South Nilandhe Atoll accommodation from NZ$148

I booked private villa with a private pool, beach side. Instead, I was put in villa right next to a big construction site. I was woken every day at 8:00 AM by clanging, banging and all the noises a construction site make. I wanted to enjoy peace in my private garden and listen to sound of ocean and nature, instead I got zero peace and heard only construction work, both near pool and near beach. At time of booking or arrival, there was no mention of construction work. Instead of destressing on vacation, I got super stressed. Asked for a new villa, was told they are fully booked until I leave. After contacting Expedia I was given a new villa for last day only. I asked hotel for compensation, but they have refused to take accountability for this situation, which I find incredible and not at the industry standard of a 5* resort.

scenery was the most beautiful part. However, RIU could have done better with my birthday present.

We stayed in an over the water sunset villa, which was very comfortable, clean and had great facilities with fridge, wifi, coffee machine and a large bathroom with both shower and bath. It was kept spotless by Suranga who could not have been more helpful and who kept us entertained when we returned to the villa with his brilliant chalk drawings of all the different types of sea life in the Maldives..