I am loving this place (leave in 2 days), unusual for me, but I tried to extend my stay but there were no rooms unfortunately. So, booked 5 days at the Riu Dubai for 5 days. I will be back!
Ok. As per all my other reviews I do not mention names that have been brilliant. The reason being, there tends to be lots and I forget names and also I'll miss some. So easier no too. At this hotel there are so many people I would love to name as they were all amazing, especially the main/pool bar. All were attentive, friendly, chatty, enthusiatic and I never once had to raise my hand to get attention. I would be nearly finished with a drink, and another one would be there. We done guys, you truly are an asset to the hotel.
Where do I start. I have just had a holiday at the Riu Palace Mauritius, literally before here, and I thought that was excellent. But this hotel knocks it to the 2nd spot. From the moment you land at Male, there are Riu staff at hand to let you know what happens, where to go, when and how. When you are met, your luggage is given a Riu label with your name and room number. You then go to the domestic flights counters and check your bag in (oh and I know there are some horror stories re. excell luggage costs. Whether I was lucky, but I had 32kg and didn't get questioned orcharged extra). When you land on the domestic flight you collect your bags (a very, very small airport) and then get a minibus to the dock (5 mins) where you board the speedboat. Your luggage will be delivered directly to your room. Totally seamless, right through to arriving at the island. I didn't want the sea plane as I hate them, I like a larger plane that lands, on land. So, I took the free option, of the domestic flight (30 or so mins) and speedboat (20 mins). No real waiting.
When you approach the islands (there is the Riu Palace and the Riu Atoll (on individual islands)), all I could think and say was WOW. I wasn't the only one, everyone just went silent. Totally beautiful, exotic and breathtaking and worth a visit just for the view. You are greeted and given a welcome envelope and transported to your room. Your luggage will follow.
As a reminder you get two hotels for the price of one, the Palace and also full access to all facilities and activities at the Atoll on the neighbouring island (accessed via a causeway (buggies every 15 mins from the pool bar to the Sports bar @ the Atoll)). Atoll guests cannot access the facilities at the Palace.
Think when booking, what is it you want. Total relaxation, chill and quiet time and the ease of waiter/waitress service all the time (it's the Palace). Or, entertainment, noise, music, the general public and you have to go to the bar (then the Atoll). But if you want a choice when you want it, it is the Palace as you have the 2 hotels.
The palace has limited things to do/go and no real entertainment. There is the buffet and some A La carte restaurants, a pool/beach and swim-up bar. The beach is amazingingly beautiful and the seating area (a little covered area) is on the beach surrounded by palm tree's. But to be honest this was prefect for me. But I like a mix of the both, hence why I always book the Riu Palaces as I know I can also go to the other hotel.
Whereas the Atoll has a shop, additional A La Carte restaurants and bars (including the Sports bar which is 24-hours). Apparently the steak house is amazing. And remember you can get to the Atoll on a buggy from the main pool every 15 mins (at the end of the pool there is a path that leads to a "road". Wait there or there is a bench to your right).
Rooms - I had the beach suite which was large, functional, had a well stocked minibar (wine, soft drinks, plenty of water and lager - restocked daily. And optics). It has everything needed, including iron and board (not that I used it), reasonably sized safe, 2 double beds and a reasonable sized safe which I could get my large tablet and everything in etc. And the best bit, the amazing view of the beach and direct access to the beach via a very spacious balcony, literally on the beach. Waking up to that view......WOW! My only niggle, but I find this with most Riu's is the beds and pillows. I never sleep very well as I do not find them comfortable. And this hotel the air con was set on cold, and you only get 2 thin sheets (I could have probably asked for more). So, I used both the bed sheets (as travelling solo). If you turned the aircon off, it got hot and humid and everything gets damp, including the floor, becoming slippery. But again, it was worth it and not a complaint.
Pool towels - In the main bar area, to the side between the bar and pool, on the right-hand side there are some shelves with towels, help yourself.
Smoking - Sorry but I smoke. You can smoke nearly anywhere (designated ares), the bar is non-smoking but you can smoke right next to the bar on the beach, so no issues.
The buffet restaurant offers a good choice and everything I have had has been nice. Again you can book the A La Carte's via the Riu app. THen there are also snacks available at the pool/beach bar (menu via the app). But again, you have the choice at the Riu Atoll.
Drinks - There is a good choice, beer is Carlsberg. You can choose from a well stocked bar, including some branded. To view the menu, access it via the app.
Cleanliness - Spotless, everywhere no matter the time, the team are cleaning!
Grounds - Amazingingly kept, you reallydo feel you are in an exotic and exclusive location.
So, to an end......you have to try this place and trust me, you will want to come straight back.
A big thank you to all the staff for helping to make this a truly amazing holiday. Riu should be very proud of them. This hotel has it all!
