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.

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 (6857)
  • Very good (1137)
  • Average (293)
  • Poor (107)
  • Terrible (86)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fantastic Holiday At Thos Resort.

Nov 8, 2025 Michaela G

Fantastic hotel. Not too big so felt a little more relaxed but still with plenty going on for entertainment across the various bars if you want it. Staff were all really engaging and friendly and couldn’t do enough for you. Special thanks go to Srimanti and Ahmed at our restaurant who were both lovely and pretty much had our drinks waiting for us… Read more
Fantastic hotel. Not too big so felt a little more relaxed but still with plenty going on for entertainment across the various bars if you want it. Staff were all really engaging and friendly and couldn’t do enough for you. Special thanks go to Srimanti and Ahmed at our restaurant who were both lovely and pretty much had our drinks waiting for us at the table before we were even sat down as they just knew what we liked but also had the time to chat with us regularly Also-special mention to the salad lady whose was always smiling and chirpy. We had an overwater suite which was beautiful and spotlessly cleaned daily and the resort was kept tidy daily by the sweeping ladies as we liked to call them that kept the pathways clear of sand and leaves. Also it was lovely chatting to the hotel manager who gave us a good insight into what the hotel is trying to do environmentally but was also really helpful when we had a problem with an incorrect charge whilst paying our final bill. The real star of the show was undoubtedly the island itself which was beautiful and the crystal clear waters absolutely teaming with fish , harmless reef sharks and rays a real delight for snorkelling enthusiasts. I would definitely recommend this hotel and island. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Average hotel

Nov 8, 2025 Tania S

Kind of average hotel. If you book all inclusive package, be prepared that you will only have choice of buffet, no a la cart restaurants are included in the package. Not a large choice of drinks as well, a bit of cocktails, cheap house white and red wine from the carton, no sparkling wine. Minibar also has restrictions, is it even all inclusive… Read more
Kind of average hotel. If you book all inclusive package, be prepared that you will only have choice of buffet, no a la cart restaurants are included in the package. Not a large choice of drinks as well, a bit of cocktails, cheap house white and red wine from the carton, no sparkling wine. Minibar also has restrictions, is it even all inclusive package that we paid for? When you walk around hotel you can find plastic bottles in the water. Our water villa has non working lights on the terrace. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderfull vacation

Nov 8, 2025 Passenger01280650269

It's always wonderful to come back here. The location speaks for itself; it's simply idyllic. But the best thing is the staff. The warm welcome they always give is incredible. Whether it's Ren, Srimanti, Anbarasan, Chanda, Lasaan, Ester, Nausheen or Rafiqul, the list could go on and on. They're all like family. We love them all. Thank you.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating honeymoon

Nov 7, 2025 Baba K

Sattar is very friendly, kind and grateful . He’s a professional photographer The food is excellent Room is great Service is too good. Place is like a dream reality.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Don't go if you don't want post holiday blues!

Nov 6, 2025 McHamster62 Huddersfield, United Kingdom

Well, the experience of a lifetime. What a place to visit, then return home with the worst post holiday blues ever! We booked an over the water suite, waking up to the wonderful sunrises every morning. We were all inclusive and mainly used the Rehendhi restaurant and pool bar. The two main guys at the bar were beyond amazing, got me hooked on… Read more
Well, the experience of a lifetime. What a place to visit, then return home with the worst post holiday blues ever! We booked an over the water suite, waking up to the wonderful sunrises every morning. We were all inclusive and mainly used the Rehendhi restaurant and pool bar. The two main guys at the bar were beyond amazing, got me hooked on Martinis (thanks mainly to Suraj). Akila was every bit as good and friendly as Suraj was. They made our evenings. I can't remember the names of everyone there, but I would like to pass on my thanks to all the restaurant and the laundry staff for making us feel like royalty throughout our stay. We took the sunset cruise and enjoy cocktails and the company of a great singer (I wish I could remember his name too, he played with a trio at one of the bars later in the week) who sang an emotional version of I Don't Want To Miss A Thing...bravo! If someone knows who he is and how to contact him, I'd love to get some of his music. The food was plentiful and varied, everywhere cleaned daily (including the sandy paths). Although a very small island I still managed to walk far every day (needed to with all the food and drink I was encouraged to consume). The wildlife is wonderful, birds, bats, fish and crabs everywhere. Even when the weather was "bad" it didn't affect our spirits (we just drank more)! This place is highly recommended and WILL be highly recommended by myslf and my partner. Read less