Riu Atoll

Please note that we have been to the Maldives before and I suggest that the high reviews are because these people have not experienced any other holidays in the Maldives. On arrival at Male we were met by a rep and taken to check our bags in for the next flight. Afterwards they took us to a cafe across the street to wait for our flight where we were given a breakfast of choice from the menu. This was not the lounge mentioned in the transfer details! Before arriving on the island I wrote to the hotel asking questions which were never answered straight away and after arrival we soon learned that they had actually lied to us about the resort. Speed boat: No a speed boat but a 20 min ride in a scuba caribe tour boat. It’s ok but the seats are all plastic and waterproof so uncomfortable to sit on. Reception: It was busy and the staff didn’t all know what they were doing. We were given our key and told to wait. We actually gave up waiting and walked off to find the room by ourselves. Room: The room was obviously lovely as it’s all new. It was however basic. It’s a shame they didn’t put a dressing table in. They provide tea and coffee with wooden stirrers, a teaspoon wood be a nice addition. The mini bar contained beers and soft drinks. I was also shocked to find that the only toiletries they provide are shower gel and a small soap. First time I have ever found this in the Maldives. So make sure you bring your own. The WiFi is very good and you get to use it on two devices per room. Main buffet Restaurant was a real pain as the buffet restaurant on the Riu Atoll was not open so you had no choice but to go all the way over the other island for your breakfast, lunch and dinner. What made it worse was there was never enough transport to get you to the other island. When it was hot you would burn walking over and when it rained it was a total nightmare. They only have two buggies in operation and when one is being charged then they only have the one in operation. Guests were getting lifts on service trucks rather than walking. When you complained to management they said that you would not have to wait more that 5 mins. This was a total lie we waited 15 mins one day and then gave up and just missed the meal. When it rained you just got totally soaked traveling to the other island as there are no sides in the golf style buggies. The speciality restaurants below have to be booked in advance and they don’t open all of them every night. Sad because you book a resort like this so that you don’t have to eat in the buffet restaurant and then have trouble getting a booking. The Steak themed restaurant at Riu at Riu Atoll was a total disappointment. The starters were tiny and deep fried and the steak was so so salty. Needless to say we didn’t bother going back. They also don’t have all the dishes available that are on the menu. The couple next to us actually got there main course and walked out without eating it! The Italian themed one had starters are antipasti help yourself and very nice. Followed by a main from the menu and a buffet dessert. Great meal. For us this turned out to be the better restaurant and it was on our island so we didn’t have the nause of getting to it. The Japanese and the Fusion themed ones were ok but could be a lot better. The gym is great. A lovely view looking out to sea and a good selection of equipment which is all new. They also have a program called RiuFit, which I have to say is excellent. The classes on offer are great( Paddle board yoga, aerial yoga, TRX, Tabata, circuits and water classes) and are good fun and the instructors are helpful and encouraging. There is no house reef so if you like to snorkel this really is not the island to go to. You do see some fish but not a lot. I wrote to this hotel before arrival and asked if they had a house reef. They actually wrote back saying that they did which is a blatant lie. The dive club at the resort actually said that it is not safe to swim out to the reef due to currents!! Your only option then is to go on a snorkeling trip which costs $49 each time. There is one pools one at the Riu Atoll. The activities take place here and it also has a swim up bar. Sadly a lot of tiles have already come lose and you can easily scratch yourself on the stools because of this. The staff are either Sri Lankan or from the Philippines. All of there staff were amazing, kind and eager to please. Check out was a pain. You have to surrender your luggage 2.5 hrs before departure and then they expect you to be at reception 30 mins before your departure time. So if your flight is leaving at 15:40 they want you to be at reception at 13:15. This is excessive given that the required check in time at the airport is only 30 mins prior to the flight. We also came out Sapphire class and was not given this for the return and there was not a lounge that we could use because of this. Riu are good when taking you to the hotel but don’t really care once you have stepped off the Island. All in all we felt the holiday was not what we expected and we certainly did not get what was advertised. The company lied to us before we got here and I would not want to go there again. If you wish to see the real Maldives then go somewhere else - I certainly would not recommend this island. The managers at the resort do not care and just fob you off!

Our trip was just amazing beauty of Maldives was hard to let go on the last day . I highly recommend this resort for its amazing service. Staff service is excellent and they are so nice polite and helpful. It’s a beautiful resort, definitely will be going back to this place . The food is amazing as well. It’s definitely worth the price.