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.

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 (6828)
  • Very good (1136)
  • Average (292)
  • Poor (107)
  • Terrible (86)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect honeymoon getaway

Oct 26, 2025 607ayrtons Malta

Great resort with very friendly, warm staff, exceptional cleanliness all around and good food. Staff members such as Sattar were very welcoming and attentive to our needs.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful stay at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Oct 25, 2025 815cristianc Pordenone, Italy

We stayed at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and overall it was a wonderful experience. Our room was spacious, perfectly clean, and equipped with all the necessary amenities, with a very comfortable bed. The only small downside was that, being on the ocean side, we could hear the wind quite strongly, especially at night — not a big issue, but something… Read more
We stayed at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives and overall it was a wonderful experience. Our room was spacious, perfectly clean, and equipped with all the necessary amenities, with a very comfortable bed. The only small downside was that, being on the ocean side, we could hear the wind quite strongly, especially at night — not a big issue, but something to keep in mind if you’re light sleepers. The resort itself is very beautiful and welcoming: from the reception, where everyone is kind and always ready to help, to the bar, where they prepare excellent cocktails, to the restaurant, where guests are well looked after from the moment they arrive until the end of the meal. A special thanks to Bhagya, who made us feel immediately comfortable and well cared for with great attention and friendliness. Overall, a beautiful and well-managed place, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the best of the Maldives together Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect Holiday

Oct 24, 2025 C6564PTwendyh Cairns, Australia

Incredible resort, the staff make it the most relaxing and enjoyable experience. Food was delicious, plentiful and varied. So wonderful to stay somewhere that the pictures under-describe the experience. We are so grateful to the team for making our all-too brief stay so magical and for helping us so much when we missed a day due to the airline.… Read more
Incredible resort, the staff make it the most relaxing and enjoyable experience. Food was delicious, plentiful and varied. So wonderful to stay somewhere that the pictures under-describe the experience. We are so grateful to the team for making our all-too brief stay so magical and for helping us so much when we missed a day due to the airline. Delighted the island is consciously trying to reduce plastic waste so much. Thank you so much - a wonderful team. Can't wait to return Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great New Experience in Maldives

Oct 24, 2025 kuppukrish Bengaluru, India

The stay, food and other services are amazing at this great resort. Will strongly recommend anyone who wants to chills out in a calm, clean and salubrious environment.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Maldives Vacation

Oct 23, 2025 Oliverfen London, United Kingdom

I recently stayed Cinnamon, and it was honestly one of the most relaxing experiences I’ve ever had. The water villa felt like something out of a dream. The staff were warm and genuine, always smiling and ready to help without being over the top. Would go back in a heartbeat.