Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Star rating

Superior Room Ocean View
Superior Room Ocean View
Beach Bungalow
Beach Bungalow
Beach Bungalow
Water Bungalow
Junior Beach Suite
Beach Suite with pool
Beach Suite with pool
Beach Suite with pool
Junior Beach Suite
Over Water Suite
Over Water Suite
Over Water Suite
Private Pool for Over Water Suite guests
Beach Bar
Welcome lounge
Koimala Restaurant
Raiyvilla Bar
Raiyvilla Bar
Romantic dining on the beach
Superior Room Ocean View
Superior Room Ocean View
Beach Bungalow
Beach Bungalow
Beach Bungalow
Water Bungalow
Junior Beach Suite
Beach Suite with pool
Beach Suite with pool
Beach Suite with pool
Junior Beach Suite
Over Water Suite
Over Water Suite
Over Water Suite
Private Pool for Over Water Suite guests
Beach Bar
Welcome lounge
Koimala Restaurant
Raiyvilla Bar
Raiyvilla Bar
Romantic dining on the beach

The hotel

The Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives takes its name from the Maldivian word for crystal white sand, and it isn’t difficult to see why. Dhonveli is situated on a private island, surrounded by the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. A secluded tropical paradise, the resort combines authentic Maldivian design and décor with modern comforts, facilities and amenities, to offer guests the ultimate Maldivian holiday experience. Why not treat yourself to a stay in an Over Water Suite — resting over the shallow waters surrounding the island, they offer privacy and seclusion. They have a spacious bedroom and a living area with glass panel to watch the marine life below, whilst outside a private sun deck has steps directly down into the water.

Amenities

  • Kayaking
  • Snorkelling
  • Honeymoon
  • Bar
  • Hot tub
  • Restaurant
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

On its own private island in Kaafu Atoll, in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Transfer time from Malé International Airport: 25 minutes by speedboat.

Hotel information

148 rooms. All with balcony or terrace, air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bar, tea/coffee-making facilities, hairdryer, iron, safe, and spacious indoor/outdoor bathrooms, some with bathtub and/or separate rainfall shower and bath amenities. Superior Ocean View Rooms are located in two-storey buildings facing the ocean, with 1 king-size bed (2 additional beds on request), sleeping maximum 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Board basis options

Full Board option: includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Mineral water and regular coffee/tea will be included during meal times only (upon request).

All-Inclusive packages run from 08:00am–midnight. Any drinks consumed outside of these hours will be charged on consumption.

All-Inclusive package: includes buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Selection of local snacks are serviced between the hours of 10:30am-11:30am, 4:30pm–6:00pm & 10:30pm–11:30pm. Unlimited regular house brands from a selection of spirits and wines (served by the glass only), unlimited cocktails and mocktails from a select menu, selection of draught beer, selection of carbonated soft drinks, canned fruit juice, mineral water plus tea and coffee at all outlets. Access to gym, badminton, tennis, squash courts, table tennis, billiard, snooker, beach volleyball (equipment included).

Virgin All-Inclusive: includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. A selection of local and premium branded spirits, wine, beer and cocktails, soft drinks, fresh juices and milkshakes, tea and coffee. Plus one seafood grill steak dinner at the table once per stay, special turndown service with chocolate and mini-bar including soft drinks and beer (replenished once daily). One dolphin watching excursion per stay. Use of fitness centre, badminton, tennis courts, table tennis, billiards and beach volleyball.

Please note: Virgin All-Inclusive packages are no longer available to book. Rest assured, if you’ve already made a booking, your package remains unchanged and will be honoured.

Premium All-Inclusive package: includes all inclusions of the standard package plus a welcome bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, in-room mini-bar stocked with beer, soft drinks and selection of snacks (replenished daily), premium International brand spirits wines and cocktails, unlimited fresh juice and milkshakes, 2 complimentary excursions from selected list - per person per stay (weather permitting), invitation to two special themed party events organised by the resort, one special dinner on the beach with the option of a mixed seafood grill or steak, signature 60 minute Balinese spa treatment at Mandara Spa once every 5-night stay, turndown service every night and outside the hours of 08:00am–12:00am any drinks consumed (regardless of AI package booked) will be charged on consumption.

Room upgrades

Beach Bungalows are located around the bay, offering stunning views of the glistening Indian Ocean, with 1 king-size bed and separate divan/day bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults and 1 child.

Water Bungalows are located on the southwest side of the island and offer 66 sq m of living space, state-of-the-art entertainment facilities and a spacious private terrace leading out to the lagoon. Each bungalow comes with a Jacuzzi, 1 king-size bed and separate divan/day bed, sleeping maximum adults.

Junior Beach Suites are located on the beach with an outdoor verandah and terrace and an open-air shower or bathtub with 1 king-size bed and separate divan/day bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

Over Water Suites are situated on the northwest side of the island and have a total of 85 sq m of living space with a glass floor panel, and a private outdoor terrace, sleeping maximum 3 adults. Over Water Suite guests enjoy exclusive access to the resort’s Rehendhi Restaurant and Bar, serving gourmet buffets and wines from the attached wine cellar, plus an exclusive swimming pool to while away the hours.

Beach Suite with Pool are a 2 story unit with a separate living and bedroom space overlooking the beach front and an outdoor shower with 1 king-size bed and single/day bed on upper floor and the option for a rollaway bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

Ground Floor Suites have a day bed which can be used as a single bed, sleeping maximum 5 adults and 3 adults and 2 children.

Koimala Main Restaurant (open for buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner; international cuisine), Maakana Restaurant (buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, exclusive for Water Bungalow guests), Tex Mex* (à la carte, Mexican cuisine), Rehendhi Restaurant & Bar (exclusive for guests in Overwater Suites and Beach Suites with Pool). Raalhu Bar (serving a selection of cocktails). Raiyvilla Bar. Beach Bar. Room service*.

Please note: guests staying in Water Bungalows may also dine at Maakana Restaurant and guests staying in Suite categories may dine at the exclusive Rehendhi Restaurant, as well as Koimala or Maakana. Other guests may also dine in Rehendhi with a local surcharge (reservations required, subject to availability).

Wide variety of entertainment and activities including beach parties, cocktail demonstrations, cookery sessions, saxophonist, Balinese dance and live bands. 

Freshwater swimming pool with kids pool, plus exclusive infinity pool for Over Water Suite guests. Chavana Spa* with sauna and aromatherapy bath. Mini-gym. Snorkelling*, windsurfing*, kayaking* and catamaran sailing*. Motorised water sports*. PADI certified scuba diving*. Tennis court, beach volleyball, table tennis (floodlighting*), billiards. Excursions available*, including fishing, island visits and dolphin watching. 

Complimentary WiFi for Virgin Holidays' guests.

*Denotes local charge.

Please note: to ensure our customer's safety, we are unable to offer over water accommodation to children under the age of 12.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (6756)
  • Very good (1131)
  • Average (291)
  • Poor (106)
  • Terrible (85)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect Service and a Dream Island – Our Honeymoon Experience

Sep 6, 2025 Matthias A

We spent our honeymoon at Cinnamon Dhonveli and could not have chosen a better place. The island is relatively large and offers a wide range of activities, including snorkeling, several pools, tennis, a spa, bars, and much more. The entire resort was always well maintained and spotlessly clean. A special thanks goes to Ren at the reception, who… Read more
We spent our honeymoon at Cinnamon Dhonveli and could not have chosen a better place. The island is relatively large and offers a wide range of activities, including snorkeling, several pools, tennis, a spa, bars, and much more. The entire resort was always well maintained and spotlessly clean. A special thanks goes to Ren at the reception, who handled all our requests with great professionalism and even arranged a complimentary upgrade for us. We would also like to sincerely thank our waiter Afnan, whose excellent service truly stood out and made our stay even more memorable. The food was outstanding, the atmosphere delightful – overall, we can wholeheartedly recommend Dhonveli. Thank you for an unforgettable stay! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best staff

Sep 6, 2025 Adriana D

The experience was amazing! Most beautiful beach and sea life. Now, the hospitality is AMAZING! Akila, Najdo, Suleimah(not sure if spelling ok) and all staff gave extra mile always
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best holiday ever

Sep 5, 2025 NorthStar628296

Amazing holiday, beautiful island, fantastic accommodation, great food and the most attentive staff. We couldn’t have asked for anything more. We all had the best time.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unbelievable!!!

Sep 5, 2025 486alisonr Ennis, Ireland

Cinnamon Dhonveli was 100 times better than we had imagined. Our apartment was unbelievable!! Pool outside the front door, beach outside the back door, own private pool and an indoor/outdoor shower. The staff at Rehendhi restaurant were so friendly and chatty especially Latheef and Rimanti. A special shout out to Nashooz who always kept us in… Read more
Cinnamon Dhonveli was 100 times better than we had imagined. Our apartment was unbelievable!! Pool outside the front door, beach outside the back door, own private pool and an indoor/outdoor shower. The staff at Rehendhi restaurant were so friendly and chatty especially Latheef and Rimanti. A special shout out to Nashooz who always kept us in supply of tea and drinks with a friendly smile 😃. A fab stop on the final leg of our honeymoon. Would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend a stay here. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Perfect Holiday – Exceeded Our Expectations

Sep 3, 2025 Veronica E

We have just returned from an incredible 10-day stay and cannot recommend this resort highly enough. The hotel is exceptionally well managed and beautifully maintained, with plenty of activities to keep you occupied if you wish – though it’s just as easy to relax and unwind. Everything we experienced was of high quality, and every service was… Read more
We have just returned from an incredible 10-day stay and cannot recommend this resort highly enough. The hotel is exceptionally well managed and beautifully maintained, with plenty of activities to keep you occupied if you wish – though it’s just as easy to relax and unwind. Everything we experienced was of high quality, and every service was prompt and reliable. We stayed in a beach suite with pool, which was a wonderful choice. The suite itself was simply stunning – spacious, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed. The bathroom with its outdoor shower was a highlight, and the enormous bedroom (complete with its own balcony) was a real treat. Having our own pool felt like pure luxury, and the air conditioning kept everything perfectly cool. A special thank you to Rahuman, who kept our suite immaculate every day. With wet towels and sand constantly coming back from the beach, this was no small task, and we truly appreciated the care taken to keep the room fresh and spotless. The food service was outstanding. The variety was incredible, with something for every mood – from light and healthy choices to more indulgent options. We especially loved the salad bar where you could create your own combinations, quickly put together by a lovely lady whose name we unfortunately didn’t get. A big thank you also to Khar, who made us delicious omelettes in the morning and pasta dishes at lunch and dinner. Latheef provided the warmest and most attentive table service, always starting our day with lattes and finishing it with refreshing drinks in the evening. During our entire stay, we never once had to wait – the service was consistently timely and efficient. We spent most of our days by the Rehendhi pool, which was a highlight of our holiday. Sattar looked after us so well – from decorating our sunbeds with flowers to helping us capture some special photos, his attention to detail really made a difference. At the pool bar, Osi was always friendly and welcoming, and we loved our pre-dinner drinks ritual thanks to his great company. He was also wonderfully creative in making special cold drinks for our daughter, which she adored. Overall, this holiday exceeded our expectations in every way. The combination of a beautifully run resort, luxurious accommodations, incredible food, and such genuinely kind and attentive staff made for an unforgettable experience. We left with wonderful memories and can’t wait to return. Read less