Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
A house reef at your feet, the Ari Atoll at your door.
An island resort on Ellaidhoo
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon sits on its own island in the Ari Atoll, about 67 km from Malé and reached by seaplane. The island's house reef encircles the shore and is accessible directly from the beach, putting reef sharks, turtles, and tropical fish within easy reach without a boat trip. Accommodation runs from garden-setting standard rooms to glass-floor water bungalows above the lagoon. The Chavana Spa, four dining and bar venues, and a full roster of watersports and fishing excursions round out what the resort has to go on.
The honest verdict
A well-equipped island resort where the house reef is the main draw, backed by solid dining options and a Balinese spa.
Best for
- Snorkellers and divers wanting shore-access reef
- Couples in beach or water bungalows
- Families needing flexible room layouts
- Guests who want structured evening entertainment
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers who prefer a very remote, low-key stay
- Those on a tight budget
The house reef, up close
The reef wraps around the entire island and is reachable straight from the beach. Reef sharks and turtles are regular sightings. For structured diving, the resort runs its own dive operation with access to Ari Atoll's wider reef network.
Beach and water bungalows
Beach Bungalows at 38 m² sit directly on the sand with a private deck and ocean views. Water Bungalows step up to 79 m², with a glass floor panel looking into the lagoon below and a sundeck above the water.
Four venues for eating and drinking
Madi Restaurant handles beachfront buffet dining. The Junction runs an international à la carte menu. Seanic Cafe & Bar sits poolside for lighter bites and cocktails. Iruohsenee Bar is the ocean-view option used for private events.
Chavana Spa
The spa runs authentic Balinese treatments using a signature massage oil, with sessions covering both therapeutic and rejuvenation approaches. It's a stand-alone draw for guests not focused on the water.
Evening and outdoor activities
The resort has live music, themed dinner nights, and entertainment staff on the programme. On the sports side, there's badminton, tennis, squash, and water sport facilities on site.
Rooms & suites
Beach Bungalow
38 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 large double bed
- Entire bungalow
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
Water Bungalow
79 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 large double bed
- Entire bungalow
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
Inside Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
Amenities at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Towels/sheets (extra fee)
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- View
Outdoors
- Outdoor furniture
- Sun terrace
- BBQ facilities
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden
Kitchen
- Electric kettle
Room amenities
- Socket near the bed
- Drying rack for clothing
- Clothes rack
Getting there
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is approximately 67 km from Velana International Airport in Malé. The standard transfer is by seaplane, which puts the resort within reach of the wider Ari Atoll. Confirm transfer timing and any inclusions with the resort when you book, as seaplane schedules are daylight-dependent.
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.
On the map
Ellaidhoo carries a Google rating of 4.8/5 across 2,564 reviews. Guests consistently single out the food quality — buffet meals and the dining variety both draw strong praise. Bed comfort is another recurring theme. The location, meaning access to the reef and the island setting, is also frequently highlighted.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Ellaidhoo from Malé airport?
The resort is reached by seaplane transfer. The island sits approximately 67 km from Malé, so a seaplane is the standard way in. Check with the resort or your booking platform for current transfer arrangements and costs.
What room types are available?
There are four categories: Standard Room (35 m², garden setting), Beach Bungalow (38 m², beachfront), Superior Room (52 m², sea view), and Water Bungalow (79 m², over the lagoon with a glass floor panel).
Is there a house reef for snorkelling?
Yes. The house reef encircles the island and is accessible directly from the beach without a boat. Reef sharks, turtles, and tropical fish are commonly seen.
Is diving available at the resort?
Diving is available on site. The resort operates its own dive facilities, with access to Ari Atoll's wider reef system. Excursions can be arranged through the property.
What dining options are there?
There are four venues: Madi Restaurant (beachfront buffet), The Junction (international à la carte), Seanic Cafe & Bar (poolside bites and cocktails), and Iruohsenee Bar (ocean-view, used for private events).
What meal plans are available?
Breakfast options include continental, full English/Irish, vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, Asian, American, and buffet formats. Check at booking for which meal plan arrangements apply to your stay.
Is the resort suitable for families with children?
The Standard Room sleeps two adults, one child, and one infant. The Superior Room sleeps up to four adults. The Beach and Water Bungalows each accommodate up to three adults and one infant.
What watersports and excursions can I do?
The resort has water sport facilities on site. Excursions available include dolphin watching, sunset fishing, big game fishing, night fishing, a dhoni ride, sandbank picnic, and a tour of the local island Hangnaameedhoo.
Is there a spa at Ellaidhoo?
The Chavana Spa runs authentic Balinese treatments, using a signature massage oil. Sessions cover both therapeutic and rejuvenation treatments.
What is the nightly rate?
Beach Bungalows start from around USD 256 per night. Water Bungalows start from around USD 431 per night. Rates for Standard and Superior Rooms vary — check directly with the resort or your booking platform for current pricing.
Is there evening entertainment?
Yes. The resort has entertainment staff, live music, themed dinner nights, and evening entertainment programmes. Badminton, tennis, and squash are also available during the day.
How can I book a stay?
Bookings can be made through the resort directly or via major travel and hotel booking platforms. A virtual tour of the property is also available on the resort's official website before you commit.