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.

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 (7003)
  • Very good (1160)
  • Average (297)
  • Poor (111)
  • Terrible (87)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Our Unforgettable Honeymoon at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Jan 23, 2026 Jenny W

Not sure where to even start, as our stay at Cinnamon Dhonveli was absolutely incredible! My husband and I stayed from 21st November for 10 days for our honeymoon, and we honestly could have stayed forever. The hotel, the staff, the food, and the experiences we had were all exceptional — we left with so many wonderful memories. From the moment we… Read more
Not sure where to even start, as our stay at Cinnamon Dhonveli was absolutely incredible! My husband and I stayed from 21st November for 10 days for our honeymoon, and we honestly could have stayed forever. The hotel, the staff, the food, and the experiences we had were all exceptional — we left with so many wonderful memories. From the moment we arrived, we felt completely welcomed. Ushaam checked us in and made our honeymoon extra special with an amazing deal and upgrade, setting the tone for an unforgettable stay. Nafu and Nasa were so warm and friendly — they truly felt like my own sisters, and their humour and care added so much joy to our days. Dining was a real highlight. Keshala brightened every meal with her wonderful laugh and smile, and her smoothies and salads were incredible. Saha and Khair were fantastic chefs, always welcoming and happy to prepare what we wanted, ensuring generous portions every time. Even when we weren’t served directly by Srimanti, she always greeted us warmly and checked how we were doing, and it was lovely to see her brilliant rapport with families and children. Ahmed became our own waiter each day, always attentive, kind, and thoughtful, making every meal feel special. The various bar staff were fantastic, always ensuring we were looked after. One in particular in the restaurant stood out for being very friendly and making sure our drinks were perfected every time. The General Manager was also frequently visible and extremely approachable, which added a welcoming touch throughout our stay. The hotel staff genuinely felt like family, and they made our stay so memorable. They work extremely hard and they deserve the recognition. There’s a reason why we share names as you’ll know when you visit! We would love to see them all again one day — I feel they would remember us and welcome us openly if we do! The hotel itself is stunning! The sea is breathtaking and incredibly clear, the rooms are astonishing, and every detail was thoughtful. Starting our stay with a refreshing drink and cooling face cloth, and then receiving a thoughtful food bag and gift at checkout, made us feel incredibly welcomed and cared for. We spent 8 days in the Beach Suite and 2 days in the Overwater Villa Suite, both of which were beyond our expectations! Both different but beautiful in their own way, could not pick which is better! The spa staff were equally incredible. I couldn’t remember all their names, but one in particular was very friendly and took the time to speak to us. After our massages, we felt brand new, completely refreshed, and relaxed. It was also so lovely to learn a bit of their dancing and see the culture they bring to the experience. The food at the hotel was amazing, especially the Indian and Maldivian dishes — we already miss the curries! The sands were always pristine, and we loved how eco-conscious the hotel is, and the steps they are taking to protect the planet and their island. From start to finish, Cinnamon Dhonveli provided an unforgettable honeymoon experience, and every single staff member we encountered added warmth, joy, and care to our stay. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts — we can’t wait to return one day! Warm regards, Jenny & Matt Newbold Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating People make this island resort a must go

Jan 19, 2026 sachin m Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The island resort was truely beautiful and relaxing, we went with our 2 year old daugther and it was a kids safe heaven. Once you reach the island through the speed boat you are welcomed by a team of staff who give you welcome drinks and give breif about the island, then we are taken to our room and explained about our package we opted for. We… Read more
The island resort was truely beautiful and relaxing, we went with our 2 year old daugther and it was a kids safe heaven. Once you reach the island through the speed boat you are welcomed by a team of staff who give you welcome drinks and give breif about the island, then we are taken to our room and explained about our package we opted for. We had choosen an all inclusive package including drinks and food. Which is the best choice one can make, food was excellent with wide variety of options and they chnage the menu every meal. One drawback is they rrstrict to one restaurent as per your location of stay in island even though the food in all remains the same. As a gold member of GHA app i got 4 extrutions, which included a complimentaory 30 min back massage, an island trip, snorkeling and a beach side dinner. The spa was excellent and the staff very good, the massage was good as well, the setup for beach dinner was also fabualous with three course meal, the local island tour was a bit let down as there was not much to look at and only a souveniour shop where the prices were over board. The kids play area is big and many things for the kids to play with. Activities in the evnings were also good and up to mark for the prices we paid for. The best part is the staff in the restaurents that are the highlight. You cannot say less about them. Only drawback is the wait time for the boat when you arive at the airport, also the staff do not know exact time when the boat is arriving, no seating area dedicated to the hotel in the boat kiosk. Overall a must visit resort for the beautiful beaches, people and the food. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Maldivian paradise on earth, with excellent cuisine and a wide range of activities.

Jan 18, 2026 Monika I

The location of this resort is a paradise for surfers on one side, while on the other side it offers vacationers relaxation on a beautiful white sandy beach. Our room was mezonet. So it was perfeft and daily clean. We had an all-inclusive package, which was definitely a great choice and well worth the price. If you enjoy peace and quiet while… Read more
The location of this resort is a paradise for surfers on one side, while on the other side it offers vacationers relaxation on a beautiful white sandy beach. Our room was mezonet. So it was perfeft and daily clean. We had an all-inclusive package, which was definitely a great choice and well worth the price. If you enjoy peace and quiet while sleeping, we recommend choosing a beach villa rather than one by the open ocean, as the ocean can be noisy at night due to the waves. It didn’t bother us at all — in fact, we really enjoyed the sound. The food is excellent, and the resort offers a wide selection of restaurants and bars, a large children’s area with playground equipment, two swimming pools, a tennis court, table tennis, a volleyball court, a badminton court, as well as water sports and excursions. From the very beginning, you are welcomed by the amazing and incredibly helpful Ren, who truly turns your stay into a real holiday. At the beach bar, Sungaya takes care of you with a smile and mixes the best drinks! The cuisine is varied and outstanding. The only downside is the lack of sun loungers on the main beach, which may lead to disappointment in the morning unless you wake up early. Otherwise, everything was absolutely perfect! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Thanks Cinnemon staff and management 😃

Jan 18, 2026 FarAway21880027489

We travelled in 2nd week of January 2026. And it was very pleasant and memorable trip for my complete family. Everything starting from transfers, food, location and facilities were well planned and served. Only suggestion would be to make all items in mini bar free if guests have taken all inclusive package.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Luxury resort just like the magazines. Very good service too. Non air-conditioned restaurants main drawback

Jan 17, 2026 neiljsydney Coffs Harbour, Australia

All you would expect from a luxury overwater resort, except food was hard to enjoy as none of the restaurants are air-conditioned, so it is humid and somewhat enclosed, so it makes you want to leave the restaurant area and not eat any of the hot food. Otherwise very happy with the resort. We had two overwater bungalows but Beach bungalows are… Read more
All you would expect from a luxury overwater resort, except food was hard to enjoy as none of the restaurants are air-conditioned, so it is humid and somewhat enclosed, so it makes you want to leave the restaurant area and not eat any of the hot food. Otherwise very happy with the resort. We had two overwater bungalows but Beach bungalows are probably much better value. Read less