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.

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.

  • Booking Bonus: Book by 30 Jun '26 to receive up to 25% off the accommodation plus stay 7 nights or more and receive Complimentary Return Speedboat Transfers when travelling between 07 Apr '26 - 31 Oct '27.  Terms and conditions apply. Any applicable offers have 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 (7180)
  • Very good (1176)
  • Average (299)
  • Poor (112)
  • Terrible (87)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Pork food would have served separate counter

May 3, 2026 Shiekhs Dubai, United Arab Emirates

I recently stayed for two days, and I wanted to share my feedback. The service was excellent—every staff member was incredibly helpful, especially a lady from the Philippines at reception counter (sorry can’t recall her name )However, I noticed a few areas for improvement. The kids’ play area was very limited—I visited with my two-year-old son… Read more
I recently stayed for two days, and I wanted to share my feedback. The service was excellent—every staff member was incredibly helpful, especially a lady from the Philippines at reception counter (sorry can’t recall her name )However, I noticed a few areas for improvement. The kids’ play area was very limited—I visited with my two-year-old son and wished for more child-friendly activities. For adults as well, there weren’t many events—considering it’s an island with limited options, apart from paid water sports, I felt some daily events would have been a nice touch, especially given the price per day. Lastly, as this is an Islamic country, I was a bit uncomfortable seeing pork dishes placed alongside other foods. A separate counter for pork would be much more considerate. Despite these points, the staff made our stay very enjoyable, and I appreciate their hospitality.” Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Simply Breathtaking.

May 2, 2026 Debbie R Sydney, Australia

Our stay at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives was nothing short of extraordinary. The water was a breathtaking shade of aqua, crystal clear and absolutely pristine, just as you dream the Maldives will be. Our room was impeccable, beautifully maintained and incredibly comfortable, offering the perfect place to relax and soak in the surroundings. … Read more
Our stay at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives was nothing short of extraordinary. The water was a breathtaking shade of aqua, crystal clear and absolutely pristine, just as you dream the Maldives will be. Our room was impeccable, beautifully maintained and incredibly comfortable, offering the perfect place to relax and soak in the surroundings. Staying in the overwater Suite was exquisite, breathtaking and memorable. What truly set this experience apart, though, was the staff. They went above and beyond in every interaction, always warm, attentive and genuinely committed to making our stay unforgettable. I would like to personally acknowledge the following staff - Sheya an exceptional Yoga Teacher. Re-Hendi Restaurant Staff - Bhagya, Rayaan, Papitha and Chef Khair all went above and beyond in every regard to make our holiday an amazing experience and we thank you for all your diligence and hard work. The food in the Re-Hendi Restaurant was simply outstanding, every meal was delicious and thoughtfully prepared, adding another layer of indulgence to our holiday. This was a truly memorable escape, a holiday like no other, and one we will treasure for years to come. Terry and Debbie - Australian Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing ✨️

May 2, 2026 Annette R

We had a fantastic stay from start to finish. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, making the whole experience feel special from the moment we arrived until the day we left. A special shout-out to Dilshan at the Sunset Bar, who really stood out for his friendliness and excellent service. We were lucky enough to stay in an overwater villa,… Read more
We had a fantastic stay from start to finish. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, making the whole experience feel special from the moment we arrived until the day we left. A special shout-out to Dilshan at the Sunset Bar, who really stood out for his friendliness and excellent service. We were lucky enough to stay in an overwater villa, and it was truly magical — an unforgettable experience in such a beautiful setting. The beach was absolutely stunning: so calm, with colours that were out of this world. The other side of the island was perfect for surfers, offering a great contrast depending on what you’re looking for. The island itself has such a chilled, relaxing vibe — perfect for unwinding. We also enjoyed a massage, which was fabulous and added to the overall sense of relaxation. Unfortunately, we only had four days, which felt far too short. We would absolutely love to return in the future, and hopefully next time bring the family along to share the experience. A big thank you to everyone — a little slice of heaven. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent stay at Cinnamon Donveli resort in Maldives

Apr 30, 2026 Abeywardana A

We had an excellent stay at Cinnamon Donveli Resort in Maldives. It was a great and pleasant experience having had a quality hospitality from reception up to the senior management.level. The GM, Operation manager and or assistant manager visited guests at the Rehendhi Resturant everyday to make sure their guests were comfortable. The Rehendhi… Read more
We had an excellent stay at Cinnamon Donveli Resort in Maldives. It was a great and pleasant experience having had a quality hospitality from reception up to the senior management.level. The GM, Operation manager and or assistant manager visited guests at the Rehendhi Resturant everyday to make sure their guests were comfortable. The Rehendhi Resturant staff were efficient, kind and very helpful. The head chef also visited guests for further comfort and assistance. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Heaven on earth

Apr 29, 2026 Kimberley C

Wow this place is so beautiful and stunning you can’t even put into words how stunning it is until you see it for yourself! We are here right now and on day 4 and having the absolute best time. We are in an overwater suite which is stunning. The only negative is it keeps having a sewerage type smell coming from the bathroom and I asked to have it… Read more
Wow this place is so beautiful and stunning you can’t even put into words how stunning it is until you see it for yourself! We are here right now and on day 4 and having the absolute best time. We are in an overwater suite which is stunning. The only negative is it keeps having a sewerage type smell coming from the bathroom and I asked to have it fixed but it hasn’t really gone away. Khair the cook in the ocean suite exclusive restaurant went over and beyond for us and is such an amazing chef! Amazing service from him he even remembered we like chilli and would have an omelette made for us as soon as we arrived. He also cooks the best pizza we have ever tried! Hats off to him! Also Amed the waiter is very nice and friendly and always has a huge smile on his face. Please let them know we really appreciate their service. Snorkelling is amazing just off the lagoon and shallow enough to feel safe. I would only recommend that the suites have an umbrella stored in them as when it was raining you apparently had to go to reception for an umbrella which is a bit of an inconvenience. Remember your own snorkels also. overall we are super happy here and would definitely return. My husband did the surf package and all the surf team are super lovely and accomodating also. Read less