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.

  • 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 (6959)
  • Very good (1150)
  • Average (294)
  • Poor (110)
  • Terrible (87)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Outstanding Service and a Beautiful Island

Dec 28, 2025 Viola B

We came to Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives for our honeymoon, and we were very happy with our decision to choose this hotel as our destination. The staff were amazing and took excellent care of us throughout our stay. Our room was cleaned every day, and the cleaners did a wonderful job. One of the cleaners who worked in our room was Rahaman. He was… Read more
We came to Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives for our honeymoon, and we were very happy with our decision to choose this hotel as our destination. The staff were amazing and took excellent care of us throughout our stay. Our room was cleaned every day, and the cleaners did a wonderful job. One of the cleaners who worked in our room was Rahaman. He was always polite when we met him, and after each cleaning, our room felt just as perfect as it did when we first arrived. Apart from the room, the whole island was very clean and well looked after. Our host, Ren, was also very kind and thoughtful. She made sure our honeymoon was flawless and took special care of us. We even received gifts from the hotel, which was a lovely surprise. The staff in the bars and restaurants were equally polite and kind. At the bars, Osi always made us feel welcome, and in the restaurant, Shafee served us with great care. Apart from them, everyone working on the island was friendly and welcoming. We truly recommend this place and would love to come back. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The holiday of my life

Dec 28, 2025 Anna S

We had a great time at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives. The location, the food, the staff, the wiew...we loved everything. We wish we can go back just now.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating As usual, exceeding expectation’s

Dec 27, 2025 Ovidiu R

A wonderful experience at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives with our family for Christmas. The resort has a beautiful beach with crystal-clear water and a very relaxing atmosphere. Everything is clean and well organized. The staff is extremely friendly and always helpful, and the food is varied and delicious. Rooms are nice! Is the second time here and… Read more
A wonderful experience at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives with our family for Christmas. The resort has a beautiful beach with crystal-clear water and a very relaxing atmosphere. Everything is clean and well organized. The staff is extremely friendly and always helpful, and the food is varied and delicious. Rooms are nice! Is the second time here and we will come back for sure! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating AMAZING 🤩🏝️

Dec 26, 2025 Jacinthe L

This hotel is located a quick 20 mins boat ride from the airport. The grounds are beautiful with white sand everywhere. The beach is spectacular as is the snorkelling. You will not regret booking this resort.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unforgettable!

Dec 25, 2025 jserafi Hitchin, United Kingdom

I don’t even know where to start with Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives. It’s one of those places that’s really hard to put into words properly, but I’ll try. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like coming home, even though you’ve never been there before, to people you didn’t even know you needed in your life. This was our first time… Read more
I don’t even know where to start with Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives. It’s one of those places that’s really hard to put into words properly, but I’ll try. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like coming home, even though you’ve never been there before, to people you didn’t even know you needed in your life. This was our first time visiting. I’m British, my husband is Polish, and even though we live in Canada now, not one extra mile of travelling would ever stop us from going back here again. From the moment we arrived we felt so welcomed, and I don’t just mean politely welcomed, but genuinely, like people were actually happy we were there. And somehow every single day after that just kept getting better. The resort itself is honestly stunning. It’s not too big and not too small, just right, so it never feels crowded or overwhelming. You can walk around slowly, take your time, and it all just feels calm and peaceful. Everywhere you turn there’s something beautiful to look at. We decided to upgrade to an overwater suite and wow… I’m so glad we did. Waking up to the ocean, stepping straight into the sea from our deck, having access to the quieter pool and a seperate restaurant, it just made everything feel extra special. If you’re even thinking about it, do it. But what really makes this place what it is, is the people. 100%. The staff don’t just do their jobs, they actually care. Over the days you stop feeling like a guest and start feeling like you belong there, which sounds silly but it’s true. Suraj, Ahmed and Akila in the bar and restaurant looked after us every single day and always with the biggest smiles. They remembered us, remembered what we liked, and just made us feel so comfortable. Srimanti, the restaurant manager, is someone I’ll never forget. Her warmth, humour and kindness honestly touched my heart. On days when I wasn’t feeling great, she noticed straight away and looked after me like a mum would, checking in on me, giving advice, making sure I was ok. That meant more than she probably realises. Khair made the best scrambled eggs I’ve ever had in my life and the freshest pasta at lunch and dinner, all from the open kitchen. Every time with a big smile and a friendly fist bump that somehow felt really genuine. Keshla’s energy is just infectious, her smile and laugh made us smile every day while she made fresh salads in front of us. And then there’s Sattar… honestly, where do I even start. Every day he surprised us with the most beautiful hand-made flower garlands, bouquets and floral displays on our pool beds. It was so thoughtful and special. Plus his style is unmatched, the coolest sunglasses and shoes on the whole island without a doubt. We’ve travelled a lot and stayed in some amazing hotels over the years, but we have never experienced hospitality like this before. Ever. When people say they don’t want to leave somewhere, this is exactly what they mean. Leaving was emotional, and yes, we both cried. This place is beautiful, of course it is, but what really stays with you is how the people make you feel. That’s what makes it special. Thank you for memories we will carry with us for the rest of our lives, stories we’ll tell over and over again, and a place that will always feel like home to us. I know, without any doubt, that one day we will come back to this very special place. Read less