We booked the 8 days holiday stay in RIU Atoll via RIU application and stayed in room with direct beach access. It was worth little extra money and definitely the stunning view from the room or small terrace. Beach is sandy with white Maledives sand very comfortable to walk over even during midday heat. Sea is generally shallow right from the coral reef, but there is large triangle lagoon of the deeper water in the lower part of Soutern Atoll side. It is perfect place for swimming in somewhat colder water with streams and to do some snorkeling within is limits with stones and corals and some sea life.
We have chosen seaplane to travel from Male to the atoll, which was worth the extra money. Wiew of the islands and atolls on the way was breathtaking.
Cuisine was just fantastic with Chef Fernando and his able assistants in control. Variety of excellent Asian and European was changing daily and specialized restaurants (Steakhouse, Japanese) were also doing great job.
Staff was friendly and helpful throughout our stay and we were also amazed with timeliness and tidyness of room cleaning services.
Even the departure Covid PCR test with friendly Egyptian doctor Zakieh was almost pleasant expirience. Management of the resort was always present and attentive.
We can highly recommend the resort (with RIU Palace on neighbouring island, linked with Atoll by 700 meters long bridge with waterfront villas) to everyone, who can really spend nice vacation in one of most wonderful places, we've ever seen.