Scores at a Glance
Hotel Riu Palace MaldivasSea Side A Lifestyle Resort
Overall
8.9
8.8
Beach
8.9
8.4
Food
8.8
8.6
Service
9.0
9.1
Rooms
8.7
8.7
Luxury
—
8.8
Value
8.8
8.0
Romance
8.7
8.9
Scores out of 10 — higher is better
Quick Stats
8.9
Overall Score
8.8
5-star
Star Rating
5-star
4.7 (1,161)
Google Rating
4.6 (2,374)
From $272
Price / Night (pp)
Rates TBD
No
Adults Only
Yes
Yes
Kids' Club
—
Near coast
Beachfront
Near coast
Mid-size
Resort Size
Mid-size
60 min
Airport Transfer
30 min
All Scores
8.9
Beach
8.4
8.8
Food
8.6
9.0
Service
9.1
8.7
Rooms
8.7
8.4
Pools
8.6
—
Luxury
8.8
8.8
Value
8.0
8.3
Family
—
8.7
Romance
8.9
7.9
Nightlife
—
—
Quiet
8.5
—
Remote work
7.2
Vibes
Yes
Romance
Yes
Yes
Lively
—
—
Quiet
Yes
Activities
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Water sports
Yes
Yes
Nightlife
—
Yes
Kids
—
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
- 1 pools
- 3 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- Overwater bungalows
- 60 min from MLE
Sea Side A Lifestyle Resort
- Adults-only all-inclusive
- 3 pools
- 3 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- 30 min from HER
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 — Sea Side A Lifestyle Resort
- Strong sea-view setting and adults-only atmosphere.
- Well-reviewed service and spacious rooms.
- Spa, fitness, yoga or Pilates, tennis, and multiple pools add depth beyond the beach.
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 — Sea Side A Lifestyle Resort
- Limited walkable dining or nightlife compared with busier Crete resort towns.
- All-inclusive beverage inclusions appear less generous for premium or late-night drinking.
- Exact main-entrance coordinate still needs manual confirmation.