Chris E
We loved our stay here. The staff were brilliant and so friendly. The views and water were stunning, every picture we took was a postcard moment.
We stayed on a first floor villa on land at the end of the island, villa 24 which faced the calmer waters. The walk back to the center of everything was around a 1000 steps according to our watches. So if you don't want to walk that far you best get a villa a bit nearer everything. Do download the Riu app as it will tell you what's on. We did a check before we got there. There was lots going on daily, fitness classes, bingo, Live music and DJ themed nights as well as plenty of quiet relaxing beaches to go to. No where felt too crowded or too empty.
The WiFi was good all around and they used same 3 pin and electric sockets as UK. The connection to the hotel involved a 35min domestic flight and a 15min boat ride after the main flight to MALE airport.
Rike Jones
We've had the best holiday here ever last week. Rooms are amazing, location is unmatched and the staff throughout the resort are absolutely fabulous. From housekeeping, reception, to bar and restaurant - without fail everyone has been incredible. I was super impressed with their attention to detail and attentiveness. Special shoutout to the water sports team as well - they were all fabulous too.
Gonçalo Guerreiro
Fantastic Island and mostly everything is top quality. I just think the food should be of better quality due to the fact it is an expensive holiday. Still a very decent and varied buffet just short of the money spent. The staff is very polite and helpful.
Valles
We can highly recommend this hotel – the rooms were truly beautiful. Our cleaning man was named ——, and he was really nice to talk to. Everything was spotless, and he did an excellent job.
The island is stunning and well-organized in a way that makes you feel like there aren’t too many people around. There were some nice activities available if you’re into that. Overall, the atmosphere was peaceful, which was really lovely.
What truly stands out about this resort is the absolutely fantastic service and staff. The service was top-notch – the moment you sat down, you were immediately offered something to drink, plates were cleared away instantly, and the staff were incredibly friendly, always bringing a smile to your face. Our stay was definitely enhanced by how cheerful and welcoming everyone was, from bartenders and waiters to receptionists, dive instructors, trainers, and more.
We especially want to highlight the dive instructor ---, who made us feel very safe and was highly skilled at his job.
Additionally, the yoga instructor ---, whom we actually saw many times around the hotel, was always smiling and in a great mood.
From the restaurant, we would particularly like to mention ----. They were all so friendly, kind, and easy to talk to, and they were truly excellent at their jobs.
If we had to suggest one improvement, it would be to make the hand sanitizer dispenser more visible at the entrance to the buffet. There was sanitizer available, but people just weren’t great at using it – though, of course, that’s not the hotel’s fault.
The buffet was absolutely delicious! Normally, we’re a bit skeptical about buffets, but here it was fantastic. Even after coming home, we’re still thinking about how amazing the food was. Everything was always clean and tidy around the food, and there were so many delicious dishes – something for every taste.
All in all, this is a hotel we highly recommend and would love to visit again.
Ian Smith
A Magical Stay at Riu Hotel Maldives – A Trip to Remember
My wife and I have just returned from a one-week stay at the Riu Hotel Maldives, and I can honestly say it was one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life. I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively over the last 15 years, but this resort, without a doubt, is the most stunning place I’ve ever visited.
From the moment we stepped onto the island, we were captivated by its natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and serene atmosphere. For the first time ever, I felt emotional leaving—not just because the holiday was ending, but because I knew I would deeply miss the pure paradise that is the Maldives.
The Resort – Riu Atoll & Riu Palace
We stayed at the four-star Riu Atoll, while there’s also a five-star Riu Palace on the island. The main difference between the two is that Riu Palace offers room service and is slightly quieter, but guests from there often came to enjoy the atmosphere of Riu Atoll.
The resort itself was stunning, and the staff were incredibly warm and accommodating, treating us like royalty from start to finish.
Accommodation – Beachfront Bungalows
We stayed in a beachfront bungalow, which allowed us to step straight onto the sand every morning. The room was spacious and comfortable, the bed was huge, and the air conditioning was a lifesaver in the tropical heat.
Dining – A Culinary Delight
The resort features three restaurants:
Main Buffet – Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering an incredible selection of international cuisines. Whether you wanted a full English breakfast, an Asian-inspired meal, or fresh seafood, the choices were endless. Themed nights, such as Seafood Night with fresh sashimi tuna, were a standout.
Steakhouse – Serving high-quality meats with a set starter and the choice of a main course.
Italian Restaurant – A delightful spot offering classic Italian dishes.
Initially, I worried that staying in one place for nine days might get repetitive, but the variety of food and themed nights made every meal feel like a fresh experience.
Facilities & Entertainment
The resort also had a 24-hour sports bar with pool tables, drinks, and snacks available around the clock. The swimming pool was like stepping into a warm bath, and the swim-up bar was the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail while soaking in the views.
A highlight was the terrace bar, a fantastic spot to unwind in the evenings while watching the breathtaking sunsets.
Activities & Water Sports
Being fully inclusive, we took advantage of many complimentary water activities, including:
✅ Kayaking
✅ Paddleboarding
✅ Wakeboarding
✅ Canoeing
✅ Snorkeling
We also booked a dolphin tour, which was absolutely unforgettable! We were lucky enough to see dolphins, flying fish, turtles, and even manta rays—a truly magical experience and well worth the investment.
The Beach & Marine Life
The powdery white sand and shallow turquoise waters were simply breathtaking. During low tide, we could walk half a mile out into the ocean while still in waist-deep water. The coral reefs were teeming with marine life, and we saw a huge variety of fish, baby sharks, mature sharks, stingrays, moray eels, and crayfish.
Final Thoughts – Would I Return?
Without hesitation—100% YES!
This was one of the most special, emotional, and unforgettable holidays I’ve ever had. For the first time, leaving a destination truly brought me to tears, not because the holiday was over, but because I knew I would miss the Maldives' pure, untouched beauty.
I’m already planning to return in the next couple of years with my family, and I highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for a paradise getaway where you can completely switch off, recharge, and experience nature at its finest.
