Scores at a Glance
Explora AtacamaHotel Riu Palace Maldivas
Overall
9.0
8.9
Beach
·
8.9
Food
8.2
8.8
Service
9.1
9.0
Rooms
8.4
8.7
Luxury
8.8
·
Value
7.8
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
4.6 (340)
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
75 min
Airport Transfer
60 min
All Scores
–
Beach
8.9
8.2
Food
8.8
9.1
Service
9.0
8.4
Rooms
8.7
8.6
Pools
8.4
8.8
Luxury
–
7.8
Value
8.8
–
Family
8.3
–
Romance
8.7
–
Nightlife
7.9
9.3
Quiet
–
9.8
Adventure
–
8.7
Wellness
–
Vibes
Yes
Quiet
–
Yes
Adventure
–
–
Romance
Yes
–
Lively
Yes
Activities
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Kids
Yes
–
Water sports
Yes
–
Nightlife
Yes
Explora Atacama
- 4 pools
- Full-service spa
- 75 min from CJC
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
- 1 pools
- 3 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- Overwater bungalows
- 60 min from MLE
Pros · Explora Atacama
- Exceptional included exploration program with nearly 50 guided options.
- All meals and round-trip airport transfers included.
- Quiet desert setting with observatory, pools and spa facilities.
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 · Explora Atacama
- Very expensive.
- Dining is more lodge-style than multi-restaurant resort-style.
- Not ideal for travelers who mainly want to lounge.
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.