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 (7028)
  • Very good (1160)
  • Average (297)
  • Poor (112)
  • Terrible (87)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Third visit and still just as amazing

Feb 2, 2026 hannahY1513OE Wellingborough, United Kingdom

We stayed for 8 nights in January - returning for our third visit in an overwater suite. It was the most relaxing week and the staff could not have been more kind and helpful. Special thank you to Khair for making the most amazing crepes for breakfast every day of our holiday.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Paradise on an island

Feb 1, 2026 Hetty v

I was here with my husband, and we've had a wonderful time. We've enjoyed the luxury, the tropical environment, and friendlyness of the people. The room and the bed was excellent, the food was delicious. Also thanks to REN, our Island Host during our stay.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating From the moment we arrived for our long awaited honeymoon, we were made to feel so welcome and we knew we were in for an amazing

Feb 1, 2026 Rob D Witham, United Kingdom

Everyone there makes you feel so special. This place feels like paradise. The views from both our rooms were like something out of a movie. Never have we stayed somewhere as beautiful as this. The staff are amazing, so friendly and willing to help. Ren went to every length to make our honeymoon so memorable and can't thank her enough for keeping… Read more
Everyone there makes you feel so special. This place feels like paradise. The views from both our rooms were like something out of a movie. Never have we stayed somewhere as beautiful as this. The staff are amazing, so friendly and willing to help. Ren went to every length to make our honeymoon so memorable and can't thank her enough for keeping us smiling the whole time we were there. The restaurant and bar staff again are so friendly and make you feel so welcome, our waiter Lahoo was brilliant and knew what we wanted before we did. Special mention to our pasta and eggs (breakfast) man Khair, kept us enjoying the food all week and even made us our own honeymoon Special pizza for our own little beer and pizza night, top fella 👌 Plus sandwich man and salad lady, always smiling and joking, lovely to see and great food prepared, thank you. We would love to come back to the Maldives as an anniversary later down the line and this place will be top of our list. Thank you all x Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Four days in paradise

Feb 1, 2026 gennaronatrella Bath, United Kingdom

Wow 😮 what a beautiful resort and had a fantastic stay and fantastic service in all areas. Our waitress Bhada in the dining room what outstanding. The only criticism would be the waiting at the airport on arrival. We were left for an hour and a half unaware of what was happening. We would have been happy to wait if they had explained to us what… Read more
Wow 😮 what a beautiful resort and had a fantastic stay and fantastic service in all areas. Our waitress Bhada in the dining room what outstanding. The only criticism would be the waiting at the airport on arrival. We were left for an hour and a half unaware of what was happening. We would have been happy to wait if they had explained to us what was the plan. But would definitely love to go back. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing place to relax and recharge

Jan 31, 2026 L5934CLlouiseb

Amazing location, friendly staff, lovely rooms. Great resort and spa. Special shout out to chef Bundt in Dalchini restaurant for taking care of my dietary needs and also Shafee who served my meals and was always there with a welcome smile. Thank you Dalchini team.