Just 16 km from the capital, this private island resort promised a blend of barefoot luxury and adventure. I was arriving with high expectations and from the moment I stepped off the boat onto the white-sand shores, Dhonveli more than delivered on its promise of paradise.
Speedboat to Paradise
Our journey to Cinnamon Dhonveli began at Malé’s international airport, where resort staff escorted us to a gleaming speedboat for the short transfer. In mere minutes, the chaos of the airport fell away, replaced by open sea and sky.
The ride was exhilarating – just 25 minutes across the waves and a bit bumpy (the Indian Ocean can be surprisingly feisty, so life jackets on!). Yet soon the silhouette of Kanuhuraa Island, home to Dhonveli, came into view: lush green palm groves ringed by brilliant turquoise shallows and a halo of surf on the reef beyond.
Stepping onto the dock, we were greeted with cool towels and welcome drinks, an immediate immersion in Cinnamon Hotels’ warm island hospitality. I still remember the gentle smiles of the staff saying “Welcome home,” as the stress of travel melted away. In that instant, I knew I was in good hands.
First impressions of the resort were of a laid-back tropical elegance. Thatched roofs peeked out from among the palms, and a long wooden boardwalk stretched over the lagoon toward a cluster of overwater bungalows.
The setting was intimate and idyllic – a private island you could stroll around in 15 minutes, yet with every luxury a traveler could want. I inhaled the salty-sweet air deeply, feeling my city worries recede with each lapping wave against the jetty.
Accommodations
The resort features a range of accommodations for different tastes – but as a newlywed on a splurge, I headed straight for one of the coveted Over Water Suites.
In fact, we were lucky: upon arrival, the staff surprised us with a complimentary honeymoon upgrade to an Over Water Suite, the farthest villa out on the jetty.
This was Villa 701, perched at the very end, offering exceptional privacy and panoramic views of the ocean and lagoon. Walking down the wooden boardwalk to our suite, we watched reef fish dart in crystal-clear water below, anticipating the luxury that awaited at our villa.
The Over Water Suite was everything I had dreamed of and more. Stepping inside, we found a bright, spacious living room accented with island chic décor – think polished wood floors, pops of turquoise, and a glass coffee table that literally looked down into the ocean, revealing fish flitting beneath our feet.
Through sliding glass doors, the suite opened onto a private sundeck bigger than some city apartments. Out on the deck we had a cozy seating area perfect for sunset cocktails, a hammock strung over the water, and a private ladder inviting us to slip directly into the warm lagoon.
Every morning I indulged in a dawn swim straight from our deck – a surreal and refreshing way to start the day. On one occasion I floated on my back in the gentle current, gazing up at a pastel pink sunrise while tiny reef sharks and stingrays glided below, utterly at peace in this moment.
Inside the suite, a plush king bed faced floor-to-ceiling windows, so that even lying in bed you could watch the water shimmer. The bathroom was itself a sanctuary: vast and marble-clad, with a deep tub and rainfall shower, plus its own door out to the sundeck for post-swim rinses.
Thoughtful touches abounded – from the minibar stocked with wine and tropical fruit juices, to refillable glass water bottles (an eco-friendly touch I appreciated) and even complimentary sun care products from a local spa brand. It truly felt like our own floating palace.
While our overwater haven was the star, I did peek at the other room categories available on the island. Cinnamon Dhonveli offers charming Beach Bungalows (some even in duplex style) set right on the sand, each with a private open-air bathroom garden and direct beach access.
These are great for those who love to step from their porch straight onto powdery sand, and some newer Beach Suites even come with private plunge pools for the ultimate beachfront indulgence.
There are also two-story Garden Bungalows tucked amid tropical greenery – popular with surfers who travel here for the famous waves, or families needing a bit more space. I toured a Garden Bungalow and found it rustic but comfortable: the living area and a single daybed downstairs, a king bed in an upper loft, and a patio looking into a coconut grove.
For budget-conscious luxury travelers, these Garden units offer the Cinnamon experience without the higher overwater price tag, though they’re simpler in design. Finally, the resort has a handful of Superior Rooms (sometimes called Junior Beach Suites), which are essentially upgraded beachside rooms in low-rise buildings, some with interconnecting options for families.
In short, whether you’re a honeymooner chasing the quintessential overwater villa fantasy or a surf enthusiast wanting a comfy crash pad between waves, Dhonveli’s accommodations have you covered.
As someone who typically seeks out the most unique stay, I can say the Over Water Suite lived up to the hype. Every evening, we’d sit on our deck’s loungers with a glass of wine in hand, watching golden sunsets melt into starry nights, the lights of Malé faint on the horizon.
Little reef fish would dart around the stilts of our bungalow, occasionally joined by a curious stingray or baby black-tip shark cruising the shallows. The magic of having the ocean as your floor and the horizon as your walls is something that’s hard to put into words. In those moments, with the gentle sea breeze and the sound of waves lapping, we felt like the only two people on Earth.
Dining
If the accommodations set the stage, the dining experiences at Cinnamon Dhonveli delivered the delightful plot twists. The resort has multiple dining outlets – each with its own vibe – and we made it a point to sample them all. Our stay included a generous breakfast and dinner plan, which meant most of our meals were at the buffet restaurants.
Usually, I temper my expectations for buffets, but here I was pleasantly surprised. Koimala Garden Restaurant is the primary dining venue (assigned to guests in standard rooms and many bungalows), and it offered an impressive international spread each day.
We found everything from made-to-order pasta and wood-fired pizza, to a tandoori station baking fresh naan breads, and live cooking corners whipping up omelets or stir-fries on demand. The theme changed nightly – one evening featured Maldivian curries and seafood grills, the next had an Italian flair with pasta carbonara and rich tiramisu.
I remember loading my plate with fresh reef fish curry, fluffy jasmine rice, and a side of zesty papaya salad on Asian night, then going back for seconds of the homemade coconut ice cream.
We never grew bored with the choices, and the quality was consistently high. The freshly baked breads in particular were dangerously good (I fell in love with the sun-dried tomato focaccia and croissants each morning).
Guests staying in Over Water Suites like us had access to the more exclusive Rehendhi Restaurant and Bar, which serves suite guests in a stylish oceanfront setting.
We took advantage of this one evening for a quieter dinner. Rehendhi had a similar buffet concept but in a more intimate venue, complete with its own chic bar and a chilled wine cellar showcasing fine vintages. Sipping a chilled New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on Rehendhi’s deck while gazing at the moonlit lagoon remains one of my favorite memories.
The service here was especially polished – the chef even came out to chat and offered to prepare Maldivian tuna sashimi specially for us when he heard we were adventurous eaters.
For a change of pace, we also tried Tex Mex, the resort’s à la carte restaurant and bar situated right on the beach. One night we weren’t in the mood for a buffet, so we wandered over to Tex Mex, drawn by the sound of laughter and a laid-back cantina atmosphere.
Under swaying palm trees and fairy lights, we dug into spicy fish tacos and loaded nachos, accompanied by tropical takes on margaritas (mango chili, anyone?). With Latin music playing softly and the sea breeze keeping us cool, it was a fun, casual dining experience – a nice contrast to the buffets.
I learned that Tex Mex had just reopened with a new menu of fajitas, tacos, and tiki cocktails, quickly becoming a hit among guests for its bold flavors. It’s great that Dhonveli offers this kind of variety; even on a tiny island, you can embark on different culinary “journeys” each day.
And we mustn’t forget the bars – Cinnamon Dhonveli has a few fantastic ones. Raalhu Bar quickly became our favorite haunt. This open-air bar sits on a deck overlooking the surf break, with a front-row view of the famous Pasta Point (more on that later).
The vibe at Raalhu Bar is ultra relaxed: sand floor, wooden picnic tables, and often a cluster of surf enthusiasts swapping stories over cold beers. Many afternoons, we’d wander over for a post-snorkel drink – I loved their signature coconut cocktail served in a freshly cut coconut.
We’d watch surfers carve across distant waves as the bar’s sound system played reggae tunes. Some nights, Raalhu hosted live music and low-key entertainment; one evening a Boduberu drum troupe came and performed traditional Maldivian songs, getting everyone clapping along under the stars.
The resort’s main pool bar, called Raiyvilla Bar, was another frequent stop for us. By day it was a chill coffee shop (with surprisingly good espresso for such a remote locale) and spot for afternoon tea and snacks. By night, Raiyvilla transformed into a lively cocktail bar complete with a DJ on certain evenings.
I have a vivid memory of lounging on the giant bean bag chairs there during a movie night on the beach – the resort had set up a projector to show a classic film on a big screen under the palm trees, with the ocean as the backdrop. Munching on popcorn with the Milky Way overhead, I felt like I was in a dream.
Overall, dining at Dhonveli was a delight to the senses – not just for the tasty food, but for the variety of settings. From romantic private dinners on the sand (which the resort can arrange on request) to upbeat themed buffet nights, each meal felt like an experience of its own.
And the staff made it even sweeter: the chefs and servers greeted us with genuine smiles at every meal, often asking how our day went or offering recommendations for what to try. B
y day two, the bartender at Raiyvilla knew I liked an extra dash of passionfruit in my evening cocktail, and the omelet chef in Koimala knew my name and my order (masala omelet with chili – he insisted on making it “just right” for me each morning). These personal touches turned each dining moment into something special.
Activities & Entertainment
One of Cinnamon Dhonveli’s greatest strengths is how much it packs into a relatively small island. Whether you’re seeking adventure or pure relaxation, the resort offers a wide array of activities and features to fill your days (or, if you prefer, plenty of beautiful spots to do absolutely nothing at all!).
We struck a balance between active exploration and lazy indulgence, and truth be told, five days wasn’t nearly enough to experience everything on offer.
Our mornings often began with a snorkel in the house lagoon. Just off the calm side of the island lies a coral reef teeming with life. We’d wade in from the beach and immediately be surrounded by clouds of neon-colored reef fish.
The coral here is shallow and the water warm and clear – perfect for casual snorkeling. On one swim, a graceful eagle ray glided past us like a flying carpet. Another time we even spotted a couple of baby reef sharks (totally harmless, but thrilling to see) cruising in the shallows.
The reef has some healthy hard corals and plenty of anemones with clownfish peeking out. Snorkeling gear is available to rent from the Dive & Water Sports Center, though we had brought our own masks and fins (which I’d recommend if you’re an avid snorkeler, for convenience and to avoid rental fees).
For those really keen, night snorkeling can be arranged – I spoke to a couple who did it and were giddy about seeing phosphorescent plankton and sleeping parrotfish.
If you prefer scuba diving, Dhonveli is a great base. There’s an on-site PADI dive center staffed by experienced instructors. I decided to take a discover scuba dive course one afternoon, since I’m not certified. The instructor patiently taught me the basics in the shallow lagoon, then led me on a guided dive along the reef wall just offshore.
It was stunning – we descended to about 12 meters and drifted alongside schools of bannerfish, saw a moray eel poking from a crevice, and even encountered a gentle sea turtle munching on sponges.
Certified divers were heading out daily to nearby sites; North Malé Atoll has some renowned dive spots and even manta ray cleaning stations during the season. Ellaidhoo (a sister Cinnamon resort) might have the legendary house reef, but Dhonveli’s aquatic life certainly didn’t disappoint.
Beyond the underwater world, the resort organizes a variety of excursions and cultural experiences. Through the “Book Direct” perks, we were entitled to a couple of complimentary activities of our choice. We opted first for the Dolphin Watching Cruise, which turned out to be magical.
Just before sunset, a dhoni (traditional Maldivian boat) took us and a handful of other guests out beyond the atoll. Within 20 minutes we found ourselves amid a pod of spinner dolphins – dozens of them! They danced in our wake, leaping and twirling in the air as if putting on a private show.
We clapped and laughed like little kids each time one spun in a mid-air pirouette. It was an unforgettable display of nature, all set against a fiery Maldivian sunset sky. Our second chosen activity was a 4-course private beach dinner. That evening, the staff set up an intimate table for two on a quiet stretch of sand, illuminated by lanterns and a canopy of stars above.
We dined barefoot on the beach on grilled lobster, filet mignon, and decadent chocolate mousse, each course paired with wine. With the waves gently lapping nearby and our attentive waiter discreetly topping up our glasses, it felt like a scene from The Bachelor – except it was our real life. These little extras (which many resorts charge for, but were included for us as direct bookers) truly added value to our stay.
For those looking to explore Maldivian culture or the wider atoll, Dhonveli offers trips to a local island (the Huraa excursion) where you can meet villagers and shop for handmade crafts, as well as a Malé city tour to see the capital’s sights.
We skipped those this time, preferring to stay in our paradise bubble, but others told me the local island visit was eye-opening and worthwhile for a dose of reality outside the resort.
On the island itself, the list of amenities is long. There’s a freeform swimming pool near the center of the island with plenty of loungers (though honestly, we used it only once, since the ocean was our real pool).
Next to it is a shallow kids’ pool area with a mushroom-shaped waterfall, perfect for toddlers to splash in. Families will also appreciate the Lil’ Pirates Bay Playground, a cute little spot with swings and slides under shade, and a small game room hut with ping-pong and foosball.
The resort isn’t adults-only – I saw several families with kids and the vibe was friendly for all ages, yet it still felt serene for couples. There’s also a tennis court and a small air-conditioned gym on-site if you feel the need to work off all those buffet meals, though I admit we never quite made it to a workout (lifting cocktail glasses doesn’t count!).
In the evenings, Dhonveli amps up the fun with entertainment programs: one night featured a live band by the bar, another had a DJ-led beach party where guests danced with sand between their toes, and on our last night there was a display of traditional Maldivian Boduberu drumming and dancing, which was fantastic to witness.
They even organize movie nights and magic shows on occasion. The great thing is, these activities are there if you want them, but nothing ever felt intrusive – if you want to enjoy a romantic silent night, the island is big enough that you’ll hardly notice the festivities on the other end of the beach.
For me, a highlight was an afternoon at the Chavana Spa, nestled in a quiet corner of the island. My husband and I booked a couples massage in one of their bungalow treatment rooms, set in a lush garden courtyard.
The therapists used local Elemis products and worked out all the knots we didn’t even know we had, while we listened to tropical birds chirping outside.
Post-massage, they served us ginger tea as we relaxed in a thatched pavilion, utterly blissed out. It was exactly what you picture when you think “Maldives spa experience” – open-air, nature all around, and that sense of timeless relaxation. Walking back to our villa, we felt like jelly in the best possible way.
Of course, relaxation at Dhonveli can be as simple as claiming a hammock under a palm tree or a lounge chair on the quiet side of the beach. One half of the island faces the open ocean, where waves crash dramatically on a breakwater (that’s the surf side, which we’ll get to next).
The other half is a long sheltered white-sand beach, with calm lagoon water perfect for swimming. Most days, we’d find our own little patch of sand, set down our towels and a beach umbrella, and just soak up the sun or wade lazily in the clear, bath-warm shallows.
Sometimes friendly staff would wander by offering fresh coconut water or to take drink orders – talk about beachside service! Those lazy afternoons, alternating between floating in the gentle sea and napping under the shade of a thatch umbrella, were the definition of vacation bliss.
In short, whether you crave activity or serenity, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has it in spades. You can fill your days learning to dive, chasing dolphins, and partying by the pool, or simply do nothing more than read a novel with your toes in the sand. The freedom to choose each day’s adventure (or lack thereof) made our stay feel perfectly tailored to our mood.
Surfing at Pasta Point
Even before I set foot on Dhonveli, I’d heard whispers of its legendary surf spot. In surfing circles, Pasta Point is almost mythical – a long, peeling left-hand break considered one of the best waves in the Maldives.
The fact that this wave is right off Dhonveli’s island was a major draw for many guests (my husband included, an intermediate surfer who packed his board with more excitement than his dress shirts!).
What truly sets Pasta Point apart is its exclusivity. Cinnamon Dhonveli has an arrangement that only allows a limited number of surfers on the island – a maximum of 30 surfers at any given time. For a surf break of this quality, that is extraordinarily uncrowded.
To put it in perspective, surfers often pay thousands for boat charters in the Maldives or Indonesia to find uncrowded waves, but here at Dhonveli, you have one essentially at your doorstep.
During our stay, I witnessed the difference this makes: one afternoon, I counted at least six charter boats anchored off nearby Sultans (a famous break on the next island), with dozens of surfers jostling for waves.
Meanwhile, at Pasta Point there were only a handful of surfers in the water – at times, my husband had sets of waves entirely to himself. It was like a private surf club in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
Pasta Point itself is a high-performance left that breaks in a smooth arc around the coral reef just beyond Dhonveli’s bar deck. On a good day, rides can go for up to 100–150 yards, offering multiple turns and even the occasional barrel section. It works on all tides, though mid to high tide is friendliest.
From our vantage point at Raalhu Bar, I loved watching the surfers take off deep, then race the blue-green walls as spray caught the sunlight. The wave is renowned for being consistent and forgiving enough for intermediates, yet still offering speed and challenges that advanced surfers crave.
My husband described his first session with pure stoke: “It’s buttery smooth, and when you’re carving along that turquoise wall with nobody around, it’s absolute surfing nirvana,” he gushed (between giant gulps of water – Pasta Point is a leg-burner!).
The resort’s surf program is managed by Atoll Adventures/Atoll Travel, and they do a fantastic job organizing things. Each day, they’d post the surf forecast and coordinate boat trips to other nearby breaks for variety.
So even with Pasta Point at our doorstep, surfers could hop on a dinghy to check out Sultans (a famous right-hander) or Honky’s (a left) just across a channel, or even further to breaks like Jailbreaks, Cokes, and Chickens if conditions allowed.
These names might sound funny, but to surf aficionados they are part of the North Malé surf circuit. My husband joined a morning trip to Jailbreaks, coming back wide-eyed about the 200-meter rides he scored.
The fact that the Atoll crew shuttles surfers around means that even if all 30 permitted surfers are at Dhonveli, they’re often split among different spots, keeping crowds minimal at each break. As a result, crowding was never an issue – a near-unheard-of scenario for quality waves.
Even as a non-surfer myself, I found the surf scene at Dhonveli thrilling and enjoyable. Many late afternoons, I became an enthusiastic spectator, camped out on a bar stool at Raalhu Bar with a cocktail, cheering on the surfers carving up Pasta Point right in front of me.
The camaraderie in the bar was infectious – surfers swapping stories of their rides, their spouses or friends (like me) swapping sunscreen and binoculars on the deck. There was a sense that we were all part of a special little club getting to witness something rare.
One sunset in particular, I recall watching my husband catch a beautiful head-high wave; as he kicked out near the end, a pod of dolphins actually surfaced nearby, almost as if to congratulate him. He paddled in with a grin that I think lasted for days.
For those who have never surfed but feel tempted seeing all this fun, the resort even offers surf lessons for beginners. The Atoll surf guides can teach you in the gentle inside part of the lagoon or take you to a sheltered spot to learn the basics.
By the end of our stay, I was so inspired I almost signed up – but ultimately I decided to leave that for our next visit (something tells me we’ll be back). Even without surfing myself, Pasta Point added a unique energy to our vacation.
There’s something mesmerizing about a world-class wave breaking within earshot; at night from our bungalow, we’d fall asleep to the distant sound of waves crashing on the reef, nature’s lullaby reminding us of the untamed side of this paradise.
In essence, if you’re a surfer, Cinnamon Dhonveli is a no-brainer – it’s the luxury surf resort experience, regularly voted one of the top surf resorts in the world (with awards to prove it).
And if you’re not a surfer, fear not: the presence of the surf culture only adds to the island’s character, and you might even find yourself picking up a new hobby. Either way, having the “wave of the Maldives” out front is a bragging right few resorts can claim, and it makes Dhonveli genuinely special.
Service & Hospitality
Luxury resorts often boast about service, but at Cinnamon Dhonveli the hospitality truly felt personal. Despite the upscale setting, there was a warmth and down-to-earth friendliness from the staff that made our stay memorable. From day one, the team went above and beyond to ensure we felt like part of the Cinnamon family.
One example: on our second day, I realized I hadn’t seen any price list for activities we did and got curious. I stopped by the front desk to inquire, and the guest relations officer smiled and said, “No worries, that’s on us – part of your package.” She took the time to explain all our inclusions again and even offered to arrange a complimentary snorkeling trip for us if we wanted.
Little gestures like this were common. Our room attendant not only kept our villa pristine (with creative towel art surprises on the bed each day), but when he learned it was our honeymoon, he drew a flower petal bath in our tub one evening and left a bottle of sparkling wine and a handwritten note wishing us lifelong happiness. It nearly brought tears to my eyes – the genuine care behind it.
At meals, the chefs and waiters quickly learned our preferences. The head chef at Koimala noticed I was enamored with Maldivian dishes, and on our last night he specially prepared a Mas Huni (a traditional tuna-coconut breakfast dish) for me to try at dinner, saying I couldn’t leave Maldives without it.
Meanwhile, my husband swears the surf guides at the Atoll Adventures desk were some of the friendliest he’s met – they’d chat with him at length about the day’s waves, offer tips for the next session, and were just as stoked as the guests when conditions were firing. That shared passion created a real camaraderie.
One thing that struck me was how multi-cultural and well-trained the staff were. Many were Maldivian, but we also met Sri Lankan, Indian, and Filipino staff, all bringing their own flair to the service. Our spa therapists from Bali had the loveliest demeanor and clearly skilled hands.
The restaurant team included a pastry chef from France who delighted in describing his dessert creations each night. Yet, despite this professional polish, the vibe remained casual and welcoming.
Staff members would greet us with a cheerful “Hello, how are you?” when passing by, and we often stopped to chat. There was never a hint of stuffiness; instead, it felt like being welcomed by old friends who happen to live in paradise.
Dhonveli also handles practical matters smoothly. The resort manager hosted a weekly cocktail reception for guests, where we got to mingle with management and provide any feedback. It was clear they truly valued guest input and were constantly looking to improve.
For example, a couple mentioned they were vegetarian and sometimes struggled with limited options – the chef immediately promised to arrange special veg dishes for them thereafter.
Another family had an issue with a slow-draining shower; it was fixed within hours with an apology and a fruit basket for the trouble. That responsiveness is the hallmark of good service.
I must mention housekeeping as well – not the most glamorous part of a vacation, but done exceptionally here. Not only was our room serviced twice daily (with an evening turndown that refreshed our towels and laid out a little printout of the next day’s weather and events schedule), but they somehow always timed it when we were out.
In five days, I never once saw the housekeeper in our room, yet it was magically tidied and restocked whenever we returned from breakfast or dinner. It’s like they had a sixth sense for guest movements – truly the mark of a well-run resort.
And of course, the management’s attention to our special occasion didn’t end with the honeymoon upgrade. On our final night, they arranged a surprise celebration cake brought to our table, complete with a chorus of staff singing congratulations.
I was floored – not because I haven’t seen it before, but because I hadn’t explicitly told anyone it was our honeymoon beyond initial check-in. They just remembered, and cared enough to make it special.
This genuine hospitality extended to the very end of our trip. As we boarded the boat back to the airport, several staff members we’d come to know (the surf guide, the bartender, our housekeeper) gathered to send us off, waving and hollering “Safe travels! Come back soon!”.
It felt like saying goodbye to family. That departure scene encapsulates Cinnamon Dhonveli’s service: professional, yes, but also heartfelt. They managed to strike that perfect balance of attentive yet unobtrusive – we never lacked anything we needed, but we also never felt hovered over.
Every request was met with “It’s my pleasure” and a genuine smile. In a location as idyllic as the Maldives, one could almost take the surroundings for granted after a while – but it was the people of Dhonveli who constantly reminded us how lucky we were, and who elevated our stay from great to truly unforgettable.
Value and Final Thoughts
Let’s talk value for money – because while Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is a luxury resort, it’s also known as one of the more affordable luxury options in the Maldives (especially considering its unique offerings).
Make no mistake, a trip here is still a splurge for most of us but having experienced it, I can confidently say it was worth every penny.
One thing working in Dhonveli’s favor is its proximity to Malé. Being just a quick speedboat ride away means you save the cost and time of seaplane transfers, which in the Maldives can run $300–$500 per person.
Our round-trip speedboat was included in the package, and within an hour of landing we were already on the island, fruity welcome drink in hand. That convenience is priceless, especially for a short stay or those eager to maximize vacation time.
The resort offers various meal plans – from bed-and-breakfast to full-board and all-inclusive. We initially chose the half-board (breakfast & dinner) option, which felt like a good value because the buffets were extensive.
Once on site, we decided to upgrade to All-Inclusive for a day to see if it was worth it – and we were pleasantly surprised. The all-inclusive plan covered all meals, drinks (including cocktails, beer, and wine), and even some activities.
We did the math and realized if you’re fond of cocktails by the pool (guilty!) or a few beers while watching sunset, the AI plan quickly pays off. In the end, we might lean towards full all-inclusive on a future visit, just for the peace of mind of not signing bills for every drink.
For reference, at the time of our visit, rooms started around $370 USD per night for two in a Garden Bungalow with breakfast, and went up to about $900 USD per night for an Over Water Suite on premium all-inclusive. We opted for something in between – roughly $600 per night for a Water Bungalow on the all-inclusive plan (thanks to a good off-season deal).
Considering that price covered our villa, all our food (and we ate like kings), drinks, and many activities, it actually felt reasonable in the context of Maldives resorts. There were no unpleasant surprises at check-out – our extras were minimal, mostly spa treatments and a few boutique souvenirs.
Cinnamon Dhonveli’s value really shines in the breadth of inclusions and experiences you get. We never felt nickel-and-dimed; on the contrary, we often remarked how much was generously included.
Importantly, the resort doesn’t skimp on what matters. You get the same stunning environment and turquoise lagoon as higher-end resorts that charge double. The rooms, while perhaps not ultramodern or flashy, are spacious and well-appointed.
The food is plentiful and tasty – maybe not Michelin-starred, but we enjoyed every meal and certainly never went hungry or unsatisfied. And the service, as I’ve raved about, was five-star level in heart and attentiveness.
Yes, some facilities show a bit of tropical wear (a rust spot here, a well-loved lounge chair there), and if you’re a hypercritical traveler you might point out that Dhonveli isn’t as “polished” or brand-new as, say, the glitzy international chain resorts.
But for us, those minor cosmetic details did not detract one bit from the experience – in fact, the slightly relaxed, unpretentious charm of the place is part of what we loved.
It reminded us we were in a real place with character and history (the resort originally opened in the 90s as “Tari Village” and has updated over time). Everything important – cleanliness, comfort, safety, and genuine hospitality – was top-notch.
For luxury travelers considering Cinnamon Dhonveli, I’d say know your priorities. If you demand ultra-posh marble foyers and butler service, you might note that Dhonveli is upscale casual rather than ultra-luxe bling.
But if you value a rich array of experiences in one package – the ability to surf epic waves in the morning, snorkel with reef sharks at noon, enjoy a spa massage in the afternoon, and watch a cultural show after dinner – all without leaving your island, then Dhonveli is hard to beat.
It offers a rare combo of relaxation and adventure that gives you great bang for your buck. And the fact that it’s part of a reputable regional brand (Cinnamon) known for good service and community ethos adds to the feel-good factor.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives provided us a truly immersive, personal luxury escape – the kind that leaves you with stories to tell and daydreams to revisit for years. Was it all a dream? Perhaps. But if so, it’s one I’m determined to relive.
Would we go back? In a heartbeat.
