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 (7131)
  • Very good (1172)
  • Average (298)
  • Poor (112)
  • Terrible (87)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Nice Day out at Dhonveli Maldives!

Mar 30, 2026 manasha r

Actually we had nice and remarkable experience at here... This is well established spacious resort and it is located in separate island in maldives and very calm natural environment. There are friendly and kind staff working and treating us warmly. They served delicious food buffet with all necessary amenities to swimming as well. And There rooms… Read more
Actually we had nice and remarkable experience at here... This is well established spacious resort and it is located in separate island in maldives and very calm natural environment. There are friendly and kind staff working and treating us warmly. They served delicious food buffet with all necessary amenities to swimming as well. And There rooms are spacious and maintain cleanliness too. Honestly they are providing great service and that is worth to the price. Thank you cinnamon dhonveli...You did best! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unbelievable stay

Mar 30, 2026 MrsCritical91 Halstead, United Kingdom

Oh, where do I even begin. This was the most beautiful stay we have ever had. From entering the resort we were in complete shock at its beauty. The beach here is outstanding. Clear water, talc like white sand and the maintenance of the area is absolutely outstanding. We staying in a overwater bungalow and it was absolutely beautiful, however what… Read more
Oh, where do I even begin. This was the most beautiful stay we have ever had. From entering the resort we were in complete shock at its beauty. The beach here is outstanding. Clear water, talc like white sand and the maintenance of the area is absolutely outstanding. We staying in a overwater bungalow and it was absolutely beautiful, however what I will say is we never really got into the sea due to the current at the bungalow (we were 507)! The room itself and facilities were great. You get a lovely minibar with soft drinks and two beers replenished daily, it is a shame the spirits aren’t included or wine but these are all free from the bars. This resort has the best food we have ever eaten. Stunning, fresh produce. Variety was key here with so much selection I cannot see how anyone could ever fault it to be fair! The bars have a lovely atmosphere, we loved the beach bar. On our first night they had a beach cocktail party- please consider doing this more often because it was so good and a shame that it’s only one night. The souvenir shop is incredibly expensive which cuts them out, I can’t see how it makes much money (1 x bottle of Malibu sun cream was 65 dollars…. It’s 5 pound in the UK!) I appreciate there are mark ups but that was terrible- make sure you pack plenty of sun cream guys! A personal shout out goes to ester in the sunset bar. A charming, funny and attentive lady. You are wonderful. In terms of excursions these can appear costly but so so worth it. We strongly recommend the nursing shark experience. The most incredible thing we have ever done. I’ve added some pics!! Thank you so much cinnamon for a truly magical stay. We would definitely return!!!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Highly recommended

Mar 28, 2026 Elaine M

Our stay at Cinnamon Maldives was nothing short of perfect. The location is stunning, providing a serene escape with breathtaking views. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, making us feel welcome throughout our visit. One of the highlights was the variety of activities available. We highly recommend the dolphin watching experience;… Read more
Our stay at Cinnamon Maldives was nothing short of perfect. The location is stunning, providing a serene escape with breathtaking views. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, making us feel welcome throughout our visit. One of the highlights was the variety of activities available. We highly recommend the dolphin watching experience; it was truly magical! The food was exceptional, with plenty of dining options to satisfy every palate. Chef Khardir stood out for his warmth and willingness to accommodate our preferences, which made dining a delight. Our suite was a dream, featuring a huge bath that overlooked the lagoon—an idyllic spot to unwind. The snorkeling opportunities were fantastic, allowing us to explore the vibrant underwater life. Special mention must go to Bhangra, from the main restaurant. Her hospitality added an extra layer of joy to our holiday. She was not only professional but genuinely cared about ensuring all guests had an unforgettable experience. She even arranged a delightful birthday chorus for my husband, which made his day extra special. Overall, our holiday was magical, and we’re already planning our return Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating очень приятно и круто

Mar 27, 2026 Василиса Ш

This is a very nice hotel. We've been here a week and the service is excellent. Everything was fine. there were many compliments from the hotel. The breakfasts, lunches, and dinners were always varied and very tasty. There was a lot of seafood and meat from various vegetarian dishes. I would also like to thank the waiter named Sameer separately.… Read more
This is a very nice hotel. We've been here a week and the service is excellent. Everything was fine. there were many compliments from the hotel. The breakfasts, lunches, and dinners were always varied and very tasty. There was a lot of seafood and meat from various vegetarian dishes. I would also like to thank the waiter named Sameer separately. He is a very customer- oriented , polite and attentive person. From the very first days, he left a secret impression and pleased with his impeccable work Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Heaven on earth

Mar 27, 2026 Sonia B

Stunning location, fantastic atmosphere of pure relaxation! Overwater suites rooms are very opulent and well worth the money! I was worried I’d not be able to settle on a holiday without anything to do and how wrong was I! We walked the beach first thing, it’s what we do. Then had breakfast. Lay down on our lounger that is prepped by the pool guy… Read more
Stunning location, fantastic atmosphere of pure relaxation! Overwater suites rooms are very opulent and well worth the money! I was worried I’d not be able to settle on a holiday without anything to do and how wrong was I! We walked the beach first thing, it’s what we do. Then had breakfast. Lay down on our lounger that is prepped by the pool guy very early in the morning. He did different patterns every day. Then around 11 am we went and snorkelled. There’s plenty to see just a hop skip and a jump from the beach. Afterwards we took a dip in the pool and a drink in the swim up bar. We dried off went for lunch with another beverage. Then for the after slept a little in said lounges! We drank another drink and returned to our suite. Showered got ready for the evening, went for dinner and a walk to the other 3 bars on the island. Then sleep! We repeated this every day and it was the best relaxation I’ve ever had on a holiday. We also did the sunset cruise , fantastic! We will definitely return here!! Read less