RIU Atoll All inclusive Hotel

It’s probably more of a 4.5 out of 5 than a 5 out of 5 but I don’t want to score down because it hasn’t detracted from our overall experience. Let’s be real, it’s the Maldives and it’s stunning! The location is lovely but it took an internal domestic flight, bus and boat to get here which wasn’t so great after a 10.5 hour flight! If you’re expecting traditional style Maldivian accommodation with the use of palms and grasses on the roof etc. this is certainly not it. The accommodation is very modern, almost industrial which contrasts the natural beauty of the island. Very typical RIU. We were in block 1600 - The air conditioning is effective. The rooms are modern, clean and tidied daily if you want. There was a funky smell when we first walked in but it soon lifted (or we got used to it). The location of the room was great as we could walk up and down to get a few steps in! There are beach towels provided in the room and a station at the pool. The pool is clean but we wish the pool bar (non swim up bit) side opened in the evening for quiet drinks. We did not like the sports bar but that’s personal taste. The evening entertainment was ok but we only went a few evenings (white night, flower power, beach party). The food is good but it is repetitive so you need to show some restraint and not put everything on your plate at every meal, otherwise you are likely to get bored of it very quickly. There is an Italian corner, Asian corner and western corner. The noodle bar is delicious. The soups are tasty. There are always chips if you have eaten too much of everything and need some beige food. There is an Italian restaurant and a steakhouse too. The beer is nice. The cocktails not great. The staff are all extremely friendly, especially around the pool bar. Nico, Jesse, Singhe and Arminde especially. The reception staff are helpful but not quite as friendly as the rest of the RIU team. There is a sundown DJ set at the beach daily. The beaches are stunning, the sea is warm and the sea life can be seen readily by snorkel.