Scores at a Glance
Ela Excellence Resort BelekHotel Riu Palace Maldivas
Overall
8.8
8.9
Beach
8.5
8.9
Food
8.6
8.8
Service
·
9.0
Rooms
·
8.7
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
4.7 (6,852)
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
8.5
Beach
8.9
8.6
Food
8.8
–
Service
9.0
–
Rooms
8.7
9.0
Pools
8.4
–
Value
8.8
9.3
Family
8.3
–
Romance
8.7
–
Nightlife
7.9
8.6
Wellness
–
Vibes
–
Romance
Yes
–
Lively
Yes
Activities
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Water sports
Yes
Yes
Kids
Yes
–
Nightlife
Yes
Ela Excellence Resort Belek
- 8 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- Swim-up suites
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
- 1 pools
- 3 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- Overwater bungalows
- 60 min from MLE
Pros · Ela Excellence Resort Belek
- Excellent family infrastructure
- Strong kids club and children's dining
- Large pool and waterpark inventory
- Officially clear all-inclusive inclusions
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 · Ela Excellence Resort Belek
- Can feel busy in peak periods
- Water sports cost extra
- Some à la carte access depends on reservations and operating schedules
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.
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