Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas: Complete Guide to Rooms, All Inclusive, Transfer & Reviews
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas is a luxury all-inclusive resort on Kedhigandu Island in Dhaalu Atoll. It belongs to the RIU Hotels & Resorts Palace line and operates with a 24-hour All Inclusive concept. The resort has beachfront accommodation, overwater suites, an infinity pool with swim-up bar, children’s pool, spa and wellness facilities, themed restaurants, water sports and access to selected facilities at the neighboring Hotel Riu Atoll through the connected resort setup.
For travelers researching Maldives resorts, Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas is especially relevant if you want the convenience of a comprehensive All Inclusive package rather than paying separately for many meals and drinks during your stay.
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas at a Glance
| Hotel Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas |
| Brand | RIU Hotels & Resorts |
| Collection | Riu Palace |
| Location | Kedhigandu Island, Dhaalu Atoll |
| Concept | 24-hour All Inclusive |
| Beach | Private beachfront setting |
| Accommodation | Junior Suites, beach-access rooms and overwater suites |
| Signature accommodation | Overwater Suite with private pool |
| Transfer | Domestic flight + boat or direct seaplane |
| Approx. domestic flight | 45 minutes |
| Approx. boat transfer | 15 minutes |
| Approx. seaplane | 50–60 minutes |
| Best for | Couples, families and All Inclusive travelers |
| Main advantage | Extensive All Inclusive offering |
What Does Riu Palace Mean?
The “Palace” name is part of RIU’s hotel brand architecture. Riu Palace properties represent the group’s higher-end resort line, while RIU operates several other hotel categories around the world.
RIU’s Maldives portfolio includes Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas and Hotel Riu Atoll on neighboring private islands in Dhaalu Atoll. RIU describes the two properties as being located on Kedhigandu and Maafushi respectively.
The History of RIU Hotels & Resorts
RIU’s history goes back to 1953, when the Riu family entered the hotel business in Mallorca. The company subsequently expanded internationally and developed several hotel brands and resort concepts.
The RIU Palace line is one of the company’s established premium brands. RIU introduced its Maldives properties as part of its international expansion into the Indian Ocean, opening the Riu Atoll and Riu Palace Maldivas together.
For a traveler, the benefit of choosing a large international hotel group is consistency in areas such as food service, room standards, All Inclusive operations and loyalty infrastructure.
How Many Stars Is Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas?
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas is positioned as the Palace property in RIU’s Maldives portfolio and is marketed as a luxury resort.
It is useful not to confuse it with Hotel Riu Atoll next door. RIU’s own historical description identifies Riu Atoll as the 4-star Riu Classic property, while Riu Palace Maldivas belongs to the Palace line.
Awards and Recognition
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas currently carries Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2026 recognition. Tripadvisor lists the property with a 4.8/5 rating based on more than 1,700 reviews at the time of this article’s research.
This is particularly useful because the award reflects traveler feedback rather than being solely a marketing designation from the hotel itself.
Where Is Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas?
The resort is located on Kedhigandu Island in Dhaalu Atoll, south of Malé.
Its location means that travelers should plan their airport transfer before arrival. Unlike resorts in North Malé Atoll that can be reached quickly by speedboat, Riu Palace requires either a domestic flight and boat connection or a direct seaplane.
Rooms and Suites at Riu Palace Maldivas
Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas has 176 rooms and suites divided into four main accommodation categories: Junior Suite, Junior Suite with Beach Access, Overwater Suite and Overwater Suite with Private Pool. The first two categories are located on the island, while the two Overwater Suite categories extend over the lagoon.
All four room types are designed with sea views, and the accommodation ranges from 40 m² Junior Suites to 60 m² private-pool Overwater Suites. The choice therefore comes down to more than room size: travelers should consider whether they want a balcony, direct beach access, a private overwater terrace or their own swimming pool.
Riu Palace Maldivas Room Categories at a Glance
| Room category | Approx. number of rooms | Size | Maximum occupancy* | Location | Main outdoor feature | Private pool |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Suite | 52 | 40 m² | Up to 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 children | Island / upper floor | Private balcony | No |
| Junior Suite with Beach Access | 52 | 40 m² | Up to 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 children | Beachfront | Terrace with direct beach access | No |
| Overwater Suite | 48 | 47 m² | Up to 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 children | Over the lagoon | Private overwater terrace with direct sea access | No |
| Overwater Suite with Private Pool | 24 | 60 m² | Up to 3 adults | Over the lagoon | Private terrace, direct lagoon access and private pool | Yes |
*Occupancy can depend on the exact booking configuration, bedding arrangement and current RIU booking conditions. The current RIU accommodation page confirms the room sizes and principal features; published room data for the property provides the room inventory and occupancy details.
Across the four categories, the standard in-room facilities include air conditioning, ceiling fan, Wi-Fi, satellite/cable TV, in-room safe, minibar, drinks dispenser, electric kettle, telephone, hairdryer and bathroom amenities. The larger suites add a more defined sitting/lounge area, while the overwater categories provide the characteristic Maldives experience of stepping from the terrace directly toward the lagoon.
Junior Suite — 40 m²
The Junior Suite is the entry-level accommodation category at Riu Palace Maldivas, but it should not be confused with a basic hotel room.
At approximately 40 m², it provides a proper sitting area as well as a bedroom and bathroom. The rooms are located on the island rather than over the lagoon and have a private balcony with sea views. RIU lists a shower, hairdryer and sea view among the principal features.
Published room specifications also list:
- King-size bed or twin-bed configuration
- Sitting/lounge area
- Sofa
- Double washbasin
- Shower
- Air conditioning
- Ceiling fan
- Minibar
- Drinks dispenser
- Electric kettle
- Satellite/cable TV
- Wi-Fi
- Telephone
- In-room safe
- Hairdryer
- Bathroom amenities
- Balcony
- Sea view
Some configurations can accommodate up to three adults or two adults and two children, subject to the applicable room and bedding configuration.
The Junior Suite is therefore a sensible choice for travelers who want the Riu Palace 24-hour All Inclusive experience without paying the premium associated with an overwater room.
Junior Suite with Beach Access — 40 m²
The Junior Suite with Beach Access has the same approximate 40 m² interior size as the standard Junior Suite, but its location changes the experience considerably.
Instead of an upper-floor balcony, these rooms have a ground-level terrace with direct access to the beach. RIU specifically describes this category as providing direct beach access from the terrace.
The room provides:
- Approximately 40 m² of space
- Sea view
- Direct beach access
- Private terrace
- Sitting area
- Sofa or sofa-bed depending on configuration
- King-size bed or twin beds
- Shower
- Double washbasin
- Air conditioning
- Ceiling fan
- Minibar
- Drinks dispenser
- Electric kettle
- Satellite/cable TV
- Wi-Fi
- Telephone
- In-room safe
- Hairdryer
- Bathroom amenities
Published accommodation information lists capacity of up to three adults or two adults plus two children, depending on the specific configuration.
For many travelers, this may actually be a better choice than a more expensive overwater room. You get a full 40 m² room, sea views and immediate access to the sand, which can be particularly practical for families and guests who spend most of the day on the beach.
Overwater Suite — 47 m²
The Overwater Suite is where the classic Maldives accommodation experience begins.
With approximately 47 m², these suites are positioned directly over the lagoon and have a private terrace with direct access to the sea. RIU describes them as its overwater accommodation for guests looking for a more exclusive stay.
The room is larger than either Junior Suite category and includes a more substantial living/sitting area.
Typical features include:
- Approximately 47 m²
- Direct overwater location
- Sea view
- Private terrace
- Direct lagoon access
- King-size bed or twin-bed configuration
- Integrated sitting/lounge area
- Sofa
- Bathtub/open-bath configuration
- Separate shower
- Double washbasin
- Air conditioning
- Ceiling fan
- Minibar
- Drinks dispenser
- Electric kettle
- Satellite/cable TV
- Wi-Fi
- Telephone
- In-room safe
- Hairdryer
- Bathrobe
- Bathroom amenities
Published room information indicates accommodation for up to three adults or two adults plus two children, depending on the specific configuration.
The major reason to choose this category is not simply the extra 7 m² compared with a Junior Suite. It is the overwater location. You wake up above the lagoon, have a private outdoor area and can enter the water directly from the terrace.
For a couple planning a Maldives honeymoon, this is likely to be one of the most important room categories to compare.
Overwater Suite with Private Pool — 60 m²
The Overwater Suite with Private Pool is the most spacious and exclusive accommodation category at Riu Palace Maldivas.
There are 24 of these 60 m² suites, and each combines an overwater location with a private swimming pool on the terrace. RIU’s current accommodation page confirms the 60 m² size, private pool, sea view and both bathtub and shower.
The suite provides:
- 60 m² of interior space
- Overwater location
- Private swimming pool
- Private terrace
- Direct lagoon access
- Sea view
- King-size bed or twin-bed configuration
- Separate sitting/lounge area
- Sofa
- Dressing area
- Bathtub
- Separate shower
- Double washbasin
- Air conditioning
- Ceiling fan
- Minibar
- Drinks dispenser
- Electric kettle
- Satellite/cable TV
- Wi-Fi
- Telephone
- In-room safe
- Hairdryer
- Bathrobe
- Bathroom amenities
The private pool is positioned on the terrace, while the deck also provides direct access toward the lagoon. Published accommodation data lists the category for up to three adults, although exact occupancy should be confirmed against the booking conditions for the selected dates.
This is the room category for travelers who want the accommodation itself to be a major part of the Maldives experience rather than simply a place to sleep.
What Is the Difference Between the Four Riu Palace Maldivas Rooms?
The easiest way to understand the accommodation is to look at what you actually gain when moving up between categories.
Junior Suite: 40 m², sea view and balcony. This is the practical choice.
Junior Suite with Beach Access: the same 40 m², but with a ground-floor terrace and direct access to the beach. This is particularly attractive for families and beach lovers.
Overwater Suite: 47 m² and positioned above the lagoon, with direct water access. The premium is mainly for the overwater experience.
Overwater Suite with Private Pool: 60 m², overwater location and private pool. This is the most spacious and private option.
The difference can therefore be summarised as:
| What matters most to you | Best room choice |
|---|---|
| Best-value Palace accommodation | Junior Suite |
| Direct access to the beach | Junior Suite with Beach Access |
| Classic Maldives overwater experience | Overwater Suite |
| Largest room and private pool | Overwater Suite with Private Pool |
| Family convenience | Junior Suite with Beach Access |
| Honeymoon overwater experience | Overwater Suite |
| Maximum privacy | Overwater Suite with Private Pool |
| Largest outdoor luxury | Overwater Suite with Private Pool |
Which Riu Palace Maldivas Room Should You Choose?
There is no need to automatically choose an overwater villa simply because you are visiting the Maldives.
If your holiday will be spent mostly at the beach, restaurants, pool and activities, the Junior Suite can provide everything you need while keeping the accommodation cost lower.
The Junior Suite with Beach Access is more attractive if you want to walk directly from your terrace onto the sand. For families, this can be one of the most practical choices because children can move between the room and beach without stairs or a long walk.
The Overwater Suite is the natural choice when the room itself is part of the reason for taking a Maldives holiday. The lagoon setting, private terrace and direct water access create a very different experience from an island room.
The Overwater Suite with Private Pool is aimed at travelers who want the highest level of privacy within the Riu Palace accommodation collection. At 60 m², it is the largest category, and the combination of overwater location, private pool and direct lagoon access makes it particularly suitable for honeymooners, anniversaries and couples celebrating a special occasion.
For most couples, I would compare the Junior Suite with Beach Access vs. Overwater Suite first. The decision is essentially between spending the premium on direct beach access or on the overwater experience.
For a Maldives honeymoon, compare the Overwater Suite and Overwater Suite with Private Pool. The latter is not simply a bigger room; it adds a private pool and a considerably larger 60 m² layout.
Standard In-Room Facilities
Regardless of category, Riu Palace Maldivas provides a substantial list of standard room amenities. Published RIU room specifications include:
| Room facility | Junior Suite | Beach Access Junior Suite | Overwater Suite | Private-Pool Overwater Suite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea view | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air conditioning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ceiling fan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite/cable TV | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| In-room safe | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Minibar | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Drinks dispenser | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric kettle | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Telephone | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hairdryer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bathroom amenities | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Double washbasin | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sitting/lounge area | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sofa | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Balcony/terrace | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Direct beach access | — | ✓ | — | — |
| Direct lagoon access | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bathtub | — | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Private swimming pool | — | — | — | ✓ |
The precise bathroom and terrace configuration varies by room category. RIU’s current room page confirms that the private-pool Overwater Suite includes both a bathtub and shower, while the standard Junior Suite categories are listed with showers.
How Many Rooms Does Riu Palace Maldivas Have?
Riu Palace Maldivas has 176 rooms in total. The original RIU launch information specified that the property was designed with 176 rooms, including 72 Overwater Suites, of which 24 had private pools. Current RIU information continues to state the total of 176 rooms.
The accommodation inventory can be understood as:
- 52 Junior Suites
- 52 Junior Suites with Beach Access
- 48 Overwater Suites
- 24 Overwater Suites with Private Pool
This distribution is useful when thinking about availability. Only 24 rooms have the private-pool overwater configuration, so this category can be substantially more limited than the standard Junior Suite categories.
For travelers planning a Maldives tour package, this is one reason to decide on the preferred room category before requesting the final hotel quotation rather than booking the resort first and choosing the room later.
24-Hour All Inclusive at Riu Palace Maldivas
The resort’s central selling point is its 24-hour All Inclusive service. RIU describes the package as covering the resort experience around the clock rather than limiting food and drinks to conventional meal periods.
That changes the way you should compare the hotel with other Maldives resorts.
A cheaper room at another resort is not necessarily cheaper once breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, snacks and some activities are added.
This is why travelers comparing Maldives vacation packages should compare the complete package rather than the room price alone.
Riu Palace Maldivas and Riu Atoll: What’s the Difference?
The two properties are connected by a walkway over the water and operate as part of the same RIU Maldives setup.
Riu Palace Maldivas is the higher-positioned Palace property, with a more premium accommodation and dining offering.
Riu Atoll is the more activity-oriented sister property, with additional facilities and a different hotel category.
This arrangement is useful for travelers who want access to more facilities without giving up the accommodation standards of the Palace resort.
What Do Travelers Say About Riu Palace Maldivas?
Tripadvisor currently shows Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas with a 4.8/5 rating from more than 1,700 reviews and Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2026 recognition. Its individual category scores are also high for rooms, cleanliness, service, sleep quality and value.
Recent reviews frequently mention clean and spacious rooms, food variety, service and the convenience of the All Inclusive model. Some travelers also appreciate being able to use facilities at the neighboring Riu Atoll.
The main consideration is that the resort is not close to Malé by speedboat. The transfer is part of the experience and requires either a domestic flight connection or a seaplane.
Who Is Riu Palace Maldivas Best For?
Riu Palace Maldivas is a particularly good fit for:
- Couples who want a luxury Maldives honeymoon
- Families who prefer All Inclusive
- Travelers who want predictable holiday costs
- Guests who enjoy multiple restaurant choices
- Travelers who want both beach and overwater accommodation
- Guests who appreciate an international hotel brand
- Visitors who want access to facilities at a sister resort
It may be less suitable for travelers looking for a tiny, ultra-private boutique island with very limited guest numbers and almost no resort-style activity.
Riu Palace Maldivas: Pros and Cons
Pros
- 24-hour All Inclusive
- Strong international hotel brand
- Multiple restaurants
- Overwater suites
- Private-pool overwater accommodation
- Spa and fitness facilities
- Children’s pool and kids’ activities
- Access to facilities at Riu Atoll
- Very strong current Tripadvisor traveler rating
Cons
- Longer transfer from Malé than North Malé Atoll resorts
- Large international resort atmosphere rather than a small boutique-island feel
- Travelers seeking complete seclusion may prefer a smaller private-island resort
- Seaplane transfers depend on daylight operations
Riu Palace Maldivas Price and Booking
Riu Palace rates vary according to dates, room type, occupancy and availability. RIU currently publishes room rates on its own website, but those rates can change.
For travelers comparing Maldives tour packages, Zero Markup Trips can quote the resort as part of a complete Maldives package.
Maldives Tour Package – Zero Markup Trips
Zero Markup Trips states that its Maldives packages include hotel accommodation, round-trip island transfers, applicable hotel taxes and service charges and airport support. The company also states that its contracted hotel rates are offered below online booking platforms for the same available options.
This makes it useful to request the complete package price rather than comparing only the headline room rate.
Riu Palace Maldivas and the Maldives Travel Guide
If you are researching the resort, it helps to understand how Maldives transfers, atolls, seasons and resort islands work before booking.
The ZMT Maldives Travel Guide covers these subjects in greater detail.
Ultimate Maldives Travel Guide 2026 – Zero Markup Trips
Useful internal-link phrases include Maldives Tour, Maldives tour package, Maldives vacation, Maldives holiday, Maldives honeymoon, Maldives resorts, Maldives travel and Maldives Travel Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Riu Palace Maldivas
Is Riu Palace Maldivas all inclusive?
Yes. The resort operates a 24-hour All Inclusive concept.
Is Riu Palace Maldivas a five-star hotel?
It belongs to RIU’s Palace line and is positioned as the premium property within its Maldives pair. It should not be confused with the neighboring Riu Atoll, which RIU describes as its 4-star Riu Classic property.
How do you get to Riu Palace Maldivas?
You can travel from Velana International Airport by domestic flight to Kudahuvadhoo followed by approximately 15 minutes by dhoni, or by direct seaplane taking approximately 50–60 minutes.
Does Riu Palace Maldivas have overwater villas?
Yes. The resort offers overwater suites, including an approximately 60-square-meter overwater suite with private pool.
Is Riu Palace Maldivas good for families?
Yes. The resort has a children’s pool and RIU Land children’s entertainment, while the neighboring Riu Atoll adds further facilities.
Is Riu Palace Maldivas good for a honeymoon?
Yes. Couples can choose between beachfront accommodation and overwater suites, including a private-pool overwater category.
Can Riu Palace guests use Riu Atoll facilities?
The RIU Maldives setup allows guests to access selected facilities and restaurants at the neighboring Riu Atoll, subject to the property’s current terms.
How many restaurants does Riu Palace Maldivas have?
Its current dining offering includes Palm, Krystal, Yu Hi and Sofia, with additional access to selected dining facilities at Riu Atoll.
Does Riu Palace Maldivas have a private pool villa?
Yes. It offers an overwater suite with private pool.
Is Riu Palace Maldivas worth the price?
It can be particularly good value for travelers who intend to use the 24-hour All Inclusive service extensively. The package is easier to evaluate when food, drinks, resort facilities and transfers are considered together rather than comparing room rates alone.
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