Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas

Summary - I cannot wait to return, so depending on money, I hope to return in October/November this year. Fingers crossed. I cannot wait.

Overall comments first, and then tips/what/how etc. Remember as a Palace guest you can use the Riu Atoll facilities next door (walk or hop on a buggy). I sum the two hotels as the Palace being smaller (more boutique), fewer facilities, little entertainment, a very chilled environment and less guests. The Atoll is the 4-star hotel, which has a 24 hour bar, extra failities, a shop, doctors, large watersports and spa, bigger pool and a lot busier. There is also a big stage area, and an area where regular parties are held. Palace guests can use the Atoll, but Atoll guests cannot use the Palace facilities.

This was my second visit this year to the Riu Palace Maldives, I was nervous it wouldn't be as good as my previous visit. However, I was so wrong. This place is still out of this world. From the transfer, check-in, service, staff interactions, food and beverages...... And then there is the location itself, just stunning. Arriving on the speedboat again and coming up to the island, I was still speechless. And the funny thing, everyone was chatting away, but as soon as the island appeared, they stopped talking. Phones out, and taking loads of pictures.

As before, I was met at reception and the experience started!

Riu kindly had upgraded me from the beach suite (055) to the over water suite (many thanks). The suite is a nice size, seperate seating area, beach balcony, bathroom with shower and a kingsize bed. There were tea/coffee making facilities, optics (whisky, vodka, gin and something else), fridge with branded drinks (Coca-Cola (normal/reduced sugar), Sprite, Fanta, water and beer (Heineken))). Bathroom has shampoo, body wash, hand soap. The over water suite is lovely, right there is the water and I saw a large sea turtle and then a stingray - all within 40 mins! The beautiful clear water, access via stairs or slide. A nice suite, everything you would need. My only comment would be that the rooms are looking a little old and "used". But for me, it wasn't feeling right. I felt like I was away from the main hotels and there was just something not right (Sorry Riu). I think it was, I like to walk out of my room directly onto the beach and the sea. I spoke to reception and asked if I could have the room I asked for (On the beach). They were very quick to sort it out for me, and we agreed I would be moved in the morning - which we did.

My next room (beach suite 134), I was much happier. The suite again is a lovely size, and has exactly as per the description above. But the direct access to the beach & sea and close to the bars (1 x beach and 1 x swim-up) and restaurants (3). There are sunbeds outside. Again, the rooms are a little dated and "used" but are still OK. And some of the animals that were created out of towels was amazing, especially the hanging money!

I hit the bar! Again, it was like seeing everything for the first time - amazing! I instantly felt relaxed, chilled and just, in heaven.

As soon as I walked into the beach bar, the staff recognised me and it was "hello Mr Steve, welcome back" (the same when I went to the Atoll bars). And straight away, a beer was in my hand. I cannot express how attentive, friendly, quick and diligent the staff are. And I am talking mainly the beach and pool bar (as this is where I spent most of my time - my favourite places). They are all truly amazing, the hotel Management should be so proud of them. And their memories, wow. They'll ask your name when you first meet you, and then they don't forget (including what drinks you like and at what times).

And this amazing service of the staff continues throughout both hotels, from cleaners, entertainment, management, reception and housekeeping. They always do their duties and serve with this amazing smile. Nothing is too much for them!

The choice of food and drinks was also amazing. There is no way anyone could say that there was not something for them (food or drinks). And for drinks, there are top shelf drinks available - just ask! If you are at the beach bar, you must try the beef burger!

The whole place is spotless all the time, they are continually cleaning and painting!

You must go to the Atoll atleast once, and especially on the "white night" party.

So, what more can I say, but, well, thank you to everyone at both the Palace and Atoll for again making me feel welcome and ensuring I enjoyed my stay. Hopefully I'll see you soon.

Tips/etc.

Riu app - I highly recommend you get the Riu app as you'll be able to see everything about the hotel, menu's reservations etc. You will also notice QR codes on all the tables, scan it and you'll be able to view the menu for that bar.

Transfers - As stated, I took the transfer option of arrive in Male, domestic flight (40 mins) and then the speedboat (20 mins). When you arrive at Male, once you exit the customs you are met by a Riu rep. As always, very helpful and gave the instructions on what you need to do next depending on the transfer type you selected. At this point you are directed to doemstic hall to check-in, board the flight and when you arrive you collect your luggage and you are then taken on a 4 minute ride to the harbour (again a Riu rep will be there). You will then get on a speedboat and hed to the hotel. That is it! My return transfer was via seaplane (thank you Riu), about 50 mins. You literally check-out, get on the sea plane, arrive in Male when you will be taken to the terminal and directed to the check-in desks.

Sundbeds - on beach rooms there are plentyfull available throughout the day. Then the area around the beach bar and pool (on the beach) there are not that many, so pot luck if you get one. I found a lot of people put towels on the beds 1st thing and I didn't see them until the afternoon. But it is also sat in area in fron of the beach bar, nice and comfortable chairs. You can sit there and look out at the sea and watch the world go past! Or you can go to the Atoll, where there are more beds, but againthe same thing where people get up early to put their towels on the sunbeds.

Beach towels - These are available in your room (in the bathroom), or you can get them on the left hand side of the beach bar. You can take as many as you want and change them whenever.

Smoking/vaping - You can smoke nearly everywhere. But not in the restaurants or in the beach bar that is covered (unless it is raining, then you can smoke).

Getting around - there are regular buggies that go from the Palace (at the end of the pool, you'll see a road/path. Head over, and look to your right and there is a bench, take a seat. The buggies are on a loop, so about every 10-15 mins will drop off and then pick up and return to Atoll. Or you can ask to be taken to your room. The option is to walk, but some of the sea suites are a long walk, and the Atoll eve further. I suggest the buggies! You will be dropped at the Atoll square, which has the 24-hour bar (on your right), Doctors to the left, and a shop dirctly opposite the 24-hour bar. And straight on and past the 24-hour bar is the watersports bit, next to that on the right is the spa, and next to that is the entertainment and stage area (and toilets). To get to the beach and bar, walk past the shop and restaurants and you'll see the sea, turn left and follow the path.

Reservations - some restaurants are reservation only. You can book these via the Riu App or at reception (go see them or call from your room).

Drinks - branded drinks and an excellend choice

Any questions, drop me a line.

Thanks agian Riu!

Steve

We stayed one week . It’s our first holiday in Maldives but probably not the last because I love to come back again to this hotel . RIU palace Maldives is one of the best hotel . I promise I will come back again . The staff is absolutely amazing especially desy,fernando same sanju and other staff member as well