Rating8.4
Rating8.0
Rating8.1Adults OnlyAnticipated Premium Offerings
Guests are expected to appreciate the new resort's modern design, extensive facilities, and the exclusive Elite Club by RIU for a luxurious experience.
Beachfront Serenity
The direct access to the long, golden sands of Mai Khao Beach and the serene setting adjacent to Sirinat National Park are likely to be highly valued.
Diverse Dining & Bars
The wide array of 6 restaurants and 6 bars, including specialty options and a swim-up bar, should cater to various tastes and preferences.
Family-Friendly Amenities
The dedicated RIU Land kids' club, children's pool, and overall family-centric design are expected to be a major draw for guests traveling with children.
New Property Adjustments
As a brand-new resort, initial guests might experience minor operational adjustments or service refinements during the opening phase.
Unestablished Reputation
The lack of existing guest reviews means potential visitors will need to rely on the brand's reputation and promotional materials until post-opening feedback emerges.
Secluded Location
While offering tranquility, Mai Khao Beach is relatively secluded, which might mean fewer immediate off-resort dining or entertainment options within walking distance for some guests.
All-Inclusive Limitations
Guests should be aware that spa services, certain premium drinks, and excursions are typically an additional cost beyond the standard all-inclusive package.
Aggregate score derived from public review platforms. Category scores reflect our editorial assessment based on analysis of guest reviews. ResortFlock is not affiliated with or endorsed by any review platform.
Riu Palace Phuket marks RIU's first property in Thailand, opening June 26, 2026. That means no prior guest reviews exist to draw from — all information is based on pre-opening specifications. This is worth stating clearly: guests booking for the 2026 season are committing to a property without an operational track record. Travelers who prefer established quality signals should consider waiting for the first season's guest feedback before booking.
The case for booking early is the location. Mai Khao Beach is in northern Phuket, adjacent to Sirinat National Park — one of the island's protected coastal zones. This means the beach is undeveloped and relatively uncrowded compared to Patong, Kata, and Karon, which are the heavily commercialized parts of the island. Mai Khao is where Thai sea turtles nest annually. The natural setting is genuinely different from the resort-strip beaches further south.
The all-inclusive model in Thailand is unusual enough that it represents a genuine value proposition for guests unfamiliar with Phuket pricing. Standard Phuket hotels charge per meal, per cocktail, per spa treatment — daily costs accumulate quickly. The RIU all-inclusive eliminates that friction, which is particularly relevant for first-time Phuket visitors who want predictable vacation costs.
The property includes a Thai restaurant as a specialty à la carte option — appropriate given the location, and unusual for a RIU property (which typically runs the same fusion-Italian-Japanese rotation). How well a resort kitchen executes authentic Thai cuisine at the expected all-inclusive quality level will be the thing to watch in early reviews.
Practically: 504 junior suites and suites, no standard double rooms. Six pools including adults-only swim-up bar pool and children's pool. 500–700 meters of Mai Khao Beach frontage. 12.5 km from Phuket International Airport (HKT) — 20-minute transfer. Elite Club tier includes private swim-up rooms, dedicated restaurant, and exclusive pool.
