Ellaidhoo Maldives By Cinnamon – Ultimate 2025 Guide

 

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a charming four-star resort located on Ellaidhoo Island in the North Ari Atoll (Alif Alif Atoll), approximately 56 km from Malé. Managed by Sri Lankan hospitality giant Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts (John Keells Group), it offers an amazing island escape with exceptional marine experiences, modern amenities, and authentic Maldivian hospitality 

This comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide covers everything you need to know before booking a stay in 2025: from accommodation options and on-site amenities, to diving, dining, sustainability, and top guest reviews.

What Makes Ellaidhoo Stand Out?

• Private island experience – Only accommodation is resort-focused; no local population .

• Reef right at your doorstep – Famous house reef with overhanging walls, coral gardens, an underwater wreck, sharks, rays, turtles, and more 

• All-inclusive dining – Buffet restaurants, specialty bars with beachfront and poolside ambiance

• Active lifestyle choices – Diving centre, watersports, tennis, squash, fitness centre, beach volleyball, island hopping, and fishing 

• Wellness & tranquility – Spa services, manicures, pedicures, Balinese-style massages, and serene beaches,

• Accommodation: Comfort & Choice

  Ellaidhoo offers 112 rooms across three categories—Standard Rooms, Beach Bungalows, and Water Bungalows. All feature ocean-inspired decor and modern amenities

  Standard Rooms

  • Located inland among lush palms.

  • 1 king bed; sleeps 2.

  • Garden views, air-conditioning, Wi‑Fi, tea/coffee, mini‑fridge, hairdryer.

  • Ideal for couples and families seeking value.

  Beach Bungalows

  • Steps away from the sand.

  • 1 king bed, ocean views.

  • Private deck, mini‑bar, room service.

  • Enjoy immediate beach access and sun-drenched mornings.

  Water Bungalows

  • Overwater villas with direct lagoon access.

  • King bed, large deck.

  • Private restaurant/bar and exclusive infinity pool 

  • Slightly warmer and isolated—great for deluxe honeymoon vibes .

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  Marine Activities: Dive into Reef Wonderland

  House Reef & Shore Diving

  Ellaidhoo's reef is legendary. It drops vertically to 100 ft and loops around the island. Featuring caves, overhangs, abundant marine fauna—including sharks, rays, turtles, eels, bannerfish, Napoleons, and more

  Snorkelers and scuba divers delight in easy access and unexplored underwater zones.

  Dive Centre – Dive & Sail

  • Professional equipment: SeaQuest BCDs, Aqualung regulators, Suunto computers, underwater cameras

  • Daily boat dives, night reef dives, wreck dives like "Ellaidhoo House Reef Wreck"

  • Excursions to Orimas Thila, Fish Head, Fesdu Wreck.

  • Certified local and international dive guides.

  Snorkeling & Tours

  • Guided manta ray safaris and dolphin trips 

  • Fish feeding, night snorkeling, underwater photography.

  • Speedboat transfers offer thrilling seafaring, though may be rough 

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  Dining & Bars: Culinary Journey

  Ellaidhoo offers three main restaurants and four bars for diverse meal experiences 

  Madi Restaurant

  • Buffet-style beachfront, ideal for relaxed lunches with splendid ocean views.

  • Wide option of international and local dishes.

  Seanic Café & Bar

  • Poolside à la carte dining.

  • Great selection of cocktails and light meals for afternoon or sunset indulgence 

  Junction & Iruohsenee Bar

  • Specialty à la carte restaurant.

  • Lounge bar with panoramic settings, perfect for private events and evening gatherings 

  All-Inclusive Strategy

  • Buffet plan recommended – drink prices on the island are high; all-inclusive delivers value 

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  Wellness & Recreation

  Chavana Spa

  • Balinese-style massages, body wraps, manicures/pedicures, deep treatments .

  • Tranquil ocean-view treatment rooms.

  Fitness & Sports

  • 24-hour gym with modern equipment.

  • Tennis, squash, badminton courts; table tennis and volleyball on the beach .

  Pool & Sun Lounge

  • Infinity edge pool for stunning sunset views.

  • Sun loungers and umbrellas around the poolside.

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  Accessibility & Transfers

  • 25‑minute scenic seaplane from Malé (air-conditioned & offers aerial views).

  • 90‑minute speedboat transfer – cheaper but may be bumpy in rough seas 

  • Complimentary speedboat transfers included in many direct bookings

  Sustainability & Trustworthiness

  • Part of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, top Sri Lankan luxury brand, GHA Discovery loyalty memberEngages in ESG: biodiversity, no‑plastic, water conservation, social empowerment .

  • Secure, global reputational trust from reputable travel agencies and platforms.

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  Guest Reviews & Trust Signals

  • Highly praised for exceptional snorkelling and diving experiences—“one of best snorkeling in the Maldives” 

  • Staff frequently highlighted: “super friendly,” “made us feel at home,” “going above and beyond”

  • Accommodation cleanliness: rooms and water villas rated outstandingly “modern and well maintained” .

  • Minor critiques: some food options weren’t top-tier gourmet; service and restaurant mix vary .

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  Pros & Cons Table

  Pros	Cons
  Spectacular house reef & marine life	Speedboat transfers may be rough
  High-quality spa & fitness amenities	WIFI might be chargeable
  Overwater bungalows with exclusive facilities	Meal times/tables are sometimes fixed by room type
  Active recreation plus tranquility	Some guests note slight resort aging

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  How to Book & Best Times to Go

  • Book directly via Cinnamon for inclusive offers (speedboat, spa discounts, longer-stay perks) .

  • Seasonality: Peak diving snorkel clarity December–April; consider monsoonal shifts near May–August.

  • Best value bookings during shoulder seasons with spa and extras incentives.