Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Virgin 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

152 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.

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). 

 

All Inclusive packages run from 7:30am–midnight. Any drinks consumed outside of these hours will be charged on consumption. 

 

Standard All Inclusive package: includes buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Selection of local snacks are serviced between the hours of 10:30am-11:30am, 4:00pm–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 teas and coffees 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, wines, beers and cocktails, soft drinks, fresh juices and milk shakes, tea and coffee. Plus one seafood grill steak dinner at the table once per stay, a platter of chocolates in room on second day 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. 

 

Premium All Inclusive package: includes all inclusions of the standard package plus a welcome bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, in-room minibar 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 7:30am–12:00am any drinks consumed (regardless of AI package booked) will be charged on consumption.

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.

  • Book by 30 April 2024 to receive complimentary speedboat return transfers. Available on stays between 12 Mar – 30 Apr '24. Terms and conditions apply. Blackout Dates apply. Applies to certain room types.  

Koimala Main Restaurant (open for buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner; international cuisine), Maakana Restaurant (buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, exclusive for Water Bungalow guests), Rehendhi Restaurant & Bar. Raalhu Bar (serving a selection of cocktails). Raiyvilla Bar. Beach Bar. Room service*.

DJ music, Maldivian cultural show and acrobatic show. Beach cinema. 

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 (5261)
  • Very good (1035)
  • Average (267)
  • Poor (94)
  • Terrible (77)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Rafa special cocktail 🍹

Apr 24, 2024 Irina G

Rafiqul and salim at beach bargreat guys! friendly and always cheerful.and they make super good cocktails 🍹 at beach 🏖️ bar and tiki cocktails 🍹 very nice 👍 restaurant food 🍱 excellent and staff great 👍 cinnamon is the best place to Maldives 🇲🇻
Image of the Tripadvisor rating An Amazing Holiday

Apr 24, 2024 GillB65 Sheffield, United Kingdom

We have recently returned from 14 nights at the Cinnamon Dhonveli and we had an amazing holiday. We stayed in an over water suite which are very spacious, comfortable and well equipped. It was a real experience seeing the sea life up close and hearing the waves lap. The highlight seeing a turtle on a couple of occasions. The porthole in the floor… Read more
We have recently returned from 14 nights at the Cinnamon Dhonveli and we had an amazing holiday. We stayed in an over water suite which are very spacious, comfortable and well equipped. It was a real experience seeing the sea life up close and hearing the waves lap. The highlight seeing a turtle on a couple of occasions. The porthole in the floor is a good idea and we saw numerous fish, rays, reef shark and an octopus. The outside area is great with plenty of sun& shade and of course the sea to cool off- do take beach shoes and snorkeling equipment. Be aware that when the tide is high sometimes the sea current is very strong. We loved the idea of having our own restaurant (Rehendhi) and pool. This led to a relaxed dining area -no hustle and bustle and was a much better dining experience than most All-inclusive. The live entertainment at the evening meal was also very good. We thought the food was lovely and well cooked - with an area for local cuisine and an area for themed cuisine with a cool room for salads and one for desserts. There is also a chef in each area who are more than happy to cook you something so don’t struggle if there is nothing on the buffet you like. The beach is nice but not the best one we have seen in the Maldives but it is a very interesting island with plenty of sea life to explore. We snorkeled every day as the water is so warm and clear. There are also many fish and baby shark that you can see from the beach. We also enjoyed our walks up to Pasta Point to watch the surfers. One thing that is exceptional are the staff. They are so friendly always greeting you with smiles wherever you are on the island. They all seem to want you to have an amazing holiday checking that everything is ok. A special thank you must go to Muka who kept our suite so clean and well stocked always so friendly and waving when he saw us. Latheef who looked after us morning, lunch and dinner in the Rehendhi he again so friendly and an excellent & professional waiter. Khair who is one of the chefs and greeted us so warmly on ever visit to the restaurant. He is so eager for you to enjoy your dining experience and will cook something up for you. We neglected to get the names of the lovely girl in the salad room- a great idea where a salad of your choice can be made and the chef who kindly made my husband a fresh nan bread most evenings. Last but not least Sattar who is the pool attendant he is a great asset. The passion and love for his job shine through. He has an infectious personality and we had many laughs together. I thank him for the beautiful flowers he made me. He even remembered when we were leaving and came to wave us off. All the staff work long hours in the heat but always have time to check in and have a little chat-it is an incredible team and we thank you all for making our holiday so special. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Rafa

Apr 23, 2024 Nou F

Rafiqul and moklesh beach bar are amazing the view the staff are very friendly and helpful everything was amazing I enjoy the atmosphere there as it was very hot they were so fast too give us the delicious cocktails amazing holiday of course I will come back
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best holiday

Apr 23, 2024 ahmed m

The staff rafiquel and moklesh bar are so helpful and so kind and professional , our experience were so amazing at this place and for next trips we will choose to be there again
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best drink

Apr 23, 2024 Efhraim F

Bar staff Rafiqul and Moklesh wa so helpful and assisting us in the bar at Cinnamon Dhonveli. The weather was hot and the choice of drink was helpful to ease the hot weather. They were knowledgeable in the service and type of drink that they can offer. Looking forward to visit this place again