Scores at a Glance
Hotel Riu Palace MaldivasNIVA Dhigali Maldives
Overall
8.9
9.0
Beach
8.9
9.2
Food
8.8
8.8
Service
9.0
8.9
Rooms
8.7
9.0
Value
8.8
·
Romance
8.7
9.0
Scores out of 10 · higher is better
Quick Stats
8.9
Overall Score
9.0
5-star
Star Rating
5-star
4.7 (1,167)
Google Rating
4.8 (602)
From $272
Price / Night (pp)
Rates TBD
No
Adults Only
No
Yes
Kids' Club
Yes
Near coast
Beachfront
Near coast
Mid-size
Resort Size
Mid-size
60 min
Airport Transfer
45 min
All Scores
8.9
Beach
9.2
8.8
Food
8.8
9.0
Service
8.9
8.7
Rooms
9.0
8.4
Pools
8.0
8.8
Value
–
8.3
Family
8.8
8.7
Romance
9.0
7.9
Nightlife
–
–
Quiet
9.0
–
Adventure
9.1
–
Remote work
8.0
Vibes
Yes
Romance
Yes
Yes
Lively
–
–
Quiet
Yes
–
Adventure
Yes
Activities
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Water sports
Yes
Yes
Nightlife
–
Yes
Kids
Yes
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
- 1 pools
- 3 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- Overwater bungalows
- 60 min from MLE
NIVA Dhigali Maldives
- Full-service spa
- Overwater bungalows
- 45 min from MLE
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.
Pros · NIVA Dhigali Maldives
- Premium All-Inclusive dining and drinks are central to the current product.
- Wide villa range including overwater, two-bedroom and private-pool options.
- Complimentary kids club for ages 4 to 12.
- House reef, snorkeling, diving and Raa Atoll setting.
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.
Cons · NIVA Dhigali Maldives
- Some premium dining and transfer costs may still be extra.
- Restaurant booking effort can matter on short stays.
- Less ultra-high-touch than top butler-led Maldives resorts.