Palma de Mallorca, 2 March 2020

Riu Atoll named “Best New Hotel 2019” in the Maldives by Expedia

  • The hotel opened its doors last year, together with Riu Palace Maldivas
  • The two establishments are located on two islets in the Dhaalu Atoll and are linked by a stunning boardwalk

Expedia, the world’s leading online travel agency, rewarded the hotel Riu Atoll as the “Best New Hotel 2019” at its annual Expedia Group Partner gala in the Maldives. Íñigo Berastain, the hotel’s manager, was very proud to collect the prize awarded to the hotel.

The manager explained that the project of operating in the Maldives for the first time “was, from the very beginning in 2017, a major challenge for the RIU team. That is why we are so proud to receive this prize, which is a great acknowledgment of the hard work put in, both before the opening and over these months, in which every member of staff has offered their best service to our guests.”

Riu Atoll opened its doors in May 2019, together with Riu Palace Maldivas, which are 4- and 5-star category hotels respectively. These two hotels, located in the Dhaalu Atoll, made up one of the most important projects for RIU last year, as it was the first time that the chain reached this destination, and RIU did it opening two hotels at the same time.

Although they are located on separate islands, they are connected by a stunning 800-metre boardwalk over the water. Either side of the boardwalk, 72 of the Riu Palace Maldivas suites are located and, with those built over the sand, they add up to 176 suites. The hotel Riu Atoll also has 36 suites over the water, bringing its total up to 264.

Both hotels offer a wide range of dining options which guests can enjoy to the maximum, thanks to the 24-hour all-inclusive service by RIU. What’s more, they have a varied and innovative programme of activities, including paddle yoga and aerial yoga, as well as the classic snorkelling, a must in the Maldives. The complex also has a jetty, wellness centre, gym and steam bath, all free of charge.

These two hotels offer guests the facilities and service that characterise the RIU chain in idyllic surroundings.

About RIU Hotels & Resorts

The international RIU chain was founded in Mallorca by the Riu family in 1953 as a small holiday firm and is still owned by the family's third generation. The company specialises in holiday resorts and over 78% of its establishments offer its acclaimed All Inclusive by RIU service. With the inauguration of its first city hotel in 2010, RIU is expanding its range of products with its own line of city hotels called Riu Plaza. RIU Hotels & Resorts now has 97 hotels in 21 countries. In 2023, the chain welcomed 6,4 million guests and provided jobs for a total of 35,808  employees. RIU is currently the world's 36th ranked chain, one of the Caribbean's most popular, the largest in Spain in terms of revenue and the fourth largest in number of rooms.