Ellaidhoo Maldives By Cinnamon Review 2026 | Prices from $450

Dreaming of a Maldivian escape where the underwater world takes centre stage? Ellaidhoo Maldives By Cinnamon promises just that, offering an unparalleled gateway to some of the North Ari Atoll's most vibrant reefs. This 4-star gem is a diver's and snorkeler's paradise, perfect for couples and honeymooners seeking genuine marine encounters without the ultra-luxury price tag. Its exceptional natural house reef and 24-hour diving experiences set it apart, ensuring your Maldivian adventure is truly unforgettable. Check Prices→

Overview

Ellaidhoo Maldives By Cinnamon isn't just another pretty face in the archipelago; it's a vibrant, living testament to the Maldives' incredible natural beauty. What truly sets this 4-star island apart is its genuinely exceptional natural house reef, a thriving underwater metropolis teeming with diverse marine life that you can explore directly from the beach or your water villa. This isn't just a resort with a "nice" reef; it's famed for its diving hotspots and snorkeling opportunities, offering an immersive experience that many pricier resorts struggle to match. The resort even boasts 24-hour diving experiences, a rare treat for serious enthusiasts. For international travellers, accessibility to Ellaidhoo is relatively straightforward. Located in the North Ari Atoll (also known as Alifu Alifu Atoll), you have the choice of a quick and breathtaking 25-minute seaplane flight or a 1.5-hour speedboat transfer from Malé International Airport (MLE). While the seaplane offers unparalleled aerial views, the speedboat provides a more direct (though potentially choppy) route. This mid-range resort manages to strike a balance between comfort and authentic Maldivian charm, attracting a loyal following of divers and those who appreciate its relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. You'll find a friendly, welcoming vibe here, where the focus remains firmly on the spectacular ocean surroundings rather than overly polished, artificial luxury. It’s a place where you can genuinely unwind and connect with nature, often feeling secluded even at full capacity. Read guest reviews★

Accommodation

Ellaidhoo Maldives By Cinnamon offers 112 villas, catering to different preferences while ensuring proximity to the ocean's wonders. The resort features both charming beach villas and iconic overwater villas, each designed to provide a comfortable base for your island adventures. Beach Villas Nestled amidst the lush greenery and just steps from the soft white sands, the Beach Villas offer a quintessential Maldivian experience. These private stand-alone bungalows provide fantastic ocean views and a spacious design with coastal-inspired interiors. A unique feature across many rooms, including some Beach Villas, are the open-air bathrooms, allowing for a refreshing, tropical showering experience under the sun or stars. Low Season Price: From $450 per night High Season Price: From $700 per night Check Availability→ Overwater Villas For that iconic Maldives postcard moment, the Overwater Villas are the ultimate choice. Perched on stilts directly over the turquoise lagoon, these villas offer uninterrupted ocean views and direct access to the house reef below. Imagine waking to the gentle lapping of waves, stepping onto your private deck, and plunging straight into the crystal-clear waters for a morning snorkel. These are generally considered more lavish and often come with their own dedicated restaurant, Malamathi Restaurant and Bar, exclusively for water bungalow residents. While some reviews mention that older Overwater Suites might show a bit of wear and tear, the overall comfort and design are highly praised. Low Season Price: From $700 per night High Season Price: from $4500 per night Check Availability→ Our Pick: While the Overwater Villas offer an undeniable "wow" factor and exclusive dining, our pick for the best value and authentic experience goes to the Beach Villas. They offer direct beach access, the charm of semi-outdoor bathrooms, and still provide incredible access to the house reef, all at a more accessible price point. You won't feel like you're missing out on the marine action from here. Insider Tip for Best Villa Selection: If diving and snorkeling are your absolute priority, consider requesting a Beach Villa on the side of the island closest to the main diving entry points or with the most direct access to the best sections of the house reef. While all villas offer great access, some spots are simply better for quick dips. If you're sensitive to noise, remember that Overwater Villas can sometimes have the sounds of waves or currents beneath them, which some find soothing and others find distracting.

Dining & Restaurants

Ellaidhoo Maldives By Cinnamon ensures your culinary journey is as memorable as your underwater escapades, with a selection of dining venues designed to cater to diverse tastes. You'll find a world of culinary enchantment across its restaurants and bars. The main restaurant, Madi Restaurant, serves international buffet spreads for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Expect a decent selection of local and Sinhalese cuisine alongside international dishes, with daily changing themes. There’s usually a salad bar, a cooking station for daily specials and pasta, and a dessert buffet. For those seeking something a bit more specialized, The Junction is a specialty à la carte restaurant focusing on Indian, Malaysian, Maldivian, Indonesian, and Sri Lankan cuisines. Guests on meal plans often receive a discount on à la carte dishes here. For a more casual setting, Seanic Café & Bar offers lunch and dinner, often catering to guests of certain room types or providing an à la carte menu outside main buffet hours. Meanwhile, Iruohsnee Bar is the perfect spot to unwind with tropical cocktails and enjoy stunning sunset views. For guests staying in the Overwater Villas, the Malamathi Restaurant and Bar offers an exclusive buffet-style dining experience. Meal Plan Recommendation: We highly recommend opting for at least Half Board or, ideally, the All-Inclusive Package. Given that Ellaidhoo is a private island, dining outside the resort isn't an option, and individual meal costs can quickly add up. The All-Inclusive package typically covers buffet meals, drinks (including house wines, cocktails, beer, soft drinks, and juices), and snacks, offering excellent value and peace of mind. While some reviews suggest that the all-inclusive cocktails can be mediocre, the overall convenience and cost savings usually outweigh this minor drawback. Hidden Gem/Must-Try Dish: Keep an eye out for the Maldivian and Sri Lankan curries at Madi Restaurant or The Junction. These often feature fresh, local seafood and authentic spice blends that truly capture the flavours of the region. Don't miss the freshly prepared omelettes at breakfast! Book All-Inclusive Package→

Activities & Facilities

Ellaidhoo Maldives By Cinnamon is an activity hub, particularly for those drawn to the ocean. The resort's primary draw is its exceptional natural house reef, rated as excellent. This vibrant underwater ecosystem is easily accessible for both divers and snorkelers, making it possible to encounter diverse marine life right from your doorstep. The resort is renowned for its 24-hour diving experiences, a unique offering for passionate divers. The on-site dive centre, Dive & Sail, is well-equipped with experienced international instructors and offers a full range of diving activities, from introductory dives to advanced courses and daily trips to spectacular reefs in the North Ari Atoll, including sites like Orimas Thila. Beyond diving, a variety of water sports are available, though most incur additional charges. These include snorkelling (guided tours from $450, snorkel set rental from $450 per day), canoeing (single canoe from $450 per hour), pedalo ($24 per hour), and stand-up paddleboarding ($20 per hour). Excursions like dolphin watching and sunset fishing are also popular choices. For relaxation and wellness, the Chavana Spa offers a range of authentic Balinese-inspired treatments in private treatment rooms. Signature experiences include the four-hand Chavana Massage and Purity Facial. The resort also features an infinity pool, a well-equipped fitness centre, tennis courts, a squash court, table tennis, billiards, and beach volleyball for land-based activities. While Ellaidhoo is primarily geared towards couples and divers, it does offer some facilities for families, including a children's playground and outdoor play equipment. However, it doesn't have a dedicated kids' club in the traditional sense, so parents should plan accordingly. A unique highlight is the option for a complimentary inside island tour, offering a glimpse into resort operations and the staff village. Book Diving Excursion→

Getting There

Reaching Ellaidhoo Maldives By Cinnamon is part of the adventure, with two distinct transfer options from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. You can choose between a scenic seaplane flight or a speedboat journey. The seaplane transfer offers a breathtaking 25-minute flight over the stunning marine seascape of the atolls, providing unparalleled aerial views of coral reefs and islands. Seaplanes operate during daylight hours, typically from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Seaplane transfers are generally arranged by the resort and can cost between $290 and $700 USD per person for a roundtrip, depending on the resort and booking specifics. Alternatively, a speedboat transfer to Ellaidhoo takes approximately 1.5 hours (90 minutes) from Malé. While it's a longer journey, speedboats operate 24/7, making them suitable for late arrivals or early departures from Malé that fall outside seaplane operating hours. However, be aware that the journey can be quite choppy, especially in certain weather conditions, so consider seasickness medication if you're prone to it. Shared speedboat transfers typically range from $450 to $200 USD round trip per adult. Some booking offers may even include complimentary speedboat transfers for stays of 7 nights or more. Tips for Arrival Timing: If you prefer the seaplane, ensure your international flight arrives in Malé by early afternoon to allow sufficient time for transfer check-in and the flight. If you arrive later in the day or depart very early, the speedboat will be your only option for same-day transfer. Always provide your flight details to the resort well in advance for seamless transfer arrangements. Find Flights on Skyscanner✈ Get Travel Insurance→

Pros & Cons

Ellaidhoo Maldives By Cinnamon, like any resort, has its unique strengths and a few areas where it could improve. Here’s an honest look: ✅ What We Love World-Class House Reef: Genuinely one of the best for snorkelling and diving directly from the island. 24-Hour Diving: A rare and fantastic offering for serious dive enthusiasts. Authentic Maldivian Charm: Less overtly luxurious, more focused on natural beauty and a relaxed vibe. Value for Money: Offers an incredible marine experience at a mid-range price point. Open-Air Bathrooms: A delightful tropical touch in many of the villas. Friendly and Attentive Staff: Consistently praised for their service. Complimentary Island Tour: A unique opportunity to see the resort's behind-the-scenes operations and staff village. ⚠️ Room for Improvement Speedboat Journey: The 1.5-hour speedboat transfer can be rough and uncomfortable for some. Dated Rooms: Some reviews mention that certain room categories, particularly older Overwater Suites, show signs of wear and tear. All-Inclusive Cocktails: Some guests find the quality of all-inclusive cocktails to be mediocre. Limited Fresh Produce Variety: Due to transport logistics, the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables can be somewhat limited.

Who Should Book

PERFECT FOR: Avid Divers & Snorkelers: If your primary reason for visiting the Maldives is the incredible underwater world, Ellaidhoo Maldives By Cinnamon is your ideal match. Its house reef is a genuine highlight, offering endless exploration. Honeymooners & Couples Seeking Adventure: For those who want a romantic escape combined with thrilling marine activities and a more laid-back, authentic Maldivian experience. Value-Conscious Travellers: You get an exceptional house reef and solid 4-star amenities without the exorbitant price tag of ultra-luxury resorts. Nature Lovers: Guests who appreciate genuine natural beauty and marine conservation over flashy, man-made extravagance. NOT IDEAL FOR: Ultra-Luxury Seekers: If you're expecting brand-new, cutting-edge design and flawless, opulent amenities, this resort might not meet those expectations. Those Prone to Seasickness: The 1.5-hour speedboat transfer can be bumpy, so if rough seas are an issue, consider other resorts with shorter or seaplane-only transfers. Families with Very Young Children Requiring Extensive Kids' Clubs: While there are some basic facilities, there isn't a dedicated, full-service kids' club.

Booking Tips

Securing the best deal for your stay at Ellaidhoo Maldives By Cinnamon requires a bit of strategic planning. Best Months for Deals: The low season, typically from May to November, offers the best opportunities for discounted rates. During these months, particularly May, June, and September, you'll find beach villas starting from $450 and overwater villas from $700 per night. While there's a higher chance of rain, showers are often brief, and you'll benefit from fewer crowds and better prices. Price Difference Low vs. High Season: The contrast is significant. In the high season (December to April), Beach Villas jump to $700 and Overwater Villas to $1000 per night. Booking during the shoulder seasons (late April/early May or late October/early November) can sometimes offer a sweet spot between weather and price. Direct vs. OTA Booking Advice: While Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) often provide competitive rates and package deals, it's always worth checking the official Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts website directly. They frequently offer exclusive "Book Direct" benefits, which can include resort credits (e.g., USD 100 for stays of three nights or more) or perks like beach dinners, Balinese massages, sunset fishing, or dolphin safaris, depending on your loyalty tier. These added value inclusions can often surpass a slight price difference from an OTA. Don't hesitate to contact the resort's reservations team directly to inquire about any ongoing promotions or to match a better offer you've found elsewhere.

Quick Verdict

Category	Score /10
Location	9.0
Accommodation	7.5
Dining	8.0
Activities	9.5
Value	9.0
Overall Score	8.6

Bottom Line: Ellaidhoo Maldives By Cinnamon is a fantastic choice for those who want an authentic, marine-focused Maldivian holiday without breaking the bank, offering incredible underwater access and a relaxed island vibe.