RIU Palace Maldivas (Dhaalu Atoll) — 2026 Luxury Guide 🏝️✨

A polished, adults-friendly yet family-welcoming, 24-hour all‑inclusive island with a modern “barefoot chic” mood and access to sister property RIU Atoll via an overwater walkway.

Note: Room features, venue names, and inclusions can evolve seasonally; please reconfirm any must‑have details (room orientation, dining access, kids’ programming) at time of booking.

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Overview & Vibe 🌿👣

• Barefoot luxury atmosphere
• Sandy paths, palms, and open, light-filled lounges invite a no‑shoes rhythm from arrival.
• Design is clean and contemporary—white-on-turquoise palettes, airy pavilions, and ocean-facing decks—balancing a relaxed beach club feel with RIU Palace’s premium all-inclusive service.
• Reputation worldwide
• Well-known 5★ all‑inclusive within RIU’s portfolio (launched 2019), praised for value at the luxury‑lite end: modern rooms, strong F&B for the category, and seamless operations.
• A favorite for couples and honeymooners wanting overwater suites (including private-pool options), while still appealing to families—especially given proximity to RIU Atoll’s broader activity scene.
• Perks: Palace guests typically have access to RIU Atoll venues; Atoll guests generally cannot access Palace without a supplement.

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Accommodations 🏡

Contemporary rooms and suites with the option of classic beach living or overwater indulgence—including coveted private pools. Sizes are approximate and may vary by inventory batch.

• Junior Suite (Land or Beachfront)
• Setting: On the island, steps from the sand; ground-floor terrace or upper-floor balcony.
• Highlights: King/twin bedding, sofa/daybed in many rooms, sleek bathrooms with walk‑in shower, stocked minibar, coffee/tea station.
• Why book: Best value for guests prioritizing easy beach access and short walks to dining, bars, and pool.
• Beach Junior Suite (Prime Beachfront)
• Setting: On the most desirable beachfront arcs for immediate lagoon access.
• Highlights: Larger outdoor terrace, shaded seating, leafy privacy; some units enjoy wider sea views.
• Why book: For sandy‑toes living with upgraded positioning and minimal “from‑door‑to‑shore” time.
• Overwater Junior Suite
• Setting: On stilts above the lagoon (sunrise/sunset orientations vary along the jetty).
• Highlights: Private sun deck with loungers and sea ladder, panoramic glazing for endless blue, serene overwater acoustics.
• Why book: The quintessential Maldives experience at a friendlier price than private-pool categories. Ideal for couples and honeymooners.
• Overwater Suite with Private Pool 🌅
• Setting: Premium positions along the jetty for wide-angle views—often the most requested.
• Highlights: Private plunge pool on the deck, generous outdoor lounging, upgraded amenities, and romantic sunset outlooks in select units.
• Why book: Signature Palace indulgence—perfect for special occasions and long, lazy golden hours.

Tips

• Overwater categories can carry minimum age policies for safety—confirm if traveling with young children.
• If sunset views are a must, request west-facing inventory early (subject to availability).
• Interconnecting options are limited; families often combine a land-based room with access to RIU Atoll kids’ activities.

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Marine Life & Diving 🤿🐠

• House reef & snorkeling
• The resort is set within a broad, calm lagoon—wonderful for swimming, SUP, and beginner snorkeling just off the beach.
• Healthier coral gardens and the best fish diversity are typically reached by short boat rides to outer reefs and thilas in Dhaalu Atoll. Expect reef fish schools, turtles, stingrays/eagle rays, and reef sharks (generally non‑aggressive species).
• Currents vary by site and tide; guided snorkel safaris are recommended for most guests.
• Dive Center (PADI‑licensed partner)
• Services: Intro dives, certification courses, guided day/night boat dives, rental gear; nitrox commonly available for certified divers.
• Signature Dhaalu experiences: Channel (kandu) drifts featuring grey reef sharks, napoleons, schooling jacks; colorful thilas; and seasonal manta encounters at regional cleaning stations.
• Whale sharks: Dhaalu is not a year‑round whale shark hotspot. The Maldives’ most consistent, year‑round whale shark area is South Ari Atoll. Full‑day safaris can sometimes be arranged but involve long travel and sightings are never guaranteed.

Eco etiquette: Keep respectful distances, avoid touching coral/marine life, and follow briefings—especially at manta cleaning stations.

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Dining & Bars 🍽️🍹

All‑inclusive at RIU Palace emphasizes variety, show-cooking, and several specialty options (reservations required).

• Main Restaurant (Buffet, show‑cooking)
• Cuisine: International buffets with live stations and rotating themes (including Maldivian night). Fresh salads, grills, fragrant curries, pasta, seafood, and a solid dessert spread.
• Atmosphere: Airy, contemporary, and relaxed; ideal for varied tastes and longer stays.
• Dietary notes: Daily vegetarian options; advise gluten‑free, vegan, or allergy requirements in advance for tailored support.
• Specialty Restaurants (included with reservations)
• Fusion (Krystal‑style): Creative plates and tasting-style menus.
• Japanese: Sushi, teppan-inspired mains, and light, polished presentations.
• Steakhouse: Grilled cuts and seafood—popular at sunset; book early.
• Main Bar (Lobby/Lounge)
• Vibe: Central social hub with polished yet easygoing service—perfect for pre‑dinner aperitifs and a post‑show nightcap.
• Drinks: Classic and tropical cocktails, mocktails, wines by the glass, premium-label upgrades, and espresso drinks.
• Sunset Bar (west‑facing beach/bar zone) 🌇
• Vibe: Laid-back and camera‑ready—golden-hour spritzes, mellow playlists, and horizon-gazing.
• Best for: Sundowners, post‑dive debriefs, and couples’ moments with a sea breeze.
• Daytime favorites
• Swim‑up Pool Bar for sun‑splashed refreshments.
• Palace guests can also wander to RIU Atoll for a change of scene (Atoll → Palace access typically not included).

All‑inclusive notes: 24‑hour inclusions usually cover buffet meals, a set number of specialty dinners, a wide beverage list, selected snacks, and in‑room minibar basics. Premium labels and private dining carry surcharges.

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Amenities & Wellness 💆‍♀️🏋️‍♂️⛵

• Renova Spa
• Treatments: Balinese‑ and aromatherapy‑inspired massages, hot‑stone, body scrubs/wraps, facials, and couples’ rituals.
• Setting: Calm treatment suites designed for deep relaxation and post‑sun recovery.
• Fitness & Activities
• Gym: Air‑conditioned with essential cardio and free weights.
• RiuFit: Light daily programming—stretching, aqua sessions, and beach workouts (schedule varies).
• Pools & Leisure
• Oceanfront infinity‑style main pool with a swim‑up bar and generous lounger space.
• Evening entertainment several nights per week (live music/shows), crafted to keep the vibe elevated yet easygoing.
• Water Sports & Excursions
• Included (non‑motorized): Kayaks, stand‑up paddleboards, pedal boats; snorkel gear policy varies by season.
• Extra‑cost: Jet ski, parasailing, wakeboarding, fun tubes, catamaran sailing/lessons, guided snorkel safaris, dolphin cruises, sunset fishing, local island visits, sandbank picnics, and professional photo sessions.
• Family perks
• While Palace is serene and couples‑leaning, families are welcome; guests can access RiuLand kids’ club programming and additional facilities at RIU Atoll via the connecting walkway.
• Practicalities
• Island‑wide Wi‑Fi (speed may vary), boutiques, clinic access on call, and photo/video services.

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Logistics ✈️🛥️

• From Velana International Airport (MLE)
• Seaplane: ~40–45 minutes by day—scenic and the most direct.
• Domestic flight + speedboat: ~45 minutes to Kudahuvadhoo (Dhaalu) + ~15 minutes speedboat to the resort. Helpful for late arrivals and often more weather‑resilient.
• Luggage: Seaplanes have stricter weight limits than domestic flights; pre‑advise any excess/oversize gear.
• Timing: Seaplanes operate only in daylight—late-night arrivals typically route via the domestic option or an overnight near the airport.

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Planning Tips ✨

• Reserve overwater private‑pool suites and specialty dining early—peak seasons fill quickly.
• Share your preference for sunrise vs. sunset orientation; west‑facing decks are most requested.
• Divers and snorkelers: Plan manta‑focused outings around seasonal patterns; for whale sharks, consider a dedicated South Ari day trip if available.

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