Scores at a Glance
Hotel Riu Palace MaldivasThe Residence Zanzibar
Overall
8.9
8.8
Beach
8.9
8.2
Food
8.8
8.4
Service
9.0
8.8
Rooms
8.7
9.5
Luxury
—
9.3
Value
8.8
7.5
Romance
8.7
9.2
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
4.5 (854)
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
55 min
All Scores
8.9
Beach
8.2
8.8
Food
8.4
9.0
Service
8.8
8.7
Rooms
9.5
8.4
Pools
9.1
—
Luxury
9.3
8.8
Value
7.5
8.3
Family
—
8.7
Romance
9.2
7.9
Nightlife
—
Vibes
Yes
Romance
Yes
Yes
Lively
—
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
The Residence Zanzibar
- 1 pools
- 2 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- Butler service
- 55 min from ZNZ
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 — The Residence Zanzibar
- Every villa has a private pool
- Secluded beachfront estate
- Strong romance fit
- Two-bedroom villa options
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 — The Residence Zanzibar
- All-inclusive is optional and restricted
- Remote southwest location
- Tide-dependent beach use
- Transfers extra