Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

We arrived at the airport and were met by the Cinnamon Boat rep who tagged our bags and told us where the transfer desk was and to go and report there to be ferried to the island....ok, no problems...ah, no-one at the desk to speak to, no sign of anyone and no aircon so absolutely melting....After about 10 minutes a gent appeared and led us to the "waiting area" which was actually just the middle of the food court where we were told to wait until other guests had managed to make it to the same area...come on Cinnamon, you can do better than that surely? 45 minutes later we were escorted to the boat and set off for the 25 minute speedboat ride to the island, we'd been before and this certainly lightens the mood as it's a fun and quick. We arrived at about 11.45am and were led to the large reception area and were given a cold towel and either beer or cordial drink whilst waiting. Ren then came (an absolute superstar and more later) and assumed none of the guests had been before. When we raised our hand and stated we HAD been previously she arranged to see us at reception later. We went for lunch and soon found out that Lateef, our waiter was the same one who'd served us back in 2020! We like the new way the tables are assigned to you for the duration of your stay at the Rehendi restaurant as this just made it easy for meals. We'd asked for as high a number in the overwater suites as possible and Ren obliged by giving us room 722 (The Sunset Suite) which was brilliant as we could watch the sun go down every evening before dinner and were in and settled by 2pm. The room is still as we remembered, a bit more dated but still clean, well presented with plenty of towels, and all toiletries you could wish for including toothbrushes, shaving kit, loofah, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner and a hairdryer. We made the mistake last time of hardly using the infinity pool and made up for it this time. Sattar is brilliant keeping the pool clean, setting out the towels and making floral arrangements and garlands to brighten your day. The infinity pool and bar were, surprisingly, quiet as most people seemed to use the beach. The pool bar team including Saraj were always friendly and always keen to serve. The restaurant staff ran by Suilemain (It's a pity he's retiring) are a credit with plenty of great food and lots to choose from. Special mention to Khair who always made my eggs benedict in the morning, his pasta is to die for and was always happy and smiling and greeted you with a hello and a fist bump. Keshala in the salad room, always happy to make your salad however you want and even went out of her way to get my wife a banana smoothie one morning when there weren't any. Lateef, so attentive and knew what you wanted without asking for drinks! The food was varied, plenty of choice and the cooking stations were actually great with staff eager to please and eager for feedback. Hassan who cleaned our room was very thorough and always keen to know if we needed anything at all.. All the staff are like a community and are all so polite and engaging from the women who sweep the leaves to the maintenance guys who fixed the toilet and the army of workers behind the scene whom, whenever you said hello, would always respond and be upbeat. Take advantage of the "Unlimited Laundry" service as it's fantastic and Senanayaka would bring it back clean, pressed and neatly folded with a smile every time...we came back after 10 days with virtually no dirty laundry at all! The spa ladies are great and we had 2 massages each during our say and have to say they are fantastic! Book early and take advantage of the 20% discount for new arrivals! The gym is well equipped and my wife used it every morning (she's in training for an Ultra Marathon)! Now to the star of the whole holiday. What can we say about Ren? When we arrived and checked in she took our mobile number and communication is (now) done by "Whatsapp". Need laundry uplifted, send a message. Thank her for the birthday celebrations and cake, nothing was an issue for this lady and it made such a difference. Any issues (not that we had any) and she'd resolve them with a smile...an absolute credit to Cinnamon! We had a steak dinner which was really great and, at the end we received a gift from the resort which was lovely and we were very touched as we weren't expecting anything just for returning to such a great place. As returning guests they're keen to know what differences and improvements could be made....we wracked our brains and basically couldn't fault the whole holiday (Perhaps get the bar staff at the infinity pool to come round and ask if you wanted another drink?). The staff are a credit to the resort and work so hard to make your stay memorable. All inclusive was fine for us as we couldn't justify the extra cost for better brands of drinks and weren't too fussed as to the excursions...Premium All Inclusive might well suit others. Our transfer leaving wasn't until 8pm and we were allowed breakfast and lunch before our AI finished at 2.30pm (No option to keep the room on). However there are a couple of air conditioned lounges with showers, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, towels and hairdryers and even lockers to leave your hand luggage in whilst you can still sunbathe and swim for the afternoon. We were given a pair of lovely water bottles from Cinnamon with our names on when leaving and we were very touched by this small gift....We'll be bringing them back next visit. We're aiming to come back at the beginning of next year (January/February) and really can't wait to see familiar faces once again. One small point is that you can't actually "purchase" any dollars on the island so if going, take them (or chocolate bars) for tipping the staff! Tips when going: - 1. Use the laundry service 2. Take water shoes 3. Take your own mask/snorkels 4. Don't take too many toiletries, all are provided (apart from toothpaste) 5. Use the Spa! 6. If in the OWS then higher numbers for sun in afternoon and sunsets, lower numbers for sunrise and sun during the day. 7. The gym is well equipped. Read less

A magical experience from beginning to end. Only half an hour from the airport on a speedboat transfer. Our hosts were waiting to welcome us on arrival with a cool towel, drink and starting information. We were then taken to our villa over the water in a buggy where are luggage awaited. A spacious, spotless and stunning suite. Wonderful views over the ocean from each room and every little comfort. Thank you to everyone in the Rehendi restaurant, bar and pool. A great choice of fresh food plus breakfast, pasta and delicious stir fry cooked to order. Our waiter looked after us really well, coming to help us as soon as we arrived. During our stay we enjoyed massages, a trip to see dolphins and snorkelling with turtles over the reefs. We also has a delicious beachside meal. Fellow guests were really friendly. All in all this holiday exceeded all expectations and we would love to go back. Thank you everyone! Mark and Ruth xx Read less

-Location, house keeping, restaurants, staff are at top level, sunset at sunset bar is unforgettable -On the other hand lagoon isn't at expected level, many fishes but poor vegetation and no more coral -Also one issue regarding "out of the lagoon" snorkelling trips proposed by both the hotel and the diving center (independant), because of lack of communication regarding these two ways to book a snorkeling trip, I missed the turtle snorkeling I was dreaming about! Read less

From arriving at Valena Intl. to departing from same airport we were taken care of at the best possible way. We were met by a representative upon arriving and guided to the speedboat terminal. after a short wait we was transported to "Paradise". Good information upon arrival and only friendly and smiley faces from staff, both on and off duty. Fantastic experience through the entire stay. No problems, no complains, only sorry to leave. Hope we will get the opportunity to return some day. Read less