Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Currently enjoying a stay in an overwater suite in this resort. The island is only a short trip from Male Airport. There me of the reasons I chose this (amongst many others) was because I thought this would be easier and more convenient after a long international flight. Our package included our speedboat connection to the resort. From the moment we stepped off the boat we were treated like royalty. We had entered a true paradise. The check in process was a relaxing and very simple system. A golf buggy took us to our suite. We’d requested a suite facing the sunset and the hotel were able to accommodate this wish. The suites are amazing. Another reason why we’d chosen this was because we are a family of three with a teenage son. The suite consists of a bedroom (extra large king size bed, plenty of storage space, tv) to the left is the bathroom (shower, freestanding bath, double sink) and to the right is a reception room where our son slept. This room has an amazing glass floor. Much time has been spent admiring the array of marine life through this porthole. All three rooms wrap around a decking area with a hammock and steps into the sea. As well as the amazing sunsets, I’ve loved watching the constellations of stars and the moon glimmering over the Ocean. Each night you can see the Zodiacal light on the horizon a phenomenon I’ve never experienced before. The housekeeping is of a very high standard. We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary whilst here and the housekeeper arranged a greeting on our bed to mark the occasion. A lovely touch. We opted for an All Inclusive package. Our meals were served in the Rehendi Restaurant. This is a buffet style. The sides of the building are open to be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Ocean. We have been extremely well looked after by our waiter, Shafee, who always remembers our drinks choices. It is nice to have a little chat to him about life in the Maldives. The standard of the food has not disappointed. I do not think we have seen the same options twice in a ten day period so there is always lots of choice. Special mention to the pastry chef for the chocolate salami (Tuesday) which went down a treat. Thanks to all of the catering team (there are many of them) for such an exquisite daily selection and their fantastic service. Special thanks too to the chef, Khair, who has been making my son some tasty lunchtime pastas and for my breakfast eggs. Khair and Shafee both always friendly and smiling and great attention to detail. Don’t forget a trip (or two) to Chavana Spa during your stay. My second massage was with Aiu. I opted for an amazing Balinese massage and facial. So relaxing and probably the best massages I have ever had anywhere. Aiu even plaited my hair. A lovely little extra detail. On Tuesday evening we were invited to the Manager’s Cocktail Party. A fun experience but with a very important message. The Maldives are a place of great beauty but the environment is an extremely fragile one. The hotel goes to great lengths to try to ensure there is as much sustainability as is possible. The Manager explained how they achieve these standards so as to preserve these islands for future generations. They have made many changes to try to reduce waste and plastic usage including amongst other things introducing paper bin bags, no butter or jam sachets and no one time use plastic bottles. The Manager invited the gathering to join him on the next day for a behind the magic tour. This was a very interesting way to see generators, desalinisation plant and generally learn how the resort tries to be as self sufficient as possible. The highlight was visiting Mehendra’s Organic Farm. This is a new initiative started by the Manager who is a keen gardener. There are a large amount of fruit, vegetables and herbs including a fragrant basil and mint and eggplant amongst many others which the hotel use in their catering. The Manager was able to detail the various processes he uses to further sustainability. There have been lots of other special memories made whilst we’ve been here. Too many to mention. I will be sad to leave this island paradise and look forward to coming back again. Read less