Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, hotel in Maldives
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a resort on a small private island in Ari Atoll with an unusual shape that creates natural access points to coral reefs. The island is densely covered with trees and offers 112 rooms ranging from simple bungalows to water villas, two buffet restaurants, two bars, an infinity pool, a spa, a dive center, and various water activities including snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
The resort was established in 2004 as part of the Chaaya Hotel Group and has been part of the atoll's hotel landscape since then. In 2015, it was acquired by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and subsequently underwent substantial renovation while maintaining the island's original natural simplicity.
The name Ellaidhoo comes from the local Dhivehi language and reflects the island's distinctive shape and position within the atoll. Today, the resort's culture centers on respectful interaction with marine life, where staff encourage guests to protect the environment and view the underwater world as part of a shared natural home.
Access is by boat from Male, taking about one and a half hours with possible rough waters, or by seaplane, which takes about 25 minutes but costs more. The island is vehicle-free and appeals to both couples and families seeking a quiet environment for relaxation and snorkeling.
The island has an unusual bulbous shape that creates diving and snorkeling sites on both sides and provides some of the best reef formations in the atoll. The house reef is about 1600 meters long and known for sightings of reef sharks, mantas, and colorful coral formations, making it a destination for underwater enthusiasts.
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