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 (7094)
  • Very good (1170)
  • Average (298)
  • Poor (112)
  • Terrible (87)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful holiday yet could be better

Feb 28, 2026 calvadude London, United Kingdom

Beautiful location. Needs updating in parts. friendly and welcoming people. Research well before going only 1 restaurant pricey extras Struggle for sun beds and better beach facilities required. Water sports very expensive
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 30th Anniversary

Feb 27, 2026 Nicola5824 Stowmarket, United Kingdom

This was our second visit to the island. The staff are all very friendly and welcoming. Nothing was too much trouble. We couldn’t fault anything about this holiday and will definitely be coming back!!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful holiday but beware

Feb 27, 2026 Stephen C

Staff were excellent friendly and very welcoming. Especially Srimanti and Dedi in one of the 2 restaurants. Hotel looks a bit tired in places and needs a little maintenance. Don't be fooled when it states there are 3 restaurants .one was for the upper expensive clients and the other 2 were exactly the same. So no change of scenery. You could … Read more
Staff were excellent friendly and very welcoming. Especially Srimanti and Dedi in one of the 2 restaurants. Hotel looks a bit tired in places and needs a little maintenance. Don't be fooled when it states there are 3 restaurants .one was for the upper expensive clients and the other 2 were exactly the same. So no change of scenery. You could purchase dinner on the beach but at an exorbitant price. Water bungalows were superb. Overall a very enjoyable stay. But shop around as prices vary and do your research first. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Paradise

Feb 27, 2026 Elaine E Sheffield, United Kingdom

From the minute you hear the gong on arrival to the goodbye sign when you leave you will be looked after. Check in was easy and your bags are taken to your room. We found ourselves walking round just saying Wow! The crystal clear waters took our breath away. Our room was number 532 a water bungalow and was immaculate. It was a little tired in… Read more
From the minute you hear the gong on arrival to the goodbye sign when you leave you will be looked after. Check in was easy and your bags are taken to your room. We found ourselves walking round just saying Wow! The crystal clear waters took our breath away. Our room was number 532 a water bungalow and was immaculate. It was a little tired in places but still had the wow factor. We ate in the Rayyan restaurant where the manager Srimanti runs a tight ship. She was very knowledgeable about different dishes that were available and nothing it too much from her and her team. They are so friendly and polite. Thank you Srimanti to you and your team for making my 60th birthday so special with a Lobster dinner on the beach. Truly amazing! Must recommend snorkeling with turtles but check the prices with the hotel and the dive centre. Snorkeling from the beach is amazing but take water shoes. Be careful in the sun and take factor 50. It's needed. We spent our evenings in the bar next to our restaurant watching the fruit bats fly in and the herons fishing. The staff as are all on the island amazingly friendly. The spa is one not to miss. With the whole holiday just sit back and relax. Would we go again ....absolutely. This is worth every penny! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful Resort

Feb 26, 2026 Rose E

Cinnamon Dhonveli is a beautiful resort.This was our second visit, and we are already planning to return again next year. The facilities,accommodation and food are all of an excellent standard,and the resort consistently delivers a wonderful experience. The staff go out of their way to ensure everything is perfect and nothing is ever too much… Read more
Cinnamon Dhonveli is a beautiful resort.This was our second visit, and we are already planning to return again next year. The facilities,accommodation and food are all of an excellent standard,and the resort consistently delivers a wonderful experience. The staff go out of their way to ensure everything is perfect and nothing is ever too much trouble. My husband uses a wheelchair,and the extra care the staff and our Island host, Ren took to make everything easy and comfortable for him was truly appreciated. Their kindness made a meaningful difference to our stay. We highly recommend Cinnamon Dhonveli and look forward to visiting again Read less