Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
8.9 / 10
Palmprint
Our resort score · out of 10
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 Google1,294 reviews
- Best months
- Nov · Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr
- Pools
- 2 pools
- Airport transfer
- MLEAbout 60 minutes
- Dining
- 3 restaurants
- Drinks
- 3 bars
Compare rooms & seasonal prices
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Find your time to go
USD / room / night · 2 adults · 7 nights
Checked Sep 22, 2026 to Oct 12, 2026 · Sample details
Dates shown are check-in dates. 2 of 2 rooms across 4 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.
- Jan 10, 2027, room 1: checked Sep 22, 2026
- Jan 10, 2027, room 2: checked Sep 22, 2026
- Apr 11, 2027, room 1: checked Sep 22, 2026
- Apr 11, 2027, room 2: checked Sep 22, 2026
- Jul 11, 2027, room 1: checked Sep 22, 2026
- Jul 11, 2027, room 2: checked Sep 22, 2026
- Oct 10, 2027, room 1: checked Oct 12, 2026
- Oct 10, 2027, room 2: checked Oct 12, 2026
Watch this resort
We check this rate on a rotating schedule. Leave an email and we'll flag a real drop, not a countdown timer.
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
- Airport transfersCosts extra
The previously published complimentary transfer offer ended October 31, 2026. No extension is verified as of November 2, 2026; treat transport as chargeable unless a new offer is confirmed on the booking. Former eligibility terms, not an active entitlement: Resort transfers normally cost extra. The former RIU Class terms offered a complimentary round-trip regular domestic flight from Malé to Kudahuvadhoo plus speedboat for eligible direct stays of at least four nights, added at least three days before arrival. The published booking window is October 13, 2025–October 31, 2026, for stays May 1–October 31, 2026. Flight-plus-hotel packages are excluded. This is not a complimentary seaplane transfer; confirm availability, flight arrangements and the policy on the booking. Current paid prices are not newly verified.
Included with limits
- Spa treatmentsPartly included
Treatments normally cost extra. RIU Class terms list two 25-minute massages at this hotel for qualifying direct bookings billed above €4,500 or its currency equivalent, with promotional communications accepted and a request form issued seven days before arrival. Confirm eligibility and arrangements; this is not unrestricted included spa treatment.
Inclusions can vary by room category and season. Confirm your plan before booking. How we verify this
More resort facts
- Rooms and suites
- 176
- 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
Krystal
Fusion cuisine.
Included in the plan
More about Krystal
- Meals
- Dinner
- Service
- A la carte
Palm
Main buffet on the Palace island.
Included in the plan
More about Palm
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Service
- Buffet
Yu Hi
Japanese
Japanese dinner.
Included in the plan
More about Yu Hi
- Meals
- Dinner
- Service
- A la carte
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 The current Palace directory also lists Sofia and Beef Steak House at the adjoining Atoll complex. Own-island restaurant counts and shared-complex outlets must remain separate; the approximate combined outlet total is not newly certified.
Venues, opening hours and plan inclusions can change by season. Confirm your choices when booking.
Do you need dinner reservations at Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas?
Palm buffet, Krystal fusion, Yu Hi Japanese on Palace island; full access to Riu Atoll venues via footbridge - about 11 outlets across both islands The current Palace directory also lists Sofia and Beef Steak House at the adjoining Atoll complex. Own-island restaurant counts and shared-complex outlets must remain separate; the approximate combined outlet total is not newly certified. Reservation rules for venues without a stated policy are unverified; confirm with the resort.
Rooms & suites
The rooms in our seasonal price comparison.
| Suite | Occupancy | Size | Bedrooms | Aspect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jr. SuiteBack to sampled prices | Capacity unverified | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Suite - overwaterBack to sampled prices | Capacity unverified | Not published | Not published | Not published |
More room options (4)
| Suite | Occupancy | Size | Bedrooms | Aspect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Junior SuiteRoom details for Junior SuiteIn villas; king or two small doubles; balcony with sea views | Capacity unverified | 431 ft²40 m² | 1 bedroom | sea |
Beach Junior SuiteRoom details for Beach Junior SuiteOn the edge of the beach | Capacity unverified | 431 ft²40 m² | 1 bedroom | beach |
Overwater SuiteRoom details for Overwater Suite72 overwater suites; terrace with bathtub, Balinese bed and direct sea access | Capacity unverified | 506 ft²47 m² | 1 bedroom | ocean |
Overwater Suite with PoolRoom details for Overwater Suite with Pool24 units; small private pool over the lagoon; dressing area | Capacity unverified | 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
- Program ages 4–12
- Supervision & drop-off
- Confirm rules and current hours before booking
- Dinner reservations
- Needed at some restaurants
- Does Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas have a kids' club, and from what age?
- Yes. Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas lists a kids' club for ages 4–12. RiuLand is on the sister island, Riu Atoll, open to Riu Palace guests. Confirm supervision, drop-off rules and current hours 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
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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.
| Measure | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 86°F30°C | 88°F31°C | 90°F32°C | 91°F33°C | 90°F32°C | 88°F31°C | 88°F31°C | 88°F31°C | 88°F31°C | 88°F31°C | 88°F31°C | 86°F30°C |
| 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 |
Average daily highs and monthly rain days. Seasonal averages, not a forecast.
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.
RIU Hotels & Resorts, via RIU Brand Center Source
Check Maldives airport transfer options
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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Where Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas ranks
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