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.

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 (7117)
  • Very good (1172)
  • Average (298)
  • Poor (112)
  • Terrible (87)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A great stay!

Mar 16, 2026 Lois S

We stayed in a water bungalow for our honeymoon, everything about this hotel was perfect, close to airport, gorgeous views and modern rooms, food was lovely. Most importantly I’ve ever met more lovely staff in my life, we had our 11 mont old with us, they go above and beyond to make sure we have everything we need, especially the lovely lady… Read more
We stayed in a water bungalow for our honeymoon, everything about this hotel was perfect, close to airport, gorgeous views and modern rooms, food was lovely. Most importantly I’ve ever met more lovely staff in my life, we had our 11 mont old with us, they go above and beyond to make sure we have everything we need, especially the lovely lady Srimanti, our son adored her because she made so much effort with him, she was always checking in with us to see if we had everything we needed but also just being so lovely and kind to us, our son adored her as do we. We will definitely be back in the future xx Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Paradise in the sun

Mar 14, 2026 Bawbagbaz

The very best holiday experience, it really is heaven from when you get off the speedboat until you leave. Our island hostess Ren literally couldn’t be anymore helpful. The bar, restaurant & all staff on the island make whats already paradise extra special. The beach & snorkelling here are on another level. The food & drink simply fantastic. The… Read more
The very best holiday experience, it really is heaven from when you get off the speedboat until you leave. Our island hostess Ren literally couldn’t be anymore helpful. The bar, restaurant & all staff on the island make whats already paradise extra special. The beach & snorkelling here are on another level. The food & drink simply fantastic. The room (water bungalow number 530) really excellent. I’d happily return here one day, but bye for now 👋😀 Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Once in a lifetime

Mar 12, 2026 Tour40258133627 Plymouth, United Kingdom

Great views,great service,overwater suite is a must if you can as good for swimming,privacy and view. The island is brilliant and had a very good holiday and any problems they do help quickly. On the arrival you get a nice drink and a presentation of the island, what they should include though is DO NOT WALK on the coral in the sea, otherwise it… Read more
Great views,great service,overwater suite is a must if you can as good for swimming,privacy and view. The island is brilliant and had a very good holiday and any problems they do help quickly. On the arrival you get a nice drink and a presentation of the island, what they should include though is DO NOT WALK on the coral in the sea, otherwise it will die and no more fish, as while we were there saw quite a few people walking across it on low tide. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfection!

Mar 12, 2026 Maz F

Absolute paradise! Beautiful beach with stunning turquoise water. Located close enough to Male to be able to just about see the capital from Tex Mex restaurant. Surprisingly quiet considering the distance to the airport. Fairly priced stay. Not cheap, but worth every penny. We stayed at over water suite afew days ago and cannot fault anything.… Read more
Absolute paradise! Beautiful beach with stunning turquoise water. Located close enough to Male to be able to just about see the capital from Tex Mex restaurant. Surprisingly quiet considering the distance to the airport. Fairly priced stay. Not cheap, but worth every penny. We stayed at over water suite afew days ago and cannot fault anything. Staff at Rehendhi Restaurant is second to none - very friendly, helpful and polite. Food was out of this world (especially the desserts 😉). The suite was always cleaned to perfection and fridge well stoked with drinks. We could often see baby sharks and sting rays as well as multitude of other fish through a window in a floor and it was mesmerising. Whole resort was amazing and very well organised. And we are already planning our next stay there. See you soon Cinnamon Dhonveli! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Paradise!

Mar 11, 2026 geoffa2021

Our 2 weeks here were wonderful from the moment we stepped off the speed boat... peaceful, relaxed and we felt surrounded by kindness. Our beach bungalow was spotless, spacious and very comfortable and conveniently located for bars and our restaurant, not that anything is very far! The food was fantastic, with so many different options every day… Read more
Our 2 weeks here were wonderful from the moment we stepped off the speed boat... peaceful, relaxed and we felt surrounded by kindness. Our beach bungalow was spotless, spacious and very comfortable and conveniently located for bars and our restaurant, not that anything is very far! The food was fantastic, with so many different options every day and nothing too much trouble for the amazing staff. A special mention for our waiter, Fattah, who looked after us splendidly, and also Hirani, with her beautiful smile and attention. Also in the restaurant, Sanjaya for his super cooking and Rubel for his friendly welcome each day! It's hard to single people out, as all are super friendly and helpful. In the Sunset bar, Osi looked after us superbly and nothing was too much trouble. Last but not least, the amazing Ren, the glue who holds it all together and makes each guest feel special... such an asset to the resort. This was the first holiday I never wanted to end Thank you everyone at Dhonveli... your 5 star staff make it a very special experience. Read less