Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives
A private island in Vaavu Atoll, with overwater villas and a house reef worth diving for.
A place to stay on Thinadhoo
Cinnamon Velifushi sits on a 5-hectare private island in Vaavu Atoll, about 77 km from Malé and reached by seaplane. The resort runs 90 villas across beach and overwater categories, three restaurants, a pool bar, and the overwater Mandara Spa. The house reef is the standout draw: nurse sharks are a regular sighting, and guests staying in water villas can drop in directly from their decks. Vaavu Atoll also puts more than 50 dive sites within reach, including the Vaavu Shipwreck, accessed through the resort's partner dive centre, Dive & Sail.
Who this stay suits
A well-run private-island resort where the house reef and overwater villas are the main event, backed by strong service scores and a meaningful choice of dining.
Best for
- Snorkellers and divers targeting Vaavu Atoll
- Couples in overwater villas
- Guests wanting a genuine all-inclusive option
- Families with younger children
Less suited to
- Travellers on a tight budget
- Those who prefer minimalist, boutique-style stays
The island and its reef
The resort occupies its own 5-hectare island. The house reef is directly accessible from water villa decks and carries nurse sharks. Beyond the reef, Vaavu Atoll has more than 50 named dive sites, among them the Vaavu Shipwreck.
Overwater villas and beach bungalows
Water Bungalows and the Water Suite sit over the lagoon, each with a private deck fitted with an overwater hammock. The 208 m² Water Suite adds a private plunge pool. On the beach side, the Superior Beach Loft reaches 79 m² with land and ocean views.
Mandara Spa, overwater
The Mandara Spa is built over the water. Its Balinese treatment menu runs to warm stone massages and lime baths. It is one of the few overwater spa facilities in this atoll.
Three restaurants and a pool bar
VAH Global Dining Restaurant handles the main international buffet in an overwater setting. Marlin Seafood Restaurant serves fish-focused fine dining at lunch and dinner. Iru Kitchen & Bar and the all-day Fen Café & Bar round out the options, with the Pool Bar covering drinks under the all-inclusive plan.
Pool, fitness, and the beach
An outdoor pool sits alongside a fitness centre. The resort is beachfront, with sun terraces and outdoor furniture along the shoreline. A hot tub is also on site.
Rooms & suites
Superior Beach Loft - Enjoy a
79 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Ensuite bathroom
Beach Bungalow - Enjoy a
65 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Entire bungalow
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Ensuite bathroom
Water Bungalow - Enjoy a
100 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Entire bungalow
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Ensuite bathroom
Sunset Water Bungalow with Jacuzzi - Enjoy a
100 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Entire bungalow
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Ensuite bathroom
Water Suite with Pool - Enjoy a
208 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Private suite
- Private pool
- Sea view
- Pool with a view
- Air conditioning
Experiences on & off the island
Inside Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives
Amenities at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives
Most popular facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Airport shuttle
- Free Wifi
- Beachfront
- Family rooms
- Room service
- 3 restaurants
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Great for your stay
- 3 restaurants
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness center
- View
- Free Wifi
- Flat-screen TV
- Fitness center
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- Sea view
- View
Outdoors
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Sun deck
- Patio
Getting there
Cinnamon Velifushi is 77 km from Velana International Airport in Malé. The primary transfer is by seaplane. A speedboat alternative takes approximately 75 minutes, with shared transfers priced at around USD 235 per adult and USD 118 per child aged 2 to 11. The resort arranges airport shuttles at an extra charge.
Seaplane transfers typically run $250–600 per person round trip, booked through the property. A few islands in this band are also served by a domestic flight to a nearby regional airport plus a short boat — ask the property which routing is faster for your dates.
Across 1,874 Google reviews, the resort holds a 4.8/5 rating. Service is the most-reviewed topic — 635 of 665 mentions are positive. Property condition follows at 366 positive from 385 mentions. Dining draws 281 positive from 308 mentions, and cleanliness scores 158 from 167.
- Things to do3.9
- Restaurants1.6
- Airport access1.6
Share of positive mentions per theme, from Google reviews.
- Poor drink selection and limited snack/ice cream options on the all-inclusive package
- Activities and excursions considered too expensive
- Airport transfer timing poorly managed, leaving guests waiting hours with no facilities
- Overbooking incident: multiple guests not given their reserved room type on arrival
- Limited sports facilities and dining variety; only one main restaurant noted by longer-stay guests
“The staff are simply incredible and provide great service in general. Special thanks to all the restaurant staff for being extremely accommodating towards my child's needs.”
“My experience at Velifushi Maldives has been, without a doubt, the best I've ever had in my life. We truly felt like VIP guests throughout our entire stay.”
“The hotel has amazing reviews but having been to the Maldives 3 times previously, this fell below expectations.”
“I was not the only guest affected — there were at least 5–6 other families in the same situation. This caused unnecessary stress at the start of what was supposed to be a relaxing holiday.”
“It was a joy that the island is completely mosquito-free. The service was outstanding, efficient and so friendly without being fawning or pushy.”
Guest reviews summarised from Booking.com.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Cinnamon Velifushi from Malé airport?
The resort is 77 km from Malé and accessible by seaplane transfer. A speedboat option also exists — roughly 75 minutes from the airport, with shared boat pricing at around USD 235 per adult and USD 118 per child aged 2 to 11.
What room types are available?
There are five categories: Superior Beach Loft (79 m²), Beach Bungalow (65 m²), Water Bungalow (100 m²), Sunset Water Bungalow with Jacuzzi (100 m²), and Water Suite with Pool (208 m²). All sleep two adults with one extra-large double bed.
Is an all-inclusive plan available?
Yes. An all-inclusive package is available covering all meals and drinks, including extras at the Pool Bar. A free breakfast plan is also offered as a separate option.
What dining options are on the island?
The resort has three restaurants: VAH Global Dining (international buffet, overwater setting), Marlin Seafood Restaurant & Wine Bar (seafood fine dining, lunch and dinner), and Iru Kitchen & Bar (international specialty cuisine). The all-day Fen Café & Bar and a Pool Bar complete the lineup.
Can I snorkel from my villa?
Guests in water bungalows and the Water Suite can enter the house reef directly from their private decks. The reef is home to nurse sharks, among other marine life.
Is diving available, and what sites are nearby?
The Dive & Sail dive centre operates as a partner on the island. Vaavu Atoll has more than 50 dive sites in range, including the Vaavu Shipwreck.
Is the resort suitable for families with children?
Family rooms are listed among the resort's facilities, and a kids club is on site. Canoeing and snorkelling are also available. The resort can accommodate children for the speedboat transfer at a reduced rate.
What is the Mandara Spa?
The Mandara Spa is an overwater spa offering Balinese treatments including warm stone massages and lime baths. It sits over the water as a standalone facility.
Is there a pool on site?
Yes, there is an outdoor pool and a hot tub. The Water Suite with Pool also has its own private plunge pool on the villa deck.
What are the rates, and how far in advance should I book?
Rates start from around USD 508 per night for the Superior Beach Loft. Overwater categories begin at roughly USD 782, and the Water Suite with Pool starts from around USD 1,891. Peak season availability fills fast, so earlier booking is advisable.
Is Wi-Fi available across the resort?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
What other activities are available beyond diving and snorkelling?
Canoeing and fishing excursions are available, along with water sport facilities on site. The resort also has a fitness centre and a game room.