I visited Cinnamon Ellaidhoo for a week in late August. It was truly an awesome experience. I’d love to tell you all about what I discovered there. It was a five-star trip.
The House Reef: A Living Picture
Many choose this resort for its amazing house reef. I can see why. It’s absolutely paradise. I saw colorful coral and a huge variety of marine life. There’s really nothing bad to say about it. It’s the best reef I’ve ever seen. I missed seeing turtles, but I did spot multiple reef sharks. And countless kinds of fish swam all around. It was like swimming in an aquarium. The sea wall didn’t bother me. Some people don’t like it. But it actually helped keep my water bungalow quiet. We had storms almost every night. Without the wall, the waves would have been so much louder.
Booking Wisely: Perks and Surprises
I learned a good trick for this resort. You should definitely book directly. I got two great perks that way. One was a massage. The other was a sunset fishing trip. The massage was fantastic. I even booked another one during my stay. On the fishing trip, they cooked what I caught for free. It tasted absolutely terrific. It was a really nice surprise, making the experience even better.
The Service: Always Attentive
The service here deserves five stars. Every single person was extremely attentive. They truly made me feel special. I even got an anniversary cake! Those little touches make a big difference.
The Food: A Mixed Bag
I didn’t enjoy the food very much. If you go, all-inclusive is a must. You’ll be hungry all day otherwise. Even when I was really hungry, the food quality wasn’t great. I often ate very little. I just waited for the next mealtime. If you don’t choose all-inclusive, don’t pay for a la carte. The cost doesn’t match the taste. The drinks were pre-made and tasted cheap. If you’ve had all-inclusive in Cancun, this will be a big letdown. I enjoy cocktails, but theirs didn’t taste good. But, given the price of the all-inclusive option, it was fair. It’s important to set expectations here. It’s not gourmet dining, but it keeps you fed.
Spa and Massage: Affordable Bliss
The massage and spa services were great. Plus, they were really affordable. At other resorts, you might not afford any sessions because of the cost. Here, it’s reasonable. They even offer coupons during the off-season. This makes it even more accessible. It’s a wonderful way to relax without breaking the bank.
Diving Center: An Unforgettable Adventure
The diving center is a must-visit. I went on a manta tour. It lasted about 4.5 hours. Two and a half hours of that was travel time. I saw multiple mantas. I also did several dives. The cost was reasonable. I heard about a whale shark tour from others. But I wouldn’t do it next time. The one-way trip for that is 3.5 hours. Amje, who guided us, was professional and kind. I also enjoyed guided snorkeling twice. They even have a night snorkeling option. I 100% recommended the diving center services.
The Resort Itself: Old Charm with Quirks
The resort is older. I wished the bed linens were more modern. I stayed in a water bungalow. It was very close to the neighbors. The shower and restroom were open. This offered zero privacy. There was no personal pool in the villa. You also don’t have direct ocean access. You have to take a detour. For the price, it was okay. But if you want a luxurious experience, this won’t meet that standard. The bedding quality felt like a budget hotel chain in the US. It’s functional, but not fancy.
Speedboat Transfer: A Bumpy Start
My arrival by speedboat was horrible. It was because of the tide. If you have osteoporosis, it’s not a good option. Three couples were literally sick on the way in. You have to hold onto a handle very tightly. It felt like an amusement park ride. The ride back to the airport wasn’t as bad. But it was still 75 minutes long. It felt endless. It’s an important detail to consider for your journey.
Final Thoughts: Off-Season Gem
Overall, it’s a great option for the off-season. The perks and discounts make it even better. The cost is very affordable. I might visit a different resort next time, like Velifushi, with my family. It’s not the place for a romantic honeymoon. But if you want a family getaway, or excellent diving and snorkeling on a budget, this is a top choice. I discovered that its hidden strengths are in its natural beauty and outdoor activities, compensating for some of the older amenities.
An Evening Gathering: A Long Story
There was a cocktail party night. I didn’t enjoy it much. They grouped many people together. Then they explained how they protect marine life. I noticed the plastic collection and paper bags for laundry. But the presentation was nearly an hour long. I don’t think it needed to be that lengthy at a cocktail party. It felt a bit out of place for a casual evening event.
FAQ Section
What makes the house reef at Cinnamon Ellaidhoo special?
The house reef is renowned for its vibrant, colorful coral and an abundant variety of marine life. It’s considered one of the best reefs, offering a rich underwater experience suitable for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. I spent hours exploring it, and it always offered something new to discover, from small, iridescent fish to larger reef sharks.
Is booking directly with Cinnamon Ellaidhoo beneficial?
Yes, booking directly can be very beneficial. I personally received perks like a complimentary massage and a sunset fishing trip. These extras significantly enhanced my stay and added value that might not be available through third-party bookings. It’s like discovering a secret handshake that opens up more experiences.
How was the food experience at Cinnamon Ellaidhoo?
The food experience was a mixed bag. I found that I wasn’t particularly impressed with the quality, even with an all-inclusive package. The drinks, especially cocktails, tasted pre-made and cheap. However, considering the affordable price point of the all-inclusive option, it was perceived as fair. For those seeking a culinary adventure, it might not meet high expectations, but it satisfies basic needs.
Are the spa and massage services affordable?
Yes, the spa and massage services at Cinnamon Ellaidhoo are not only great but also remarkably affordable. Unlike many other resorts where such services can be prohibitively expensive, here you can enjoy multiple sessions without a huge cost. They even offer coupons during the off-season, making it even more accessible. This was a delightful discovery, allowing for true relaxation without financial strain.
What activities are available at the diving center?
The diving center offers a range of activities including manta tours and guided dives. I personally went on a manta tour, which was a breathtaking experience. They also offer guided snorkeling, including a unique night snorkeling option. The staff are professional and kind, ensuring a safe and enjoyable underwater adventure. Just be mindful that certain tours, like the whale shark tour, involve lengthy travel times.
What is the general condition of the resort accommodations?
The resort is older, so while comfortable, it isn’t luxurious. For example, the bed linens are not very modern, and water bungalows might have open showers that lack privacy. There are no personal pools, and ocean access from water bungalows might require a detour. It’s important to manage expectations regarding luxury amenities; it’s more about rustic charm and natural beauty.
How was the speedboat transfer experience?
The speedboat transfer can be quite challenging, especially during certain tide conditions. My arrival journey was particularly rough, with significant bumping that caused discomfort for several passengers. It felt like an intense amusement park ride. The return trip was better but still lengthy. It’s a key point to consider if you have health conditions that could be aggravated by a bumpy ride.
References
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. (n.d.). Cinnamon Ellaidhoo Maldives.
Discover Your Maldivian Adventure
Ready to explore the stunning house reef and vibrant marine life of Cinnamon Ellaidhoo? If you’re looking for an affordable getaway with fantastic diving and snorkeling opportunities, especially during the off-season, this resort is an excellent choice. Don’t forget to book directly to unlock exclusive perks like complimentary massages and fishing trips. Plan your adventure today and uncover the underwater wonders of the Maldives!
