Riu Atoll

Adhi - Marshall - Annabella - Sanketh (trainee with heart and passion) - all the Chef’s- the manager and general manager - Mina, Lerma, two waitress with a great attitude and smiles that never diminishes no matter how harassed) Suresh a genuinely honest, friendly boy, Dushan roomman excellent, Ismail who presented two handmade necklaces to us on my wife’s 50th birthday. And finally Dickson Shanaka one of the chefs- he was fantastic, after letting the kitchen know I was Vegan he couldn’t of done enough, special curry’s everyday ( the garlic curry was to die for) Dickson I salute you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your hospitality and kindness you showed towards me and Anita So that’s the staff, I’ve probably missed some but truly they were all fab. Now the hotel - Riu has got it right, this is a modern take of stilted bungalows in the Indian Ocean without the palms on the roof and a number of small apartments on the beaches. Personally we stayed in the apartments that overlooked the sea, front and back, the rooms were spacious and impeccably clean, cleaned out daily and I have to say, when you returned they smelt Devine, they have to be the cleanest rooms we’ve ever stayed in - bravo. When we woke we just rolled out of bed onto the beach always room ( I would just say they probably need to put a few more beds outside the rooms as there aren’t enough if all the rooms are used). The stilted bungalows were a real modern gem, you could wake and dip straight in the sea. I am not a strong swimmer and at this time of year the sea was quite strong and you needed to be a confident swimmer to go in it around the bungalows. Most times with the tide out it would be up to your knees or waist but the wind could pick up and the current get strong quickly, just be wary. The island itself and resort was just paradise so unspoilt. We were in the Riu Palace so could use both sides of the island, connected by a walkway, if you stayed in the other side you could only use that side. The island was clean, fresh surrounded by coral reefs with loads of Marine life (but you do have to look for it) this included turtles, baby sharks, rays, lion fish. Do take water shoes as it can be difficult walking in the water due to broken shells and coral. The food was impeccable , loads of choice, not to much put out at any one time but refilled with freshly cooked portions as needed, this avoided too much waste. I am vegan and I let them know on day two, well that was the best decision I made. They would know me as soon as I walked in explain them different dishes, tell me what was and wasn’t in them and what I could eat, the fresh Curry county was a perfect choice. They also had a couple of al a carte restaurant, the choice was limited and on the first visit the vegan choice disappointing however, I just mentioned this in passing and straight away they took it on board, they invited us back and the options they have were sublime- note if you can’t find something you like tell them, they will go out of their way to help, nothing appeared to much trouble. The only downside (very minor) is the entertainment on the Palace side, if you like that sort of thing it happens on the other side of the island, the live music is cool but would be nice to have the bands playing a bit longer. Things to do on the island : sunbathe; swim; snorkel; eat; repeat. There aren’t trips here but there is a dive facility that appeared popular, can’t tell you to much as didn’t use it, but those around us that did seemed to enjoy it. There was a gym and outside fitness activists but this all took place on the other island. Not sure what else to write, if you are looking for a lovely hideaway that’s unspoilt with attentive staff that do care this is it. This is a modern take on luxury that Riu got right and works. It is certainly suitable for all age groups and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Thanks Riu, you made this an exceptional holiday and stay for Anita and me. Her 50th birthday on the island was great and she was spoilt by all the team. A massive shout out again to you all especially chef Dickson who really did put himself out. I will definitely be coming back x

We have just returned from home from the most amazing holiday. The hotel, island and location is a picture postcard. Paradise. It is however a long way from the UK. It took us 18 hours, three planes, a bus and a boat but well worth the travelling. Any negative comments really need to be frowned upon. You cannot ask for more in a holiday. We actually got stuck there for an additional 4 days due to a suspected Coronavirus outbreak. Shame:) The place is spotless throughout and the staff were amazing with special mentions to Shandy on reception, Chandana, Channaka, Neeshan and the General Manager who was so helpful. The food and drink was great, good selection and please try the restaurants. We had a room on the beach and the view took our breath away every morning we opened the curtains. We met some friends there who stopped in the water bungalows which were equally wonderful. We never go to destinations twice however this place is something else. If you need to get away from it all, one island, one hotel in the middle of paradise, this is the place. Treat yourselves.

Amazing hotel and island! Just want to say the overal island and hotel is stunning,unfortunately we was there through the virus situation, so the island was VERY quiet! We found pool side staff got a bit slow towards the end of our holiday sometimes waiting 30 mins for a drink! It’s not a problem just got to put it on here. We stayed in the atoll,palace,and the water pool bungalow! The bungalow was by far the best!! Room service - It was not so great! Sandwiches were extremely dry, no disrespect but for the price of this hotel you expect to see burgers,chips,club sandwiches etc on room service! Nope it was a 3 selection option. I pay less for a 5 star hotel in mexico and get a better room service! FOOD- Now I have to be very honest...the breakfast,the lunch...brilliant!! The evening food really was not all that great! Not much selection and I thought was quite bland.. the only thing stopping us coming back to the island is the terrible room service and the not so great evening food. If this was to change then this would probably be our yearly holiday. So for that reason next October we will be picking a different island! Had a few issues whilst there so shandy at the front desk was absolutely amazing!! All staff are super friendly! The island I have never seen a cleaner holiday destination! Very very clean! I don’t want this to be a bad review because honestly we had the best time of our life! We was genuinely sad flying home! It was just some of the food options that had ruined it a bit :-( if you done lunch time menu combined with dinner time menu...and completely upgraded your room service then guys no joke ide class this island as a 5 star!! Scuba caribe were absolutely fantastic the dolphins the snorkelling just unreal!!! We will be checking for general hotel updates from now until October,if we see a change we will be booking again for next year! :-)