Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Star rating

Superior Room Ocean View
Superior Room Ocean View
Beach Bungalow
Beach Bungalow
Beach Bungalow
Water Bungalow
Junior Beach Suite
Beach Suite with pool
Beach Suite with pool
Beach Suite with pool
Junior Beach Suite
Over Water Suite
Over Water Suite
Over Water Suite
Private Pool for Over Water Suite guests
Beach Bar
Welcome lounge
Koimala Restaurant
Raiyvilla Bar
Raiyvilla Bar
Romantic dining on the beach
Superior Room Ocean View
Superior Room Ocean View
Beach Bungalow
Beach Bungalow
Beach Bungalow
Water Bungalow
Junior Beach Suite
Beach Suite with pool
Beach Suite with pool
Beach Suite with pool
Junior Beach Suite
Over Water Suite
Over Water Suite
Over Water Suite
Private Pool for Over Water Suite guests
Beach Bar
Welcome lounge
Koimala Restaurant
Raiyvilla Bar
Raiyvilla Bar
Romantic dining on the beach

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 (7092)
  • Very good (1168)
  • Average (298)
  • Poor (112)
  • Terrible (87)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Paradise

Feb 27, 2026 Elaine E Sheffield, United Kingdom

From the minute you hear the gong on arrival to the goodbye sign when you leave you will be looked after. Check in was easy and your bags are taken to your room. We found ourselves walking round just saying Wow! The crystal clear waters took our breath away. Our room was number 532 a water bungalow and was immaculate. It was a little tired in… Read more
From the minute you hear the gong on arrival to the goodbye sign when you leave you will be looked after. Check in was easy and your bags are taken to your room. We found ourselves walking round just saying Wow! The crystal clear waters took our breath away. Our room was number 532 a water bungalow and was immaculate. It was a little tired in places but still had the wow factor. We ate in the Rayyan restaurant where the manager Srimanti runs a tight ship. She was very knowledgeable about different dishes that were available and nothing it too much from her and her team. They are so friendly and polite. Thank you Srimanti to you and your team for making my 60th birthday so special with a Lobster dinner on the beach. Truly amazing! Must recommend snorkeling with turtles but check the prices with the hotel and the dive centre. Snorkeling from the beach is amazing but take water shoes. Be careful in the sun and take factor 50. It's needed. We spent our evenings in the bar next to our restaurant watching the fruit bats fly in and the herons fishing. The staff as are all on the island amazingly friendly. The spa is one not to miss. With the whole holiday just sit back and relax. Would we go again ....absolutely. This is worth every penny! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful Resort

Feb 26, 2026 Rose E

Cinnamon Dhonveli is a beautiful resort.This was our second visit, and we are already planning to return again next year. The facilities,accommodation and food are all of an excellent standard,and the resort consistently delivers a wonderful experience. The staff go out of their way to ensure everything is perfect and nothing is ever too much… Read more
Cinnamon Dhonveli is a beautiful resort.This was our second visit, and we are already planning to return again next year. The facilities,accommodation and food are all of an excellent standard,and the resort consistently delivers a wonderful experience. The staff go out of their way to ensure everything is perfect and nothing is ever too much trouble. My husband uses a wheelchair,and the extra care the staff and our Island host, Ren took to make everything easy and comfortable for him was truly appreciated. Their kindness made a meaningful difference to our stay. We highly recommend Cinnamon Dhonveli and look forward to visiting again Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing holiday, trip of a lifetime!

Feb 25, 2026 Chloe C

Upon arriving at the Cinnamon we initially felt a little underwhelmed. As our 9 night stay went on our opinions drastically changed and we are just back from the trip of a lifetime! From the rooms, to the staff the whole island was just perfect. Staff was super friendly and helpful throughout the resort, but especially the guys in the Raalhu Bar… Read more
Upon arriving at the Cinnamon we initially felt a little underwhelmed. As our 9 night stay went on our opinions drastically changed and we are just back from the trip of a lifetime! From the rooms, to the staff the whole island was just perfect. Staff was super friendly and helpful throughout the resort, but especially the guys in the Raalhu Bar we were never with an empty drink and they were so friendly and took an interest in chatting with the guests. Special thanks to Dilpeea. In the restaurant the food was fab with multiple choices to suit all each day, with consistently delicious eggs, omelettes and pasta from Chef Debi and we had great service in the restaurant from Shaffan. The island itself had lots of activities but at the same time was perfect for chilling and snorkelling the beach. Another great asset to the island is the dive centre, we had some brilliant dive trips with them throughout our stay, thank you to Richard from Dive & Sail. The hotel arranged a wonderful event on the beach to celebrate Valentine’s Day, very romantic and a lovely atmosphere. The surf and turf BBQ was delicious with the option for you to pick exactly what meat you would like to be cooked in front of you by the chefs on the beach. Served alongside wonderful sides and an amazing beef wellington! From the start to the end of the trip nothing was to much trouble. We would be back to the resort in a heartbeat and would highly recommend this to all our friends. We cannot wait to return soon! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful Stay

Feb 25, 2026 shejutih2022

We had a lovely stay at Cinnamon Dhonveli, staff were incredibly attentive, and the excursions were carried out really well. The restaurants offer good quality food, with lots of options. The menu changed every day during our stay, and the seafood is caught fresh. They really created an atmosphere for us, with 2 free yoga lessons every day.… Read more
We had a lovely stay at Cinnamon Dhonveli, staff were incredibly attentive, and the excursions were carried out really well. The restaurants offer good quality food, with lots of options. The menu changed every day during our stay, and the seafood is caught fresh. They really created an atmosphere for us, with 2 free yoga lessons every day. live music every evening, pop up exihbits etc. There's something for everyone. Crystal clear waters on the beach, and you can see lots of sealife if you snorkel, without having to go too far from the shore. We saw a ray! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 40th Anniversary never to forget

Feb 24, 2026 N2564IGsteves Burntwood, United Kingdom

Where do I start, from the first Gong to start the holiday on arrival to sadly the last gong when we left this was an unforgettable time. The speedboat transfer was a great experience from Male, and we were then greeted by Nasa who was so kind and checked us in very quickly after a free refreshment of a beer and cold towel. We booked a Beach… Read more
Where do I start, from the first Gong to start the holiday on arrival to sadly the last gong when we left this was an unforgettable time. The speedboat transfer was a great experience from Male, and we were then greeted by Nasa who was so kind and checked us in very quickly after a free refreshment of a beer and cold towel. We booked a Beach Bungalow (room 416) highly recommend it, walking straight out on to the beach was like paradise. The Lagoon was crystal clear waters with regular daily visits from baby Reef Sharks and as we called it the resident Sting Ray. As we were here to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary the staff were friendly and certainly made us welcome, with the bed decoration and the highlight of being upgraded to an overwater suite bungalow courtesy or the lovely Ren who was so kind. Romantic dinner on the beach was special. We would like to make a big mention to several staff that really made our celebration special and joined in with our celebration. Reception Ren & Nasa – very friendly and accommodating Beach Bar – Rafiqul - made tasty cocktails Spa – Fani & Ayu – such a relaxing massage thankyou Sunset Bar – Osi – now nicknamed Osi Ozbourne 😀 Koimala Restaurant – Lasaan & Ismail who looked after us at the Koimala Restaurant Rehendhi Lounge - Finally but not least Ahmed the waiter who served us every day, Saha and Khair who made the best Fried rice and seafood Carbonara. Dilshan and Suraj who served us up some great cocktails and spent many an evening having a laugh. Finally, Bhagya who ensured everything met our expectation and ensured we had everything we wanted. Time is needed to mention the staff by name as they all did their best to make the stay special, please pass this review onto each of the staff. Well after this exceptional holiday the time came for the final Gong, we knew we had made friends for life and brought a tear to mine and my wife’s eyes. Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is a special and a must go to place. Thank you to all the wonderful staff at the Cinnamon Dhonveli for a fabulous holiday and anniversary - you really are wonderful warm and caring people, We will be looking to come back April 2027 for my 60th Birthday for more special moments. Highly recommend Cinnamon Dhonveli Read less