Riu Palace Hotel Maldives - TOUR, REVIEW & TRAVEL VLOG

[@autumn007]

Thank you for such details and locations of each of the suites!! This will make decisions on the room type i want. ❤

[@BenjaminBryant]

Glad it was helpful! Really nice to hear your feedback thanks.

[@Engineer9736]

I find it amazing that Riu is able to build all such resorts at such remote locations. So much work and so many details. Every single tile and chair and light fixture has to be shipped in. Would be cool if there were some documentary about that. From resort design phase, construction, up to delivery. I'm going to Riu Palace Maldives over 2 weeks. Not looking forward to the flight, but i guess it will be a nice week over there.

[@typhanyedyer8901]

Heading to Hotel Riu Plaza in 5 days. Super stoked and THANK YOU for this video

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hope you enjoy it! It’s a really good value resort I think. Have an amazing time and let me know what you think. Who did you book with?

[@arra-dv7er]

How was it

[@DorFra3]

Thank you so much for sharing the pros and the cons of the resort. I never would have realized that there were 3 rooms to a water villa. 😄

[@BenjaminBryant]

Our pleasure! So glad this was useful.

[@rebeccaohare9063]

Hi there, Thanks so much for sharing. My husband and I are heading there next week (can't wait!) - Have done lots of research but not seen much around tipping. Is it common/customary on the island - we're just thinking about buying some US dollars and wondering how much to bring and often people tip if they do?

[@willblansett9607]

Will be staying at the RIU Atoll overwater suites in a few days and had a question if anyone mentioned anything about worry of potential tsunamis or if any alterative measures are in place?

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi there. I have been to the Maldives 8 times to 30 islands, and never once had even a tsunami warning. I think they don't happen much or at all there. Also, the coral reefs protect the islands from big tidal surges. I think you will be ok :)

[@benedictagabriel8503]

Hi, thank you for this video. Please how do I book a speed boat to the resort?.

[@BenjaminBryant]

It's my pleasure. The speedboat is usually booked via the resort or your tour operator / travel agent. Have you booked a resort yet?

[@VladimirMarian]

Hello, thank you for review. When it was filmed and how often it rained?

[@BenjaminBryant]

This was filmed about 3-4 year ago. The weather can be changable, but generally it doesn't rain much.

[@RiasatAbir]

When did you capture this footage? The water looks so blue. But some other videos I have seen is more greenish.

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi, I captured this in 2021 I think. However, I think it's because we are a professional video production company, so we know how best to film and edit the footage to look true blue

[@digitalali6550]

nic evideo which camera did u use o record so nice i think i know you from somewhere in uk..?

[@BenjaminBryant]

Thanks very much! DJI Mavic 2 and Lumix GH5.

[@panzerrush9685]

Are the snacks like burgers and pizza on the bars are included to the all inclusive plus package?

[@BenjaminBryant]

Yes, they are included. Everything is. Thanks very much for watching!

[@anonymuser9569]

Can you share your top 5 Hotels/Resorts on the Maledives, with a overwater pool? 😄

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi there, thanks very much for your comment, I can certainly help you. Do you have any other requirements and a budget range in mind? You can email me on [e-mail]

[@Onyi810]

Nice video 👍 please what’s the difference btw Riu palace Maldives and Rui Atoll

[@BenjaminBryant]

Thanks for watching, the difference is that RIU palace Maldives is the 5 star resort and if you stay there you get access to both. If you stay on atoll, it’s 4 star and you can’t access the Palace side. Are you planning to book?

[@roseestherbernadin5453]

Riu palace is 5 star as for Atoll is 4 star according to my travel agent. Hope this helps.

[@dinethnavodya8672]

Hi, Can you please answer the question above regarding flying the drone? Would be extremely helpful. Thank you

[@BenjaminBryant]

Yes, of course. Sorry for the slow reply. I filmed at RIU a few years ago now and I also got permission from the resort owners, as I was doing an official project there. Lots of Resorts have since banned drones and the national aviation authorities have also out more processes in place. I suggest contacting the resort first to see if it's even allowed. Then, you can look at getting official approval from the other authorities. Also, there is usually a difference with approvals needed for commercial and just hobby / non-commercial operations. Good luck!

[@weimintoh2763]

im looking for an all inclusive place, for my wife and toddler. 3 of us. What's the best all inclusive, but not ridiculously expensive resort that you will recommend?

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi there, thanks for the message! I can certainly help you. It really depends on your budget and what you class as ridiculously expensive. You can email me for advice on [e-mail] Look forward to helping you with this. :)

[@heidil8469]

Benjamin looking at 3 rooms in jan 2023 - please suggest travel agent so i can see if rate is better than attempting to book direct thanks

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi Heidi, this is great! Can you send me your dates and info on email to : [e-mail]

[@Blueswanreborns]

going ap april 25

[@BenjaminBryant]

That's exciting! have you already booked? I'm happy to give yo a quote also to see if I can improve your deal.

[@RicSantos]

How about the Airport Transfer to the hotel? How does the price look for the seaplane and the boat transfer?

[@BenjaminBryant]

Good question. It depends on how far away the resort is from the international airport. Check with Manta Air, they fly to this resort. Are you planning a trip to the Maldives?

[@RicSantos]

@@BenjaminBryant Yes, we are planning to go on March 2023. Two adults and one 10-year-old kid.

[@BenjaminBryant]

@@RicSantos Sounds good, do you need any help booking?

[@chuckh4077]

​@RicSantos so how was the trip?

[@amelia080583]

hello, I would like to know if the weather is good on this atoll in August or is there rain? thank you

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi there, the best time for weather is: Nov - March. August may be rainy. You can read my Maldives guide here: www.linkedin.com/pulse/definitive-maldives-holiday-guide-benjamin-bryant/

[@wiseoneent]

Great info

[@BenjaminBryant]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bridgetsmith9792]

Thank you. Enjoyed the tour! Are you able to put me in touch with a travel agent? I have my eye on an overwater suite with pool from December 23 to 28, 2022. Thank you!

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi Bridget, yes I would love to thanks. Can you please send me a brief email with your dates and requirements to: [e-mail]

[@BenjaminBryant]

PS: So glad that you enjoyed my tour!

[@deanhuggett5613]

Alright fella, me and the mrs are going to the atoll on the last week of Feb 2023, I am a qualified scuba diver and the Mr's wants me to teach her to snorkel, when she's happy I tend to spend my holidays in the water exploring but you say that you can't snorkel the corals etc, why is this and surely they can't make you just stick to the beach area as I like to explore corals, sharks and Ray's etc, pls let me know the limits as otherwise I might book somewhere else, thanks Dean.

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi, this is a really good question. It wasn't the best snorkelling around the resort and there are some pretty string and dangerous currents in certain areas. They do have a good dive school there who can give you further details. I would recommending contacting the resort if you have already booked and ask them to explain further. I have had much safer and better snorkelling at many other budget resorts, I must say, such as Reethi Faru.

[@stephy7475]

Hi what is the name of the room in the water with swimming pool?

[@BenjaminBryant]

Thanks for the question. The name is in the description of my video and also it’s the name of that chapter in the video. The hotel may change the exact name they call each room, so best to doublecheck their website. Hope this helps? Are you looking to book?

[@stephy7475]

Yes I am browsing to book.I intendo to go next January.​@@BenjaminBryant

[@stephy7475]

​@@BenjaminBryantThanks

[@kevinwillis4341]

What’s the difference between RIU Atoll i stayed there last year

[@BenjaminBryant]

RIU Palace offers access to the second island, pool, restaurants, beaches, etc.. I think the accomodation is slightly higher standard also. Which one did you stay at?

[@kevinwillis4341]

Hey Benjamin another question i would like to do water activities like jet ski wave runners this time where would i do that

[@panzerrush9685]

Hi there how was the house reef?

[@BenjaminBryant]

It's not the best here by a long-shot. Are you looking for a good snorkelling resort?

[@tinanorton4065]

Can you swim in the lagoon at the riu palace

[@BenjaminBryant]

Yes you certainly can do, I swam from the water villas a lot. It depends which section and how good of a swimmer you are.

[@roseestherbernadin5453]

Which hotel has more night light ambiance and entertainments?

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi Rose. There are a few which have good nightlife. It depends on what size budget you have. There is a big variation of cost between different resorts.

[@BenjaminBryant]

RIU has good nightlife, so does The Standard Huruvalhi.

[@tjorvenleysen3001]

hello is it easy to travel between islands end hou match is the price for it thank in front

[@BenjaminBryant]

Yes it is easy to travel between islands, but you have to book a resort on each island to stay at. Prices generally start from minimum $5000 USD per week.

[@tjorvenleysen3001]

@@BenjaminBryant We are leaving on a wedding trip at the end of this month and we have taken a luxury resort but the woman wanted to see more than just the resort for going to Male for the culture to gain therefore the question

[@BenjaminBryant]

@@tjorvenleysen3001 Sounds like a good idea! You can also visit small local islands which are supposed to be very cultural.

[@taavihoo]

You got nice drone shots in the beginning of the video. I’m curious to know was there any problems of flying the drone? Did you ask permissions from the resort and Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and a permit from the MCAA? If so how the process went by? Fast or slow processing?

[@KayDejaVu]

LMAO Of course not!

[@BenjaminBryant]

Sorry for the slow reply, I replied to a similar comment below. I filmed at RIU a few years ago now and I got permission from the resort owners, as I was doing an official press trip there, however I was not paid and it was not a commercial flight, so effectively flying a small drone as a hobby-ist. Lots of Resorts have since banned drones and the national aviation authorities have also put more processes and restrictions in place. I suggest contacting the resort first to see if it's even allowed. Then, you can look at getting official approval from the other authorities. Also, there is usually a difference with approvals needed for commercial and just hobby / non-commercial operations. Good luck

[@mandyfalloon3354]

just booked this resort , is unsafe to swim in the ocean? .... didnt realise there isnt a reef ... booked a junior suite beach access are they the grounf floor noticed there was an upstairs ? im disabled so dont do stairs

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi there Mandy, sorry for my slow reply. The ocean is perfectly safe, you just need to be a bit careful which bit you swim in. The beaches are very safe and water is quite shallow. However, a few of the water villas have deeper watch and caution is recommended. Yes, the junior suit beach access is on ground floor and should be easily accessible for you. Hope you have an amazing time!! You will love it.

[@72FLB]

hi - as a solo traveller, which would you recommend, the Palace or the Atoll?

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi, I would recommend the Palace, as you have access to all of the island facilities and bars.

[@roycalvert3554]

hi thinking of booking holiday to maldives could you recommend anyone who will give a good deal

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi Roy, so sorry for my slow reply to this! Yes, I also operate as a travel agent and can get you the best available rate on any resort! Would you like to email me your details please to: [e-mail]

[@roycalvert3554]

hi mate I have booked the sun siyam vilu reef it ticked all the boxes that I require and the price was good

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi Roy, that's great to hear! So sorry for my slow reply, totally missed this comment. Email me your deal and price if you like and I can see what I can do to beat it for you!

[@johnmcisaac7905]

Yo Ben, it’s not a Roo Palace. It’s a Ree-oo. Or Ree-you. The chain might be kinda pissed at you for messing up it’s name! Otherwise, good tour. Thanks mate.

[@BenjaminBryant]

Thanks for this. Yes, I realised I had made that mistake in a few of the room tours. Hopefully people still know what I am talking about 👍

[@traveladdict4344]

Hello, I wonder if you are able to help me, I am interested in the overwater private pool suite in Riu Palace however I am struggling to find any package holiday who offer these rooms. I am based in Manchester UK and would like to fly to Maldives Dec 2024 for 14nights the dates am looking at are 4th - 18th December 2024. Is this something you can help me with or please point me in the right direction, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Lee

[@anjosixtyeight2773]

You can find it in the TUI Faraway Shores brochure,

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi Lee, I can certainly help you thanks! Would you like to discuss on email? I can get you a great rate on the hotel and you could look at booking your own flights, or do you specifically want a package?

[@BenjaminBryant]

Thanks for joining the conversation! Much appreciated.

[@merida4082]

How much did the sea plane transfer cost for round trip?

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hello, Seaplane transfers are usually somewhere between $650 - $750 to RIU. It's cheaper to get the domestic flight and boat. Are you planning a trip there? Do you want me to put a quote together for you?

[@trents1993]

How deep is water off the overwater rooms ?

[@BenjaminBryant]

It depends which villa, but it’s roughly up to chest / neck level. It’s also depends on the tide and whether it’s high or low. Do you need any more booking information?

[@djfrenchman]

Great video. But I feel the need to comment further on the production. Your commentary is great but is blasted out by the foreground music. I notice this in your other videos. Lose the music, it's not needed. Sorry .

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi, thanks so much, that feedback is really useful and something I have been considering for a while. I will definitely drop the music lower and perhaps lose it all together. Thanks!

[@erickunze5098]

Is rio Palace for adults only?!

[@BenjaminBryant]

Yes I think so, but RIU Atoll is more for families.

[@marcomoia4320]

Hello nice video, would you recommend to travel there middle of December? How the weather could be? Thanks

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi Marco, good question! Are you in LinkedIN? If so, you can read my detaield Maldives guide here: www.linkedin.com/pulse/definitive-maldives-holiday-guide-benjamin-bryant/ But, Nov - March are dry and sunny, Dec, Jan & Feb are best.

[@gamerxxxx5832]

Good bro

[@BenjaminBryant]

Thanks so much! Are you looking to travel there?

[@gamerxxxx5832]

Yeh I really want to go

[@BenjaminBryant]

@@gamerxxxx5832 One day you will make it there, I am sure!

[@wiseoneent]

Looking for a resort with great food great party life and calm waters to swim along with an over the water villa for a great price🤷🏾‍♂️

[@BenjaminBryant]

Sounds great! You can email me or submit a booking enquiry on my website: benjaminbryant.co.uk/

[@jbcvabeach82]

The background music is annoying, sounds like massive bass being played on low quality speakers and its WAY too loud compared to when you start speaking.

[@BenjaminBryant]

Thanks, appreciate the feedback. We are improving the audio mixing in future videos. I may even start doing the Tours without any background music at all. Do you think that would be a good idea?

[@jbcvabeach82]

background music is probably preferred by most, as long as its not on a different volume level as the narration@@BenjaminBryant

[@bellamycat123]

I stayed here a couple years ago and I hated it. I like the sea and that is about it. Felt it was too concrete for such a beautiful place and I felt it ruined the whole experience. It felt like a budget hotel, with the clientele to much the price. Not romantic at all and it was actually quite depressing and boring. There wasn’t really enough nature to look at just the sea basically. This is Butlins in the Maldives.

[@BenjaminBryant]

Thanks for the comments, it’s interesting for others viewers to read. Well the price is quite budget, so it’s exactly on par with the price people pay. It does allows people with lower budget to experience the Maldives. Yes the architecture is European brutalist, which can clearly be seen by the website, photos and videos, so I assume most people would choose it because they like that look perhaps Thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍

[@bellamycat123]

@@BenjaminBryant it was just my personal opinion and of others during my stay. When I visited there was a lack of videos on KZbin and went with an open mind quite naively. I’ve stayed in many Riu Palace hotels destinations around the world and on that basis we booked our stay at Riu in Maldives. I would not recommend this hotel in Maldives if you are wanting an intimate romantic honeymoon feel. I don’t feel I felt the trueness of what Maldives has to offer. Great for those on a budget, to get drunk and socialise.

[@sofianeDrags]

i'm french, can i have a deal to ?🤔😋

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hi, Yes you can also have a deal, you don't have to speak English, haha :)

[@IulianDiaconu-w9i]

Hello ! We are a family from Romania and We want an All Inclusive holiday for a few days at Riu Palace Maldives I am intererested in the 3 rd Room Type in the presentation.The one where IT says Overwater Jacuzzi Suite on the top left. From what I' ve seen ,IT has a Jacuzzi tub on the balcony(terrace) and a tub in the room. I Guess it îs the 47 square meter room ,located in a 5* Resort! În want to know THE NAME OF THIS ROOM. I DON' T WANT A ROOM OF 60 SQUARE METERS WITH A BLUE SWIMMING POOL ON THE BALCONY We are interested in that Over Water Suite being located somewhere around the midlle of 5 * Riu Resort Palace Maldives. I want that room to be exactly like the one in the presentation of 3 in the clip ! The Presentation of the Suite (camera ) I' m interested starts at minute 7 and 45 seconds I hope You can help me ! Thanks

[@BenjaminBryant]

Hello, thanks for this request. I can certainly help you book this specific room. I can certainly help you. Are you able to email me at [e-mail] Or share your email here and I can email you the price and details. I need to know more information such as travel dates, etc.. Many thanks! :)

[@BenjaminBryant]

Also, I know exactly which villa I filmed in, so could request this exact one for you :)