Scores at a Glance
Hotel Riu Palace MaldivasZanzibar Bay Resort & Spa
Overall
8.9
8.0
Beach
8.9
7.6
Food
8.8
7.6
Service
9.0
8.1
Rooms
8.7
7.9
Value
8.8
8.1
Romance
8.7
—
Scores out of 10 — higher is better
Quick Stats
8.9
Overall Score
8.0
5-star
Star Rating
4-star
4.7 (1,161)
Google Rating
4.3 (726)
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
40 min
All Scores
8.9
Beach
7.6
8.8
Food
7.6
9.0
Service
8.1
8.7
Rooms
7.9
8.4
Pools
8.7
8.8
Value
8.1
8.3
Family
8.0
8.7
Romance
—
7.9
Nightlife
7.6
—
Quiet
8.0
—
Wellness
7.7
—
Remote work
4.8
Vibes
Yes
Romance
—
Yes
Lively
Yes
—
Quiet
Yes
Activities
Yes
Spa
Yes
Yes
Water sports
Yes
Yes
Nightlife
Yes
Yes
Kids
Yes
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
- 1 pools
- 3 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- Overwater bungalows
- 60 min from MLE
Zanzibar Bay Resort & Spa
- 2 pools
- 3 restaurants & bars
- Full-service spa
- 40 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 — Zanzibar Bay Resort & Spa
- Official all-inclusive package evidence
- Two large pools
- Jetty bar and swimming platform
- Family facilities and kids club
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 — Zanzibar Bay Resort & Spa
- Wi-Fi complaints
- Large tidal range affects beach swimming
- All-inclusive food/drink scope can feel limited
- Board basis needs rate-level confirmation