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 (6940)
  • Very good (1149)
  • Average (293)
  • Poor (110)
  • Terrible (87)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The icing on the cake!

Dec 18, 2025 V M Bicester, United Kingdom

We stayed at Cinnamon Dhonveli following a busy week touring Sri Lanka as part of a Secret Escapes package. We were in need of some rest and relaxation and this resort didn't disappoint. We upgraded to a water bungalow with views across the ocean and although we felt the accomodation was a little tired in places, the location and facilities more… Read more
We stayed at Cinnamon Dhonveli following a busy week touring Sri Lanka as part of a Secret Escapes package. We were in need of some rest and relaxation and this resort didn't disappoint. We upgraded to a water bungalow with views across the ocean and although we felt the accomodation was a little tired in places, the location and facilities more than made up for it. Huge comfortable bed, quality bedding and linen. All kept immaculate by housekeeping. Our own sun deck and access to the sea and abundant sealife. We took advantage of the unlimited laundry, and were taken care of by Senanayake who provided excellent service with a smile . We used the sunset, beach and Surfers bar bar , well looked after by Osi, Kim and Rafiqul and Dalchini restaurants but our favourite was Koimala and the wonderful staff but in particular our wonderful server Lashan, who took great care of us. The food, both quality and variety is exceptional, we particularly liked the salad bar and the option to have your salad freshly prepared by the team. The beach and surroundings were kept immaculate by the sweeping ladies and gardeners and i can honestly say we felt all the team had a sense of pride in their island, the service they provided and genuinely went out of their way to ensure we were taken great care of and had an amazing holiday. We highly recommend Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating food, accommodation in water villa, service - all great. All staff very nice and helpful, I recomend this resort

Dec 18, 2025 tom_mZ8139KE Barcelona, Spain

food, accommodation in water villa, service - all great. All staff very nice and helpful, but I would like to highlight the staff in Raalhu bar - Dileepa and Osi were absolutely amazing. The only disappointment was the bartenders in the Beach bar on the sandy beach
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Maldives expirience also for gay couples.

Dec 18, 2025 Dmitrii C

Gay couples are welcome here. We had Garden Bungalow and Full Board. 2 weeks. Buffet changes every day lot of different dishes for everyone. Staff is very friendly, especially Sattar. We have now a lot of good memories. Thank you for good job!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Absolutely Perfect Hotel made so special but the exceptional staff who go out of their way 100% to make your holiday

Dec 18, 2025 Susan D

Just got home from here , 100% would I go back ! The whole experience from start to finish was incredible. From a faultless arrival by speedboat into a beautiful reception with cocktails and cold towels until your departure, when at 6 am the staff lined up with a banner saying goodbye, I seriously cannot express how wonderful they all are . The… Read more
Just got home from here , 100% would I go back ! The whole experience from start to finish was incredible. From a faultless arrival by speedboat into a beautiful reception with cocktails and cold towels until your departure, when at 6 am the staff lined up with a banner saying goodbye, I seriously cannot express how wonderful they all are . The overwater suite was better than my wildest dreams . The lapping water lulls you off to sleep and the bed is so comfortable.There is a lot of space to relax and chill here and it didn’t really seem that busy . The food was incredible, I’m GF and I have never been looked after better . The wonderful chefs ( Khair) cooked me special things every day, including the best little cupcakes I’ve ever had ! The restaurant is run under the lovely eyes of Srimanti , who is totally brilliant! She is such a great lady ! The waiters are superb too Aiwan was mainly our man and he was also amazing. Also Kesala,and Saha were exceptional. I am quite critical on holidays especially when I’ve paid a lot to go but I really cannot fault anything or anyone here ! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The perfect holiday

Dec 17, 2025 luchet_to29 Colleferro, Italy

We spent 6 nights and 7 days at the resort. The room was really nice, all the facilities were perfect and conveniently located. Activities offered by the resort were interesting and exciting. Every member of the staff was kind and available, but in particular we have to say thank you to Chanda, Zareer and Sagivi. Cinnamon Dhonveli is the place to… Read more
We spent 6 nights and 7 days at the resort. The room was really nice, all the facilities were perfect and conveniently located. Activities offered by the resort were interesting and exciting. Every member of the staff was kind and available, but in particular we have to say thank you to Chanda, Zareer and Sagivi. Cinnamon Dhonveli is the place to be, either you want to relax or you want to experience something more adventurous. Read less