Unforgettable!
Dec 25, 2025 jserafi Hitchin, United Kingdom
I don’t even know where to start with Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives. It’s one of those places that’s really hard to put into words properly, but I’ll try. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like coming home, even though you’ve never been there before, to people you didn’t even know you needed in your life.
This was our first time…
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I don’t even know where to start with Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives. It’s one of those places that’s really hard to put into words properly, but I’ll try. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like coming home, even though you’ve never been there before, to people you didn’t even know you needed in your life.
This was our first time visiting. I’m British, my husband is Polish, and even though we live in Canada now, not one extra mile of travelling would ever stop us from going back here again. From the moment we arrived we felt so welcomed, and I don’t just mean politely welcomed, but genuinely, like people were actually happy we were there. And somehow every single day after that just kept getting better.
The resort itself is honestly stunning. It’s not too big and not too small, just right, so it never feels crowded or overwhelming. You can walk around slowly, take your time, and it all just feels calm and peaceful. Everywhere you turn there’s something beautiful to look at. We decided to upgrade to an overwater suite and wow… I’m so glad we did. Waking up to the ocean, stepping straight into the sea from our deck, having access to the quieter pool and a seperate restaurant, it just made everything feel extra special. If you’re even thinking about it, do it.
But what really makes this place what it is, is the people. 100%.
The staff don’t just do their jobs, they actually care. Over the days you stop feeling like a guest and start feeling like you belong there, which sounds silly but it’s true. Suraj, Ahmed and Akila in the bar and restaurant looked after us every single day and always with the biggest smiles. They remembered us, remembered what we liked, and just made us feel so comfortable. Srimanti, the restaurant manager, is someone I’ll never forget. Her warmth, humour and kindness honestly touched my heart. On days when I wasn’t feeling great, she noticed straight away and looked after me like a mum would, checking in on me, giving advice, making sure I was ok. That meant more than she probably realises.
Khair made the best scrambled eggs I’ve ever had in my life and the freshest pasta at lunch and dinner, all from the open kitchen. Every time with a big smile and a friendly fist bump that somehow felt really genuine. Keshla’s energy is just infectious, her smile and laugh made us smile every day while she made fresh salads in front of us. And then there’s Sattar… honestly, where do I even start. Every day he surprised us with the most beautiful hand-made flower garlands, bouquets and floral displays on our pool beds. It was so thoughtful and special. Plus his style is unmatched, the coolest sunglasses and shoes on the whole island without a doubt.
We’ve travelled a lot and stayed in some amazing hotels over the years, but we have never experienced hospitality like this before. Ever. When people say they don’t want to leave somewhere, this is exactly what they mean. Leaving was emotional, and yes, we both cried.
This place is beautiful, of course it is, but what really stays with you is how the people make you feel. That’s what makes it special.
Thank you for memories we will carry with us for the rest of our lives, stories we’ll tell over and over again, and a place that will always feel like home to us.
I know, without any doubt, that one day we will come back to this very special place.
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