Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives Review 2026 | Prices from $400

Forget the endless scroll through postcard-perfect Maldivian resorts. If you’re searching for a blend of contemporary Italian flair, a genuinely vibrant house reef, and an escape that doesn't demand a second mortgage, then Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives should be at the top of your list. This resort isn't just another pretty face; it's a meticulously designed haven on Aarah Island, perfect for honeymooners and luxury seekers who appreciate sleek aesthetics and underwater wonders. You could be sipping a sundowner, watching nurse sharks glide by, before the jet lag even fully registers. Check Prices→

Overview

What truly sets Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives apart in a crowded market of luxury islands? It’s the unapologetic embrace of sleek, contemporary Italian design, fused seamlessly with the raw, natural beauty of the Maldives. You won't find thatched roofs and rustic charm here; instead, expect clean lines, polished surfaces, and an airy, modern aesthetic that feels more like a chic European boutique hotel dropped into paradise. This isn't just a resort; it's the only resort on the pristine Aarah Island in the Vaavu Atoll, offering an exclusive sense of serenity and untouched beauty. For international travelers, the logistics are remarkably smooth. Unlike some far-flung atolls requiring lengthy seaplane journeys, getting to Cinnamon Velifushi is a breeze. A swift 25-minute transfer, whether by seaplane or speedboat from Malé, means you can transition from arrival at Velana International Airport (MLE) to dipping your toes in the Indian Ocean in under an hour. This accessibility is a huge advantage, particularly after long-haul flights from hubs like Dubai, Singapore, or Colombo, minimizing travel fatigue and maximizing your precious vacation time. The atmosphere at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives strikes a perfect balance: it’s sophisticated and stylish, yet wonderfully relaxed. You’ll see couples strolling hand-in-hand, snorkelers returning from exhilarating encounters with the house reef, and guests simply unwinding by the pool with a cocktail. It's lively enough to feel engaging, but never overcrowded or noisy. The resort manages to blend its modern design with genuine Maldivian warmth, creating an inviting space where luxury feels effortless. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, whether you’re lounging on your private deck or exploring the vibrant underwater world just steps away. Read guest reviews★

Accommodation

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives offers a refined selection of 90 villas, each designed with that distinctive Italian flair and offering direct access to either the pristine beach or the mesmerizing lagoon. The choice between a beach sanctuary and an overwater haven truly depends on your preference for sand between your toes or the gentle lapping of waves beneath your feet.

Beach Villas

The Beach Villas are your entry point to this slice of paradise, offering spacious interiors and direct access to the soft, white sand. These villas are perfect for those who love waking up to the sight of the ocean just steps from their door and enjoy the convenience of a private stretch of beach. They are elegantly furnished, reflecting the resort's modern aesthetic. Low Season Price: From $400 per night High Season Price: From $700 per night Check Availability→

Water Bungalows & Suites

The Overwater Villas are where the Cinnamon Velifushi experience truly elevates. These iconic structures extend into the lagoon, offering unparalleled privacy and direct access to the turquoise waters below. Within this category, you’ll find variations that cater to different desires for luxury. Water Bungalows with Jacuzzis: For those seeking a touch of indulgence, the Sunset Water Bungalows with Jacuzzis offer stunning views, especially at dusk, combined with the luxury of your own private whirlpool. Imagine soaking in warm bubbles as the Maldivian sky explodes in a riot of colors – pure bliss. Low Season Price: From $600 per night High Season Price: from $4000 per night Check Availability→ Water Suites with Private Pools: Our top pick, hands down, would be the Water Suites with private pools. These are the epitome of overwater luxury at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives. They offer expansive living spaces, breathtaking ocean views, and the ultimate indulgence: your very own plunge pool suspended over the lagoon. This allows for unparalleled privacy and the freedom to swim whenever the mood strikes, day or night. For honeymooners or those celebrating a special occasion, these suites are an absolute dream. Low Season Price: From $600 per night High Season Price: from $4000 per night Check Availability→ Our Pick and Why: The Water Suites with private pools are our undisputed champions. While the Sunset Water Bungalows with Jacuzzis offer a lovely touch, the private pool in the Water Suites provides an extra layer of luxury, privacy, and the sheer joy of a refreshing dip whenever you please, all while gazing out at the endless ocean. It’s the ultimate Maldivian overwater experience. Insider Tip for Best Villa Selection: If you're a keen snorkeler, consider requesting an overwater villa closer to the house reef access points. For the most dramatic sunset views, specifically ask for a Sunset Water Bungalow or Suite. Book well in advance, especially for high season or if you have specific villa preferences, as the most sought-after options at Cinnamon Velifushi tend to sell out quickly. You can often secure better rates by booking a package that includes flights and transfers.

Dining & Restaurants

The culinary journey at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is as thoughtfully curated as its design, offering a delightful array of flavors to satisfy every palate. While the resort maintains a sophisticated ambiance, the dining options are diverse and cater to both casual and more refined experiences. The main restaurant, Migliaa, serves up an impressive buffet spread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring international cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Expect live cooking stations and a vibrant atmosphere, ensuring there's always something new to try. For those craving Italian flavors – a nod to the resort's design inspiration – VelaaFaru is your go-to. This à la carte specialty restaurant offers exquisite pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and classic Italian preparations in a more intimate setting, perfect for a romantic dinner. If you're looking for a casual bite or a refreshing drink by the pool, the Fen Bar provides light snacks and a fantastic selection of cocktails with stunning ocean views. Meal Plan Recommendation: For most guests, we highly recommend opting for the All-Inclusive package at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives. Given the island's isolation, dining options are limited to the resort's facilities, and individual meal costs can add up quickly. The all-inclusive plan typically covers your meals at Migliaa, often includes credits for specialty restaurants like VelaaFaru, and provides unlimited beverages, making it excellent value and allowing you to truly relax without worrying about the bill. Hidden Gem or Must-Try Dish: Don't leave without trying a fresh seafood grill at VelaaFaru. The Maldivian waters are teeming with incredible marine life, and the chefs here truly know how to prepare it to perfection. A perfectly grilled catch of the day, paired with a crisp white wine, is an unforgettable experience. Book All-Inclusive Package→

Activities & Facilities

Beyond the beautiful villas and exquisite dining, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives truly shines when it comes to activities and facilities, especially for those who love the ocean. The house reef here is genuinely excellent. Unlike some resorts where you need to take a boat out, the vibrant marine life is accessible directly from the beach or your overwater villa steps. It’s a snorkeler's paradise, teeming with colorful fish, reef sharks, turtles, and the resort's famous resident nurse sharks, which are a highlight for many guests. You can spend hours exploring the coral gardens just beneath the surface. For more in-depth exploration, the resort's PADI-certified dive center offers a full range of courses and excursions to spectacular dive sites in the Vaavu Atoll, known for its thrilling channel dives and pelagic encounters. Water sports are plentiful and cater to all levels of adventure. You can enjoy complimentary snorkeling gear, or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. For more adrenaline-pumping activities, jet-skiing and parasailing are available, with approximate costs ranging from $400-$150 depending on the duration. Maldives Water Sports Guide For relaxation, the Mandara Spa, perched elegantly over the water, is a sanctuary of tranquility. Their signature treatments blend traditional Asian therapies with modern techniques, offering everything from invigorating massages to rejuvenating facials. A couple's massage in one of their overwater treatment rooms, with the gentle sound of waves below, is an absolute must. While Cinnamon Velifushi is primarily geared towards couples and honeymooners, it does offer some facilities for families, though it doesn't have a dedicated kids' club. The calm waters of the lagoon are safe for younger swimmers, and snorkeling can be a fantastic family activity. However, if a comprehensive children's program is a high priority, you might consider best family resorts in the Maldives. Book Diving Excursion→

Getting There

One of the significant advantages of the Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives experience is its convenient accessibility. The resort is located in the Vaavu Atoll, just a short distance from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. Your transfer to Cinnamon Velifushi will be either by seaplane or speedboat, a journey that takes approximately 25 minutes. This relatively short transfer time is a huge bonus, especially after a long international flight, meaning you'll be on the island and enjoying your vacation much sooner than at resorts in more remote atolls. The resort typically arranges these transfers, and the cost is usually added to your package. While exact prices can vary, expect to pay around $200-$300 per person for a round-trip transfer. Tips for Arrival Timing: If arriving internationally, try to schedule your flight to land in Malé before 3:00 PM local time. Seaplane transfers generally operate during daylight hours, so late arrivals might necessitate an overnight stay in Malé before transferring the next morning. Speedboat transfers can sometimes operate later, but it's always best to check with the resort directly. Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, a resort representative will greet you and guide you to your transfer. For those coming from major hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul, direct flights to Malé are frequent. Maldives Travel Tips Find Flights on Skyscanner✈ Get Travel Insurance→

Pros & Cons

Every paradise has its quirks, and Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is no exception. Here’s our honest take:

✅ What We Love

1. Exceptional House Reef: Truly one of the best for easy access snorkeling, abundant with marine life, including friendly nurse sharks. 2. Sleek Italian Design: A refreshing departure from traditional Maldivian aesthetics, offering a modern, sophisticated ambiance. 3. Quick, Easy Transfer: A 25-minute seaplane or speedboat journey means less travel time and more vacation time. 4. Overwater Mandara Spa: A stunning setting for ultimate relaxation with incredible ocean views. 5. Water Suites with Private Pools: The epitome of luxury and privacy for an unforgettable overwater experience.

⚠️ Room for Improvement

1. Limited Dining Variety: While good, the options are finite for longer stays, especially if not on an all-inclusive plan. 2. More Adult-Oriented: While families are welcome, it's not explicitly designed with extensive kids' facilities, making it less ideal for those seeking a dedicated children's program. 3. Beach Erosion: Like many Maldivian islands, some areas of the beach can experience minor erosion, though the resort works to mitigate this.

Who Should Book

PERFECT FOR: Honeymooners & Couples: The romantic setting, private villas, and overwater spa make it ideal for celebrating love and tranquility. Divers & Snorkelers: With an excellent house reef and access to Vaavu Atoll's renowned dive sites, underwater enthusiasts will be in heaven. Luxury Seekers with Modern Tastes: Those who appreciate contemporary design, sleek aesthetics, and a sophisticated atmosphere over rustic charm. Short Stay Travelers: The quick transfer from Malé is perfect for those who want to maximize their time on the island without long journeys. NOT IDEAL FOR: Families with Young Children Seeking Kids' Clubs: While children are welcome, the resort lacks extensive dedicated facilities or programs for kids. Budget Travelers: While "mid-range" for the Maldives, the prices are still a luxury investment, and those on a strict budget might find it challenging. * Those Seeking a Very Traditional Maldivian Vibe: The strong Italian influence means it deviates from the typical rustic, natural Maldivian aesthetic.

Booking Tips

Securing the best deal for your stay at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives often comes down to timing and strategy. Best Months for Deals: The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-November) often present the sweet spot between good weather and more attractive pricing. The absolute low season (May-July) will see the lowest rates, but also a higher chance of rain. best time to visit the Maldives Price Difference Low vs. High Season: As you've seen, there's a significant difference. Beach Villas can go from $400 in low season to $700 in high, and overwater options jump from $600 to $1000. Booking during the low or shoulder season can save you hundreds of dollars per night, allowing for a longer stay or more splurges on experiences. Direct vs. OTA Booking Advice: While booking directly with the resort can sometimes offer exclusive packages or perks, online travel agencies (OTAs) often have competitive rates and bundle deals that include flights and transfers, which can be very convenient. Always compare prices across multiple platforms and consider booking an all-inclusive package for the best overall value.

Quick Verdict

Category	Score /10
Location	9
Accommodation	8.5
Dining	8
Activities	9
Value	8
Overall Score	8.5
Bottom Line: Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives offers a stylish, accessible, and marine life-rich Maldivian escape, perfect for discerning couples and snorkelers.