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.

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.

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.

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 (6232)
  • Very good (1103)
  • Average (283)
  • Poor (101)
  • Terrible (82)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Paradise on earth!

Feb 27, 2025 Federica R

What a wonderful experience! Loved every moment there! A special thanks to all the staff, in particular Anjali, Saha and Kahir from Rehendi restaurant whose smile, kindness and warmth made the difference. I don’t have enough words to describe how amazing my experience there at Cinnamon Dhonveli has been. I hope to come back soon!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 10 night stay

Feb 26, 2025 Grace C

Myself, husband and 8 year old daughter have just returned from a 10 night stay. This is our 2nd visit to the maldives but 1st to this island. Whilst we had a wonderful time and made some fantastic memories I do feel the need to highlight a few things. Firstly, I was surprised to hear on arrival that there was a "main beach area" isn't the whole… Read more
Myself, husband and 8 year old daughter have just returned from a 10 night stay. This is our 2nd visit to the maldives but 1st to this island. Whilst we had a wonderful time and made some fantastic memories I do feel the need to highlight a few things. Firstly, I was surprised to hear on arrival that there was a "main beach area" isn't the whole island meant to be a beach?! It was basically a strip of beach with a fight for a sunbed! The water was crystal clear (great for snorkelling) and the sand was powder white as you'd expect, there just wasn't much of it. The main pool is in need of some updating although not an eye sore and there were always plenty of beds but sometimes not any towels. We were all inclusive but there a few things that weren't included, for example, they had a bbq on the beach which was an extra $75pp if you wanted to attend there was also a cocktail party one evening around the pool which was invite only. A bit disappointing when you are all inclusive. The views aren't as breathtaking as we had previously experienced on another island. Its only a 20 min speed boat ride from Male so you can see the sea plane port among other little islands on horizon. The beach area also looks onto the water villas. You just didn't get that "I'm in the middle of the Indian ocean on a dessert island" feeling. There were a couple of bars we visited of an evening and although the service was great, sometimes the music was a bit loud and lively. Not really the sort of vibe we were looking for in the maldives. Onto the good points! We had a superior room with a balcony and it was lovely and clean, serviced every day with plenty of water and fresh towels and bedding regularly. The food was lovely and theres 2 live cooking stations. The staff in the restaurant were amazing and made a fuss of my daughter on her birthday! We also did a private dolphin watching excursion one afternoon and the 2 members of staff were brilliant on that offering to take photos etc. We had a fabulous time as a family but it's busy and the beach can be a bit crowded so if you're seeking a romantic quiet and exclusive get away for a honeymoon, I'd maybe look into other islands. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful relaxing vacation with the most beautiful turquoise water I have ever seen.

Feb 26, 2025 Charles C

Good location - close to airport. Food was very good with plenty of options. Staff was friendly and accommodating with the exception of one bartender at the Sunset Bar. Rooms were comfortable and spacious. Bathroom was large with great open show design.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Very good resort!!

Feb 26, 2025 dbsnk

Perfect location, just 30 minutes by speedboat from Male, and a beautiful resort! Very friendly staff and personnel, food and rooms also very good. Certainly a place to come back again!!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 9.5 out of 10

Feb 26, 2025 David H Locks Heath, United Kingdom

On arrival we were told that certian services had been removed, the most disappointing being the turn down service which still features in your guest information. Although Bidlop delvers an excellent service as a guest returning for the third time the removal is a disappointment. As we booked Premium maybe in future it could be an option for the… Read more
On arrival we were told that certian services had been removed, the most disappointing being the turn down service which still features in your guest information. Although Bidlop delvers an excellent service as a guest returning for the third time the removal is a disappointment. As we booked Premium maybe in future it could be an option for the future? Read less