Cinnamon Dhonveli
Maldives

Cinnamon Dhonveli vs. the Field

Where this resort sits across the dimensions that matter most when choosing a Maldives property.

Choose Your Villa

148 rooms across seven categories — from compact garden-level Superior Rooms to the Beach Suite with Pool (170 sqm) that sleeps five. Most surfers book Water Bungalows or Overwater Suites for the Pasta Point views; non-surfers often prefer Beach Bungalows for direct sand access. Note: Water Bungalows and Overwater Suites have a minimum guest age of 12.

Prices shown are indicative low-season per night. See the season guide in the sidebar for how rates vary by time of year. We'll confirm exact pricing for your dates.

4 Restaurants & 3 Bars

Four restaurants and three bars spread across the island, organised by room category on an all-inclusive basis. Dalchini overlooks the Pasta Point break — tandoori and grills with a front-row seat to the surf.

Koimala

International Buffet

Main buffet for Superior Room, Garden and Beach Bungalow guests. Live cooking stations rotate weekly through Maldivian, Indian, Asian, and Mediterranean themes.

SettingBeachfront · Garden & Beach guests

Our tipThursday night Maldivian theme is the local highlight

All-Inclusive

Rehendhi

International

Gourmet buffet exclusively for Overwater Suite and Beach Suite with Pool guests. Includes a wine cellar and intimate pool bar. Other guests by request subject to availability.

SettingBeachfront · Suite guests

Our tipBook a gourmet romantic dinner for a private setup on the beach

Suite AI · Supplement

Dalchini

Indian

À la carte Indian — tandoori, grills, and fragrant coastal specialties. Named after the Hindi word for cinnamon. Also serves breakfast buffet for Atoll and Water Bungalow guests.

SettingOverlooking Pasta Point · Water Bungalow guests

Our tipThe tandoori platter with a view of Pasta Point is the move

All-Inclusive

Tex Mex

Mexican

Casual à la carte — enchiladas, nachos, tacos, and Tex-Mex BBQ. The only restaurant open to all guests regardless of room category.

SettingBeachside · All guests

Our tipThe nachos and frozen margaritas hit after a surf session

All-InclusiveView menu ↗

Raalhu Bar

Cocktails

The surfers' bar — cocktails, fresh juices, and cold beers on a wooden deck above the lagoon with front-row views of Pasta Point. Open 8am to midnight.

SettingWooden deck over lagoon · Pasta Point views

Our tipGrab a seat at sunset when the evening glass-off lights up the break

AI Drinks

Raiyvilla Bar

Cocktails

Sunset cocktails, smoothies, snacks, and short meals under a thatched roof at the island's centre. Exclusively for All-Inclusive package guests.

SettingCentre island · Sunset-facing · AI guests

Our tipBest sunset seat on the island — arrive 30 min before for a good spot

AI Drinks

Beach Bar

Cocktails

Daytime beachfront bar serving refreshing cocktails and cold beverages between the beach and pool. Open 10am–6pm.

SettingBeachfront · Near Beach Bungalows

Our tipThe midday stop between surf sessions and the beach

AI Drinks

Dining Inclusions

Cinnamon Dhonveli operates primarily on an all-inclusive basis. The Standard AI covers all three main buffet restaurants plus Tex Mex, with house drinks at meals. Premium AI adds premium beverages, minibar refills, one private beach dinner, and two included excursions. A 5-night minimum stay applies for Premium AI.

Your Days on the Island

Pasta Point is the headline, but 25 North Malé dive sites sit on the same doorstep. The Meridis PADI 5-Star dive center handles everything from first-timers to serious divers. On the surface: surf instruction, SUP, kayaking, and the resort's beach-club energy.

Family-Friendly Features

Dhonveli is not a dedicated family resort — it’s a surf resort that accommodates families. The kids play area is basic, overwater rooms require guests 12+, and there’s no babysitting. That said, surf-keen teenagers will love the Pasta Point access, the mushroom waterfall pool keeps younger kids happy, and the all-inclusive pricing keeps costs predictable. Best for families with older, active children.

House Reef & Underwater

Honest assessment: Cinnamon Dhonveli does not have a meaningful house reef. Resort management acknowledges the in-lagoon coral is largely bleached, and multiple guest reviews describe snorkeling within the lagoon as disappointing. Marine life — fish, rays, small sharks — is still present around the overwater bungalows and in the wider lagoon. For reef experiences, the Meridis dive center runs organized snorkel excursions to off-island sites that receive strong reviews. If a thriving house reef is a priority, look elsewhere.

PADI dive center on-site. Night snorkeling available. Marine life observations sourced from dive logs and guest reports.

Transfer from Malé

25–30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. No seaplane required. Return transfer is approximately USD 174 per adult, USD 87 per child. Arrivals at any hour — no daylight restrictions.

Resort island map — Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Who This Resort is For

Cinnamon Dhonveli is the Maldives' surf resort. Pasta Point is a world-class wave, and the 33-surfer cap means this is never a compromise lineup — seven consecutive SATA awards confirm it. For non-surfers, the PADI dive center, all-inclusive pricing, and Chavana Spa make a reasonable case. But be clear-eyed: the house reef is poor and rooms are compact. This resort is for people who know exactly what they're coming for.

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives — FAQ