
8.9
5-star
Star Rating
5-star
4.9 (877)
Google Rating
4.7 (1,167)
Rates TBD
Price / Night (pp)
From $272
No
Adults Only
No
–
Kids' Club
Yes
Near coast
Beachfront
Near coast
Mid-size
Resort Size
Mid-size
64 min
Airport Transfer
60 min
All Scores
8.2
Beach
8.9
8.8
Food
8.8
9.0
Service
9.0
8.8
Rooms
8.7
8.4
Pools
8.4
8.6
Luxury
–
–
Value
8.8
8.0
Family
8.3
–
Romance
8.7
–
Nightlife
7.9
8.6
Quiet
–
8.0
Remote work
–
Vibes
Yes
Quiet
–
–
Romance
Yes
–
Lively
Yes
Activities
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Water sports
Yes
Yes
Kids
Yes
–
Nightlife
Yes
Dream of Zanzibar Resort & Spa
- Full-service spa
- 64 min from ZNZ
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
- 1 pools
- 3 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- Overwater bungalows
- 60 min from MLE
Pros · Dream of Zanzibar Resort & Spa
- Premium all-inclusive plan is clearly published.
- Large suites with ocean-view options.
- Strong early guest signals for staff and food.
- Spa, gym, PADI dive centre and 24-hour room service.
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 · Dream of Zanzibar Resort & Spa
- Thin Reddit and still-maturing review base.
- Only one main restaurant and bar verified on official pages.
- Uroa beach swimming varies by tide.
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.