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.

Please note: Meal plan inclusions are defined by the hotel and are subject to change at any time without notice.

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 (7020)
  • Very good (1160)
  • Average (297)
  • Poor (112)
  • Terrible (87)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Peace & Tranquility

Jan 29, 2026 houghtonhouse Cheshire, United Kingdom

From the moment we were greeted at the airport for our boat transfer, each and every member of staff went above and beyond. Upon arrival we met Ren, an absolute star and kept in touch throughout our stay in person and via WhatsApp. We stayed in a beach bungalow number 420, perfect. Spotless and so inviting. The food and bars are excellent,… Read more
From the moment we were greeted at the airport for our boat transfer, each and every member of staff went above and beyond. Upon arrival we met Ren, an absolute star and kept in touch throughout our stay in person and via WhatsApp. We stayed in a beach bungalow number 420, perfect. Spotless and so inviting. The food and bars are excellent, how can anybody complain about this resort. The entertainment good especially the beach party and the vibe just amazing. We were very fortunate so be then offered 3 nights at their sister hotel Cinnamon Velifushi. 🙏thank you Cinnamon Dhonveli. Special thank you to all the Management, staff but a HUGE shout out to Ren, Sanjee, Kim and Baya for giving us this special experience. Would we return????? ABSOLUTELY ❤️ Would we recommend???? OH YES ❤️ Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing holiday

Jan 29, 2026 Pat J

Amazing 🤩 destination and every part of our experience was faultless. Lasaan our allocated waiter in the dining room was tentative engaging and faultless, as was everyone else on the island . Our beach bungalow was just perfect Fantastic spa facility and we really enjoyed the 1. 1/2 massage 💕 💯 recommend and we will definitely be back .
Image of the Tripadvisor rating “Dream Holiday at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives”

Jan 29, 2026 vannac407 Ljungby, Sweden

Our stay at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives was absolutely perfect! We stayed in a Water Bungalow, and waking up right above the crystal-clear ocean with breathtaking views was simply magical. The weather was perfect throughout our stay, making every moment by the sea unforgettable. The staff went above and beyond, especially for my husband’s birthday.… Read more
Our stay at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives was absolutely perfect! We stayed in a Water Bungalow, and waking up right above the crystal-clear ocean with breathtaking views was simply magical. The weather was perfect throughout our stay, making every moment by the sea unforgettable. The staff went above and beyond, especially for my husband’s birthday. They surprised us with a cake during dinner, singing “Happy Birthday,” and in our room we found a beautiful bottle of red wine, a fruit basket, a card, and even “Happy Birthday” spelled out on the bed with red rose petals and palm leaves. It was truly unexpected and incredibly thoughtful. Every detail at this resort — the service, the hospitality, the stunning surroundings — was perfect. We left with our hearts full and unforgettable memories. Highly recommended! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great experience I loved it

Jan 28, 2026 Brad S

Great resort. Lots of excursions available. Great beach. Staff are nice and very responsive. Overwater Bungalow I stayed in.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful over water suite and excellent food and service

Jan 27, 2026 Jackiebren

We visited Cinnamon Dhonveli after an exhausting escorted tour of Sri Lanka. It was the perfect wind down - beautiful accommodation, beautiful beaches and friendly efficient staff. It was only a 25 minute speedboat ride from the airport. We stopped in a overwater bungalow suite. It was modern, well furnished and allowed us to swim from our deck .… Read more
We visited Cinnamon Dhonveli after an exhausting escorted tour of Sri Lanka. It was the perfect wind down - beautiful accommodation, beautiful beaches and friendly efficient staff. It was only a 25 minute speedboat ride from the airport. We stopped in a overwater bungalow suite. It was modern, well furnished and allowed us to swim from our deck . There was a lot of marine life. Our male housekeeper left our suite 714 immaculately clean each day. The Rehendhi restaurant offered an excellent choice of meals and the staff were very efficient and friendly . Particular praise to Khair on the cooked meat fresh counter and Keshala in the salad room who were always so smiley and friendly . We took advantage of the excellent value unlimited laundry package - and Senanayaka made sure our laundry was collected directly from our bungalow and returned it pristine and folded ready to take home . He was very friendly too. We wish beforehand we had known the currency accepted on the island was dollars - as we would have liked to tip the staff individually - unfortunately we had no dollars and was unable to purchase any on the island. However there was an opportunity to tip staff on the final invoice that was distributed to all staff. Read less