Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
8.9 / 10
Palmprint score
Strongest on service and beach
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas at a glance
- Location
- Gadifuri
- Guests
- All ages welcome
- The plan
- All-inclusive
- Setting
- Near the coast
- Guest rating
- 4.7 / 5 on Google1,238 reviews
- Best months
- Nov · Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr
- Pools
- 2 pools
- Airport transfer
- MLEAbout 60 minutes
- Dining
- 3 restaurants
- Drinks
- 3 bars
About Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
What the numbers say
Guests rate this 4.7. It is the highest-scoring RIU Hotels & Resorts resort of the 21 we track, where the rest run 3.5 to 4.6.
1,238 reviews · Every RIU Hotels & Resorts resort we track, lowest to highest
Compare rooms & seasonal prices
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Find your time to go
USD / room / night · 2 adults · 7 nights
Checked Sep 22, 2026 · Sample details
Dates shown are check-in dates. 2 of 2 rooms across 3 of 4 planned stay dates. Missing prices are not estimates.
Each price is a sampled rate, not a live quote. Select a room name above for its details.
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Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
Things to know
before you go
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas is a 24-hour all-inclusive resort on a private island in Dhaalu Atoll.
The resort is connected to the neighboring Riu Atoll by walkway, and some facilities or restaurants may be shared across the RIU complex.
Transfer information varies by seller:sources describe seaplane access or domestic flight plus speedboat, so guests should confirm the exact transfer included in their booking.
This is a good fit for travelers who want predictable all-inclusive RIU operations in the Maldives rather than a small, ultra-boutique private island.
Hidden tips
Confirm whether your package includes seaplane transfer or domestic flight plus boat transfer before comparing rates.
Palace guests may value access to the livelier neighboring RIU Atoll while returning to the quieter Palace side.
Things guests wish they had known
The Palace side is generally positioned as quieter and more premium than the neighboring RIU Atoll side.
Transfer mode and cost can depend on package and seller, so this should be verified before booking.
Guests who dislike modern resort architecture may prefer a more traditional Maldives property.
Strengths from our research
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.
Other considerations from our research
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.
What guests say
Most loved
- Friendly service
- Food variety and quality
- Clean modern rooms
- Beach and clear water
- All-inclusive value
Most complained about
- Modern concrete styling
- Transfer complexity
- Some activities located at neighboring RIU Atoll
- Less boutique or natural feel than some Maldives resorts
From Reddit
Reddit discussion specifically mentioning Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas describes the resort positively overall, with practical tips about inter-island baggage limits, late-night bioluminescent algae viewing, seasonal crowding, and a recommendation to book a water bungalow.
Broader Reddit discussion of the RIU Maldives islands praises the setting and island beauty but includes criticism that food and included drinks can feel mediocre compared with higher-end Maldives resorts.
What’s included
Included
- Premium & à la carte diningIncluded
specialty restaurants on both islands covered by 24h all-inclusive
- Top-shelf liquorIncluded
national and international brands 24h
- Wi-FiIncluded
- Non-motorized water sportsIncluded
kayaks, pedaloes, SUP and snorkel gear at complex watersports area
- Kids' clubIncluded
RiuLand at connected Riu Atoll (footbridge)
Not included
- Motorized water sportsCosts extra
ScubaCaribe dive and watersports centre, at charge
- Spa treatmentsCosts extra
Renova Spa treatments at charge
- Airport transfersCosts extra
mandatory paid transfer - domestic flight plus speedboat approx USD 376/adult; seaplane option costs more
Inclusions can vary by room category and season. Confirm your plan before booking. How we verify this
- Value
- 8.8 out of 10
- Service
- 9.0 out of 10
- Beach
- 8.9 out of 10
- Dining
- 8.8 out of 10
- Rooms
- 8.7 out of 10
- Pools & Spa
- 8.4 out of 10
Confidence is high across the board except pools & spa, romance, family and nightlife, where the evidence is thinner.
Score breakdown, research & sources
How we scored Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
9 categories, scored from official sources and read against what guests actually report. Verified Jun 29, 2026 under Palmprint methodology 1.0.
The six that set the score
And 3 more we track
Confidence is high across the board except pools & spa, romance, family and nightlife, where the evidence is thinner.
Open a category
Value8.8High confidence
- Food Value
- 8.8
- Room Value
- 8.6
- Transfer Caveat
- 7.6
- All Inclusive Depth
- 8.9
- Review Rating Strength
- 9.1
Service9.0High confidence
- Arrival Handling
- 8.7
- Cleaning Service
- 9.1
- Staff Helpfulness
- 9.2
- Restaurant Service
- 9.0
Beach8.9High confidence
- Snorkeling
- 8.6
- Beach Access
- 9.2
- Water Clarity
- 9.1
- Coral Sand Caveat
- 7.8
- Guest Beach Sentiment
- 9.0
Dining8.8High confidence
- Buffet Sentiment
- 9.0
- Restaurant Variety
- 8.6
- All Inclusive Depth
- 8.8
- Guest Food Sentiment
- 9.0
- Specialty Restaurants
- 8.6
Rooms8.7High confidence
- Room Size
- 8.9
- Cleanliness
- 9.1
- Style Caveat
- 7.6
- Modern Design
- 8.2
- Overwater Suite Appeal
- 8.8
Pools & Spa8.4Medium confidence
- Main Pool
- 8.4
- Swim Up Bar
- 8.5
- Childrens Pool
- 8.0
- Shared Complex Value
- 8.3
Romance8.7Medium confidence
- Beach Setting
- 9.0
- Overwater Suites
- 8.8
- Quiet Palace Side
- 8.6
- Couples Positioning
- 8.8
- Modern Style Caveat
- 7.7
Family8.3Medium confidence
- Room Space
- 8.6
- Beach Access
- 8.7
- Childrens Pool
- 8.2
- Transfer Complexity
- 7.4
- Couples Positioning Caveat
- 7.6
Nightlife7.9Medium confidence
- Bar Access
- 8.2
- Palace Quietness
- 7.4
- Evening Entertainment
- 8.0
- Neighboring Riu Atoll Access
- 8.2
What it does best
- 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.
Where it costs you
- 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.
Room intelligence
- Rooms To Avoid
- Travelers seeking traditional thatched Maldives water-villa design may not prefer RIU's more modern overwater villa styling.Based on recurring guest remarks about concrete or modern styling.
- Best Value Room
- Beach access suitesGuest commentary suggests beach access rooms can deliver a strong balance of space, access, and convenience without the overwater premium.
- Best Room Category
- Overwater Junior SuiteOfficial RIU materials position the overwater junior suites as the strongest Maldives-style room experience.
Everything we read on Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
Restaurants & bars
Palmprint food score 8.8 / 10
- Places to eat
- 3
- A la carte
- 2
- Buffets
- 1
- Bars and lounges
- 3
- Swim-up bars
- 1
International · Fusion · Japanese
Some restaurants take reservations; the rest are walk-in.
Dining at sister resorts is available. Confirm the participating venues and terms for your stay.
Palm buffet, Krystal fusion, Yu Hi Japanese on Palace island; full access to Riu Atoll venues via footbridge - about 11 outlets across both islands
Venues, opening hours and plan inclusions can change by season. Confirm your choices when booking.
Rooms & suites
The rooms in our seasonal price comparison.
| Suite | Occupancy | Size | Bedrooms | Aspect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jr. SuiteBack to sampled prices | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Suite - overwaterBack to sampled prices | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published |
More room options (4)
| Suite | Occupancy | Size | Bedrooms | Aspect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Suite | Not published | 431 ft²40 m² | 1 bedroom | sea |
| Beach Junior Suite | Not published | 431 ft²40 m² | 1 bedroom | beach |
| Overwater Suite | Not published | 506 ft²47 m² | 1 bedroom | ocean |
| Overwater Suite with Pool | Not published | 646 ft²60 m² | 1 bedroom | ocean |
Occupancy limits and connecting-room requests should be confirmed for your party before booking.
Pools and the beach
Pools & waterplay
includes infinity pool with swim-up bar (18+ at bar); children's pool at connected Riu Atoll
The beach itself
sheltered lagoon, snorkel gear loan included; Indian Ocean, outside Atlantic sargassum belt
- Calm water, swimmable straight off the sand
Counts come from the resort's own published information; the scores are ours, from the Palmprint file below.
Families & group stays
Bringing the kids to Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
What decides whether a resort works with children in tow, answered from what the resort publishes rather than from the brochure.
- Kids' club
- Supervised program
- Dinner reservations
- Needed at some restaurants
- Does Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas have a kids' club, and from what age?
- Yes. Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas runs a supervised kids' club. Hours and age bands shift seasonally, so confirm before booking.
- Is the beach at Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas good for young children?
- The water in front is typically calm.
Taking a group
bars (one 24h) and evening entertainment across the two-island RIU complex; remote island, no nightclub
- Nightlife
- Low-key, quiet by late evening
Tell us the trip, we'll tell you the resort
Tell us your dates, budget, and who's traveling, and we'll point you to the best-fit resorts. Free, no obligation.
Kids' club hours, teen programs and group availability all move with the season. Confirm the specifics with the resort for your dates.
When to go
Best months: Nov to Apr
Temperature barely moves here across the year, so rain is the whole decision: the wet months run May to Nov.
Jan
Best86°F / 30°C4 rain daysFeb
Best88°F / 31°C2 rain daysMar
Best90°F / 32°C4 rain daysApr
Best91°F / 33°C6 rain daysMay
Wet90°F / 32°C11 rain daysJun
Wet88°F / 31°C10 rain daysJul
Wet88°F / 31°C9 rain daysAug
Wet88°F / 31°C9 rain daysSep
Wet88°F / 31°C11 rain daysOct
Wet88°F / 31°C11 rain daysNov
Best88°F / 31°C8 rain daysDec
Best86°F / 30°C5 rain days
Average daily highs and monthly rain days. Seasonal averages, not a forecast.
Monthly climate data
| Measure | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 86 degrees Fahrenheit | 88 degrees Fahrenheit | 90 degrees Fahrenheit | 91 degrees Fahrenheit | 90 degrees Fahrenheit | 88 degrees Fahrenheit | 88 degrees Fahrenheit | 88 degrees Fahrenheit | 88 degrees Fahrenheit | 88 degrees Fahrenheit | 88 degrees Fahrenheit | 86 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Rain days | 4 days | 2 days | 4 days | 6 days | 11 days | 10 days | 9 days | 9 days | 11 days | 11 days | 8 days | 5 days |
| Verdict | Best | Best | Best | Best | Wet | Wet | Wet | Wet | Wet | Wet | Best | Best |
Getting to Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
- Nearest airport
- MLE · Velana International Airport
- Approximate transfer
- 60 minutes
- Transportation
- The resort lists transfers at extra cost. Your package may differ.
Destination essentials & trip planning
Gadifuri, Maldivas, Maldives · +960 400-3700
Maldives
- Language
- Dhivehi (English widely spoken)
- Currency
- Rufiyaa; resorts run on USD
- Power
- 230V, UK-style Type G/D plugs
- Getting around
- Seaplane or speedboat to your island
- Main airport
- Malé (MLE)
- Flight time
- Long-haul, usually one connection
Who it suits
Three of the 9 categories we score in the Palmprint file for Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas; the full set is above.
What we'd book around it
Affiliate · commission at no cost to youFlights
Fly into MLE, 60 minutes from the gate; round trips from about $1337.
Search fares (opens in a new tab)Insurance
Storms move flights in season, and the cheapest rates are usually non-refundable.
Compare cover (opens in a new tab)Data
An eSIM for the flight and the beach; Wi-Fi is included on the resort but stops at the gate.
Get an eSIM (opens in a new tab)Kayaks & paddleboards is already in the rate. Don't pay for them twice.
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