Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives-All Inclusive

Cinnamon Dhonveli is quite literally a paradise. We are only back from 10 nights there for our honeymoon and really did not want to leave. They provided a complimentary bottle of wine and a fruit basket on arrival which was a lovely touch and really set the tone. The resort is always very clean and service is at the forefront of every thing they do there. Special mentions to Lasaan in Maakana restaurant, a smiling face who always provided excellent service and had our drinks ready for us every day on arrival. To Didar for organising a lovely romantic dinner on the beach, to Rahuman for keeping our room in immaculate condition and to all the chefs, in particular Raku for the amazing food they put on every day. I could not recommend this resort enough. Truly memorable

Upon check in, I was given paperwork to sign with our room number on it. Halfway through signing, I told the room I booked (an overwater bungalow I reserved months in advance) was not available. The staff tried to pull a bait and switch in which I would stay in a garden room with a free activity. After rightfully discussing my disappointment, somehow the room I was originally supposed to be in (as it was written on my check in paperwork) was available. Terrible first impression that soured my whole stay.

Service and quality reflected on the price. It's not an expensive hotel as compared with others in Maldives. There is no pool. Most likely, as they are planned to close for renovation, thus, the room is not keep very clean with ants and bugs everywhere. The view is good. The service arrangement is a bit tricky. They will suddenly change your flight schedule without notification. Luckily, we checked, otherwise, it will be in a mass for our last day.

We felt slighted by reviews. Here’s what no one tells you: water villas have best views BUT TOO CLOSE to each other (beware of loud couples - bring a speaker but can’t guarantee sounds will be blocked). Water shoes required since there’s only a small sand part on the beach - the rest is small, rough coral bits. All inclusive has no value: drinks are watered down; must pay for better drinks from room service. All inclusive doesn’t deliver room service; room service = $$. Int’l restaurant is a joke - more of a Maldivian take on foods from other nations (ie Indian spices where you don’t expect it like Tiramisu or “Hawaiian” rice). You can’t take food back to your room from all inclusive. The restaurant also assigns seats/tables based on room # so can’t choose to sit near beach if wanted. Our dedicated water tried to upsell a dining experience without knowledge of best times based on weather & failed to show up to assist with dinner as promised. Communication is a prob - no one told housekeeping of my wife’s bday tho I was promised the room would be decorated for it. Crows are a prob - can’t enjoy food outside at the bar. Pathways to water villas aren’t well lit - beware walks back late at night. Only store on island is a RIP-OFF & capitalizes on forgetfulness: essentials are overpriced (ie small sunblock for $25 USD). You might get charged for WiFi. 3 int’l plugs but you have to search for them. “DJ” is just a guy who has a playlist, doesn’t mix & music doesn’t fit crowd.

The staff were very friendly and attentive except our waiter who kept forgetting to give us a teaspoon with our coffee even after reminders and a tip. The place was gorgeous and we had a wonderful first visit to Maldives.