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 (6517)
  • Very good (1115)
  • Average (288)
  • Poor (105)
  • Terrible (84)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Cinnamon Dhonveli, full of unexpected surprises

Jun 7, 2025 denisyu_ih Maldives

It was an unforgettable and memorable experience for our family retreat on this beautiful island. Upon arrival, we received a very warm welcome by the front desk. We were also very impressed by the friendliness and kind assistance by Hassan, who had arranged for the unexpected upgrade to all our rooms. We booked 4 rooms in which 2 water villas… Read more
It was an unforgettable and memorable experience for our family retreat on this beautiful island. Upon arrival, we received a very warm welcome by the front desk. We were also very impressed by the friendliness and kind assistance by Hassan, who had arranged for the unexpected upgrade to all our rooms. We booked 4 rooms in which 2 water villas and 2 beach villas for 2 nights stay. The 2 beach villas were upgraded to Beach Villa Suites (601 & 602) situated at the most central location accessing to all facilities. Our children have the best of their times at the beaches, enjoying snorkeling, and they spotted baby sharks and many colorful fishes. Our 2 water villas are upgraded to Over Water Suites and the rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated. We had the best breathtaking views of both sunrise and sunset and a special thanks to Hassan for his arrangement. (The only setback is we couldn't snorkel at our over water suites due to the strong current). The F&B team serves a very good varieties of food at the Rehendhi Restaurant, and the staff are warm, friendly and always serve with a smile especially we are most impressed with Bhagya who never fails to check on us about the food and our daily plan. Nittu and Lateef are also efficient in attending to our needs. Their impeccable service is highly commendable. We also would like to thank the resort management who surprises us with a cocktail party invitation and a delicious gourmet set dinner arrangement for our 2 over water suites with a spectacular beach view. Not to forget the Spa treatment at Mandara Spa where all my family members enjoyed a special 30 mins free back massage. It was a sweet encounter meeting with Satta, the flower man whom we had read in the Tripadviser review. He not only gave us the flower ring but also offered to take pictures for us. Overall, we have a great and wonderful stay on this island. Thank you, Cinnamon Dhonveli, for making our family retreat an extra memorable one. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fabulous resort!!!

Jun 7, 2025 GrandTour03669596585

I stayed on this lovely island mid May with my husband, six year old daughter, mother and sister for my 50th birthday. We all had an amazing time during those 7 nights. We were first greeted by Nasa who was attentive and would go out of her way to make us feel happy. Nothing was ever too much trouble for her!!! We were upgraded to a water… Read more
I stayed on this lovely island mid May with my husband, six year old daughter, mother and sister for my 50th birthday. We all had an amazing time during those 7 nights. We were first greeted by Nasa who was attentive and would go out of her way to make us feel happy. Nothing was ever too much trouble for her!!! We were upgraded to a water bungalow on arrival , this was fantastic. Being able to walk off the veranda for an early morning swim, into crystal waters was out of this world. A big shout out to the hard working staff that do a marvellous job of keeping the grounds clean daily. The ladies that sweep, you’re doing an amazing job and still manage to smile, say hello, despite working so hard in the heat!! We ate in the restaurant koimala three times a day. We did not appear to have our own waiter or the same table daily as previous reviews imply. The restaurant became too busy towards the end of our week, trying to find a table or get food became a challenge. The food was nice but the waitering staff were not very attentive when serving beverages. Throughout our visit we’d sit at our table and continuously have to ask for a drink. On a few occasions we went up to the restaurant bar and made drink requests, this would not have helped the busy situation that had already become apparent in the food serving areas. On occasion we had finished our meals before receiving a drink. In other hotels you are able to help yourself to beverages, this way you are guaranteed to have a drink before your meal. On a positive note, a big shout out to Nausheen, a member of the restaurant team who was very kind, chatty and great with the children. She always greeted us with a smile!! There was a lovely desert fridge with plenty of choice daily. Furthermore there was also a salad fridge where there was often a small cue to have a salad made up. I myself prefer it when there are dishes of salad products already displayed and you can help yourself ( there was the odd bowl made up but was often nearly empty) . Bars were all good with fair entertainment and staff attentive. Drinks were good! Beach beautiful with crystal clear water and lots of sea life. Some of the staff at the water sports area need to be more observant about who is next in line to be served and more attentive. Over all a fabulous resort with polite and happy staff making the atmosphere wonderful! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating All is amazing

Jun 7, 2025 Kero N

It was very amazing and the stuff was very kindaly and the guy name shiman it was very helpful to us and he very kindly and the food it was wonderful food and the cheef it was amazing and all stuff working in all the bar it was very good ❤️❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful resort

Jun 5, 2025 medexfm

Great location, not too far from the airport. Very polite, courteous and attentive staff. Good value for money Nice clean and well maintained accommodation
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Family rest

Jun 5, 2025 il s

Sattar is the best person, he give me flowers and took the pictures! Thank you ! Beautiful room and amazing ocean, helpful and friendly personal. This is the best place for family rest. I hope we will come back next time and spent a longer time in this heaven!