Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Virgin 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

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 (5255)
  • Very good (1035)
  • Average (267)
  • Poor (94)
  • Terrible (77)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Never disappoints!

Apr 22, 2024 PatJKelly Leighton Buzzard, United Kingdom

We had a visit to the lovely Dhonveli in March this year. Everything ran very smoothly and our room was ready on arrival (OWS - 701) despite getting straight on a boat for a previous flight which was just about to leave. Our quickest ever route from airport to island. We were greeted by Malinda who always ensures our stays go well and the lovely… Read more
We had a visit to the lovely Dhonveli in March this year. Everything ran very smoothly and our room was ready on arrival (OWS - 701) despite getting straight on a boat for a previous flight which was just about to leave. Our quickest ever route from airport to island. We were greeted by Malinda who always ensures our stays go well and the lovely Ren who was super-efficient and kept in touch throughout our stay. A couple of changes on the island. No wrist bands, which was a pleasant change, and no allocated table which is more difficult for the waiters but we welcomed the opportunity to choose. Although to us the island appeared the same (apart from the ugly inflatable) there are subtle improvements every year especially in the greenery around the island. The gardeners do a wonderful job as do the ladies who sweep up the leaves. We do not use the beach or the pool as we prefer the OWS deck and the ocean, but Sattar is such a cheerful chap and always stops for a chat and a joke although we do not use the OWS pool. The name of our cleaner escapes us but he is one of the best and told us he has been on the island for 17 years! A word of caution – we often leave a tip on our bed in case we are out the room and miss the cleaner and on one occasion we left a tip during our stay and had someone different for the only time in our 12 night stay. We presumed this would go to our usual guy (who had been doing all the work for us!) but when we checked we found this was not the case. We won’t make the same mistake again in any hotel we stay in and will now always tip in person for the room. Our waiter was Sharif and we enjoyed hearing about his family who live on a local island. He is very efficient and pleasant every meal and never kept us waiting. The salad lady (another name which escapes us) was an absolute joy. Always happy, smiling, joking and those ‘magic hands’ make magic salads which we wish we could replicate at home. All the waiters and chefs are lovely but a special mention has to go to Khair who does the most marvellous breakfasts with omelettes and eggs benedict our particular favourites. Very ‘on the ball’ no matter how many orders he is dealing with at one time. Bar wise we favour the surf bar to watch the surfing and sit by the ocean. We saw dolphins from all 3 bars this year and the service at all is top notch. We were looked after by Dileppa, Faruk, Tharouka, Malinda, Shadath and Esther amongst others. We did feel for Esther wearing a pair of jeans while working. They might have looked great but sooooooooooooo hot in the sunset bar. If you’re wondering whether to visit try and take the plunge. It really is a lovely place with fabulous staff who take great care of you. There is plenty of sea life to watch, the lagoon is beautiful and there is so much to see and enjoy. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great place to stay in Maldives

Apr 22, 2024 Dusan M

Rafiqul and Muklesh in beach bar are making the best cocktails on the island with a smile and good jokes everyday. The whole island is great and the staff is very polite but I recommend that you spend most of your time with them in the beach bar :))
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Meet Rafa and Muklesh for the best vacay on Cinnamon Dhonveli Island

Apr 22, 2024 mikeindia2015 Belgrade, Serbia

Every part of this island is very nice. Workers are very polite, but Rafiqul and Muklesh from the beach bar are the best! They make the best cocktails, they are funny, smile a lot and have a very good energy! The whole experience of this vacation is better because of them!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Happy Family!

Apr 21, 2024 m0m01961 East Islip, New York

We had a wonderful time at Cinnamon Dhonveli. The snorkeling excursion was amazing! We saw many fish, sea turtles and then swam with wild dolphins! An amazing experience! We slept soundly by the sound waves in our overwater villa. Everything was clean and the service in the restaurants was friendly and efficient.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wow

Apr 21, 2024 NORIKA H

We are coming to holding Maldives for Ejoy so all satff is so good so help and sattar give nice flowers and take care thank you sattar