Work on the two all-inclusive resorts, Riu’s first in the archipelago, began in early 2017 and are the culmination, Riu chief executive Luis Riu said, of more than seven years’ work.

Both hotels are located on the Dhaalu Atoll on two separate islands, linked by an 800-metre walkway.

The four-star Riu Classic Riu Atoll is set on the private island of Maafushi and features 264 rooms, 36 set over the water.

It features three restaurants, including an Italian and a steakhouse, and three bars: a 24-hour sports bar; saloon bar Bodeburu; and swim-up bar Tequila.

There is also a pool, children’s play area and RiuLand kids’ club.

The five-star Riu Palace Maldivas, meanwhile, is situated on neighbouring Kedhigandu, another private island.

It has 176 rooms, including 72 over-the-water suites that flank the walkway connecting the two hotels.

Riu Palace Maldivas shares bars and restaurants with Riu Atoll, but guests also have exclusive access to other dining and drinking options – the main Palm restaurant and terrace, fusion restaurant Krystal and Japanese joint Yu Hi.

Its Paradise bar, meanwhile, has an infinity pool, and the resort offers premium drinks throughout.
The complex also has a jetty, wellness centre offering beauty treatments, a free gym and steam room.

"This is a great moment for the chain because we have been working towards opening a hotel in the Maldives for more than seven years," said Riu.

"To open two hotels at the same time, having overcome an exciting technical and logistical challenge due to their geographic location is, for me, a dream come true on both a personal and a professional level.”