Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Star rating

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 (6715)
  • Very good (1126)
  • Average (290)
  • Poor (105)
  • Terrible (84)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Maldivian paradise

Aug 16, 2025 Pablo P

Our stay at Cinnamon Dhonveli, this stunning Maldivian paradise, was truly unforgettable. We stayed in the water suites, which offered breathtaking views, direct access to the turquoise lagoon, and the perfect mix of luxury and tranquility. The service was absolutely outstanding—every member of the staff, especially the wonderful REN, made us feel… Read more
Our stay at Cinnamon Dhonveli, this stunning Maldivian paradise, was truly unforgettable. We stayed in the water suites, which offered breathtaking views, direct access to the turquoise lagoon, and the perfect mix of luxury and tranquility. The service was absolutely outstanding—every member of the staff, especially the wonderful REN, made us feel cared for with warmth and professionalism. From the pristine beaches to the crystal-clear waters and the world-class dining, everything exceeded our expectations. It was the perfect family getaway, and without a doubt, we will be returning to this slice of heaven. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fantastic destination with fantastic people

Aug 15, 2025 Greg M

Fantastic holiday destination with fantastic staff ,food,surf everything you would ask for a holiday ,great experience with a paradise location
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Incredible Stay – Food, Island, and Service!

Aug 15, 2025 Nuwan W

We had an amazing stay on this beautiful island. The scenery was breathtaking, the food was absolutely delicious, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our visit. Everything from check-in to check-out was smooth and relaxing. The only minor downside was the internet speed, which was a bit slower than expected. While it… Read more
We had an amazing stay on this beautiful island. The scenery was breathtaking, the food was absolutely delicious, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our visit. Everything from check-in to check-out was smooth and relaxing. The only minor downside was the internet speed, which was a bit slower than expected. While it didn’t affect our overall experience, it’s something to be aware of if you need reliable connectivity. Overall, a wonderful and memorable getaway—we’d definitely love to return! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A wonderful experience

Aug 15, 2025 Giancarlo M

Our experience at the Cinnamon Dhonveli Resort has been simply amazing. This is not the first time we came to Maldives, and in terms of attention to the customer and care this level was unmatched. Some of the collaborators who made our experience unforgettable were Khair and Irut working at the restaurant grill, Kessela doing the juices and… Read more
Our experience at the Cinnamon Dhonveli Resort has been simply amazing. This is not the first time we came to Maldives, and in terms of attention to the customer and care this level was unmatched. Some of the collaborators who made our experience unforgettable were Khair and Irut working at the restaurant grill, Kessela doing the juices and salads, nashooz and suleman who have been our attentive waiters, and our exceptional Island Host Ren. They all made a great job making us feel really at home. Cinnamon Dhonveli is a perfect place to spend a week in a real paradise Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A wonderful holiday.

Aug 14, 2025 Anna S

What a fantastic holiday! Wonderfully clean and well maintained resort. When we arrived we were greeted with a cool drink and taken to our overwater villa and the views were spectacular. The staff were so friendly and enjoyed a chat. We were greeted at each meal by Srimanti who always asked how our day was going. The staff in the restaurant were… Read more
What a fantastic holiday! Wonderfully clean and well maintained resort. When we arrived we were greeted with a cool drink and taken to our overwater villa and the views were spectacular. The staff were so friendly and enjoyed a chat. We were greeted at each meal by Srimanti who always asked how our day was going. The staff in the restaurant were wonderful and the food they prepared was second to none. Some of the best food I have ever eaten! The chef, Khair, always greeted my children with fist bumps and talked about the food he had and what he could make for them. Chef Keshala was fabulous. She was full and smiles and laughter. She made some of the most delicious salads I have ever had. She showed me and my daughter fruits were never tried and how to prepare them. The staff really make this resort so wonderful. The swimming conditions were glorious and the snorkelling was great fun. Next time we will try some of the watersports! Thank you to Cinnamon Dhonveli for a hugely memorable and fantastic holiday. Read less