Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
Pristine white-sand private island with classic Maldivian lagoon House-reef diving hub with access to 50+ North Ari dive sites Superb marine life with frequent reef sharks and rays around the island Infinity pool and sundeck looking straight over the lagoon and water bungalows Approx. 42 km from Malé with shared speedboat transfer (~90 minutes) Free Wi-Fi throughout
Overview
This classic Maldivian dive island pairs castaway-white sands and a legendary house reef with easygoing Cinnamon service. Set on tiny Ellaidhoo in North Ari Atoll, the 4-star Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon delivers serious underwater wow-factor, an infinity pool peering over the lagoon and a choice of garden rooms, beach bungalows and overwater villas – ideal for couples, friends and active snorkellers.
Map & location
Ellaidhoo Island, North Ari Atoll, Maldives
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon occupies its own tiny coral island in North Ari Atoll – one of the Maldives’ most sought-after regions for diving. The island is encircled by a living house reef and a fringe of powder-soft sand, with jetties stretching into the electric-blue lagoon.
You’ll arrive into Malé, then head straight across the atoll by shared speedboat or optional seaplane (offered on some packages). Once you step onto the jetty, everything is within an easy barefoot stroll: dive centre, spa, restaurants and the infinity pool are all nestled between palms and white beaches.
- Distance from Malé (Velana International Airport) 42 km
- Transfer type Shared speedboat (standard on most packages)
- Typical speedboat duration ~90 minutes (weather and routing dependent)
- Seaplane Sometimes available at a supplement (luggage restrictions apply; ask your Travelisto consultant).
- Approx. transfer time from airport 90 Minutes
Facilities
Pool & outdoors
The island’s ocean-edge infinity pool is a focal point, perched above the reef with uninterrupted lagoon views. It’s flanked by a sun terrace with loungers and parasols, making it a sociable spot for an afternoon laze or a post-dive cool-down.
Beyond the pool, a ribbon of private white-sand beach wraps almost the entire island, dotted with palms and shaded areas. The shallow turquoise lagoon is ideal for paddling, while stronger swimmers and snorkellers can explore the drop-off at the house reef just a short swim from shore. Beach towels, sunbeds and umbrellas are usually provided.
Spa, sports & wellness
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon balances its famous underwater action with plenty of on-island activities:
Spa & wellness
• Tranquil spa offering massages and body treatments*
• Couples’ therapies available*
• Relaxation areas tucked between tropical foliage
Sport & fitness
• Air-conditioned gym (use included)
• Tennis court
• Squash court
• Table tennis, badminton and billiards
Watersports & diving
• On-site dive centre* with courses and guided dives to iconic North Ari sites*
• Snorkelling on the house reef* (equipment typically available to hire or included on some packages)
• Non-motorised watersports such as canoe and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)*
Other facilities
• 24-hour reception
• Souvenir and gift shop*
• Laundry service*
• Free Wi-Fi across key areas and rooms
*Charges apply for selected facilities and activities; services are subject to weather, demand and seasonal schedules.
Activities
? House-reef snorkelling with abundant fish life*
? Diving with on-site PADI/SSI-style dive centre to 50+ Ari Atoll sites*
? Tennis, squash, badminton and table tennis
? Billiards and casual indoor games
? Non-motorised watersports including canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)*
? Relaxed island ambience ideal for sunrise walks and stargazing on the jetty
*Activities are subject to weather, seasonal schedule and local charges.
Guest services
?️ 24-hour reception and concierge-style assistance
? Laundry service*
?️ Souvenir and gift shop*
? Free Wi-Fi across most public areas and rooms
? Basic medical assistance or doctor-on-call typically available*
??? Child policy usually up to 11.99 years on offers (room-specific suitability to be checked)
? Luggage assistance on arrival and departure
*Extra charges may apply; services and facilities can vary by season and occupancy.
Food & drink
Food at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is relaxed and hearty, with buffet spreads and views of the ocean never far away.
Madi Restaurant is the main buffet venue, serving international and Asian-inspired dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner, usually with live stations and plenty of choice for vegetarians and pescatarians.
For something a little more intimate, Seanic offers à la carte dishes with a focus on fresh seafood and grilled favourites, while The Junction introduces speciality options in a more atmospheric setting.
Between dives and snorkel sessions, you can grab refreshments from the island’s bars – expect a laid-back beach bar vibe with tropical cocktails, beers, soft drinks and sunset viewpoints over the lagoon.
Board basis options include Full Board, All Inclusive and All Inclusive Premium, with higher packages generally layering in a wider drinks selection and extra inclusions. Inclusions and opening times may change by season; the team will confirm details on arrival.
Rooms
Superior Room Ocean View – approx. 52 m²
More spacious rooms with an elevated vantage point over the ocean. Facilities are similar to Garden View rooms, with additional indoor space and a balcony or terrace where you can soak up sea breezes. Ideal if you like to retreat to your room between snorkel sessions without losing the views.
Beach Bungalow – approx. 38 m²
Tucked under palms along the beachfront, these thatched bungalows put you just a few barefoot steps from the sand. Inside you’ll find a relaxed island style with a bed facing towards the beach, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, tea/coffee set-up and a minibar*; bathrooms may feature semi-open layouts depending on allocation. Perfect for sunrise strolls and easy dips in the lagoon.
Water Bungalow – approx. 79 m²
The signature option at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, these overwater bungalows stand on stilts above the lagoon. You can usually look down to the sea life through a glass-floor feature, and many have an outdoor terrace for sunbathing and direct steps into the water. Inside, expect generous space, stylish furnishings, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, tea/coffee, dressing area and a minibar*. Many Water Bungalows have outdoor showers; room suitability for children can be limited here due to open decking and direct water access – check with us when booking.
All rooms feature:
• Air conditioning
• Wi-Fi access
• Private bathroom with shower
• TV and in-room safe
• Tea and coffee-making facilities
• Minibar (items typically chargeable)
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
More info
Transfer, baggage rules and regulations apply for all Maldives island stays and will be detailed on your Travelisto confirmation. Speedboat and seaplane services operate on fixed schedules and are weather-dependent, so waiting times at Malé may occur. Luggage allowances can be more restrictive on seaplanes than on international flights.
Local currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), though US dollars are widely accepted in resorts.
Language: Dhivehi; English is commonly spoken on the island.
Electricity: Typically 220–240V with UK-style plugs in many resorts, but adaptors may be required.
Dress code: Resort casual; lightweight clothing and reef-safe sunscreen recommended.
Honeymoon and wedding anniversary perks are often available at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon (such as a cake or turndown touches); ask us to check the latest offers when you enquire.
For entry rules, visas, and health guidance see the UK FCDO Maldives advice.
Prices & book
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Live availability and real-time offers. Low deposits, full ATOL protection.