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.

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.

  • Booking Bonus: Book by 28 Feb '26 to receive up to 20% off certain room types between 1 Dec '25 –31 Oct '26. Terms and conditions apply. Any applicable offers have already been calculated into the prices shown. Offers may not be combinable. Blackout dates apply.
  • Booking Bonus: Book by 31 Jan ’26 to enjoy up to 20% off all room categories for travel between 1 Dec ’25–31 Oct ’26, plus complimentary speedboat transfers, with a return transfer included for stays of 7 nights or more and a complimentary one-way transfer for stays of fewer than 7 nights.Terms and conditions apply. Any applicable offers have already been calculated into the prices shown. Offers may not be combinable. Blackout dates apply.

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 (6963)
  • Very good (1152)
  • Average (294)
  • Poor (110)
  • Terrible (87)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Exceptional 🔥

Dec 31, 2025 Devindi T Galle, Sri Lanka

I recently spent my vacation at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, and I can confidently say it was one of the most memorable and enjoyable vacations I have ever had. From the moment we arrived until the day we left, everything was handled with warmth, professionalism, and genuine care. Right from the reception, we received a very warm and friendly… Read more
I recently spent my vacation at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, and I can confidently say it was one of the most memorable and enjoyable vacations I have ever had. From the moment we arrived until the day we left, everything was handled with warmth, professionalism, and genuine care. Right from the reception, we received a very warm and friendly welcome. The reception team was extremely kind, helpful, and well-organized. They explained everything clearly and made sure we were comfortable from the very beginning. Their service truly set the tone for the rest of our stay. The hotel itself is absolutely beautiful, surrounded by breathtaking beach views and a calm, peaceful atmosphere. The natural beauty of the island is stunning, and every corner of the hotel is well maintained. There are many facilities available such as exciting water sports, a relaxing Ayurvedic spa, small shops, and a gym, making the stay enjoyable and complete for guests of all ages. One of the highlights of our vacation was the water sports experience. Special appreciation goes to King and Thippe from the Dive & Sail team. We had our first-ever diving experience at Dhonveli, and they took exceptional care of us. They explained every step patiently, ensured our safety at all times, and made us feel confident and relaxed underwater. Because of them, our first diving experience became truly unforgettable.
In addition to diving, we also enjoyed snorkeling, jet skiing, and dolphin watching. The entire Dive & Sail team is very friendly, professional, and responsible. A big thank you and great job to King Uncle and Thippe Uncle for making these experiences so special. Our dining experience was another highlight of our stay. We dined at both Rehendi and Koimala restaurants, and Rehendi became my personal favorite. The food quality, variety, and service were excellent throughout our stay. At Rehendi restaurant, the staff treated us with genuine care and friendliness. Leem, Suleiman Uncle, and Kesala always looked after our needs and made sure everything was perfectly arranged. A very special mention goes to Restaurant Manager Shrimathi Aunty, who is an incredibly kind, hardworking, and dedicated staff member. She regularly came to our table to check on us and ensured we had everything we needed, always with a warm smile. We were also continuously looked after by Shaha and Kahir until the end of our vacation. I highly recommend Shaha’s rice and submarine, which were extremely tasty and well prepared. Kahir’s pizza, spaghetti, pasta, waffles, and omelets were also delicious and consistently well made. The friendly interactions and excellent service from the Rehendi team made every meal a pleasant and memorable experience. I highly recommend Rehendi restaurant and its amazing staff. Finally, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to General Manager Mr. Marlon, Mr. Prabath, Mr. Kasun, Mr. Amila, and Mr. Saranga for their valuable consideration, leadership, and support during our stay. Their dedication to guest satisfaction truly reflects in the service provided by the entire team. Overall, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives exceeded all our expectations. The hospitality, service, food, activities, and natural beauty were exceptional. This resort is perfect for anyone looking for relaxation, adventure, and heartfelt hospitality. I truly hope to visit again in the future. Thank you to the entire Cinnamon Dhonveli team for making our vacation unforgettable. ❤️ Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The best place to relax and recover from winter

Dec 31, 2025 Nazlı S Berlin, Germany

We had a great stay at this hotel in Maldives! It was extremely easy to commute from Malé Airport—only a 20-minute ferry ride, which made arrival and departure very smooth. We stayed in the water bungalows for four nights during the Christmas period, and it truly felt too short — it’s definitely worth staying longer. The staff were exceptionally… Read more
We had a great stay at this hotel in Maldives! It was extremely easy to commute from Malé Airport—only a 20-minute ferry ride, which made arrival and departure very smooth. We stayed in the water bungalows for four nights during the Christmas period, and it truly felt too short — it’s definitely worth staying longer. The staff were exceptionally helpful throughout our stay, especially Ren at the front desk, who went out of his way to assist us with all our questions and requests. Overall, a very comfortable and convenient experience and I would recommend everyone. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 2 weeks in paradise

Dec 31, 2025 gixerman2025 Douglas, United Kingdom

Fantastic with the resort going above and beyond over the Xmas period. A special shout out to Dileepa, Osi from the Railhu bar and Zareer from the restaurant for their service and attention to details
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The best place to relax and recover

Dec 31, 2025 Anna B

I spent at resort wonderful week. Staff was very polite and helpful. There was variety of food at the buffet. I enjoyed water activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving. Room was quite clean.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Honeymoon getaway

Dec 30, 2025 Meander41232013142

We stayed at Cinnamon Dhonveli for a week and overall had a lovely experience, with some areas that could definitely be improved. The staff were fantastic — you genuinely couldn’t pass a single staff member without being greeted, which made the resort feel very warm and welcoming. Housekeeping was also excellent and kept everything spotless… Read more
We stayed at Cinnamon Dhonveli for a week and overall had a lovely experience, with some areas that could definitely be improved. The staff were fantastic — you genuinely couldn’t pass a single staff member without being greeted, which made the resort feel very warm and welcoming. Housekeeping was also excellent and kept everything spotless throughout our stay. Our water bungalow was absolutely stunning, like something out of a movie. The food was good with no complaints. We especially enjoyed the chef stations where meals like pasta were made fresh to your liking, which was a great touch. One of the highlights for me was seeing baby sharks everywhere — living the dream with them swimming just inches away in shallow water! However, entertainment was very limited and poorly advertised. It was often hard to know what was going on or when, which was a shame. The beach could also do with some attention; scraping away old dirt and dried, broken sandbags would really improve the look. The gift shop prices were extremely high — for example, beach shoes costing around £30 that you could buy elsewhere for about £4. It felt unfair given you’re essentially stuck on the island. Water activities were limited compared to other resorts we’ve seen. Shark sightseeing was priced at £150 per person, and you only get around 20 minutes in the water, which didn’t feel like good value. The surroundings on the walk to our water bungalow felt neglected and could be made so much more beautiful with simple additions like fairy lights or planters. On arrival, the rules and regulations talk was very long. A leaflet or welcome guide with all the information would be much better, as it was difficult to take everything in when you’re eager to start your holiday. Overall, Cinnamon Dhonveli has amazing staff, beautiful accommodation, and memorable moments, but with better upkeep, clearer communication, fairer pricing, and more activities, it could be truly exceptional Read less