Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon sits on its own private island in North Ari Atoll, about 42 kilometers from Velana International Airport. You can reach this compact island resort by seaplane in 25 minutes or take a more budget-friendly 90-minute speedboat ride. The resort wraps around one of the most celebrated house reefs in the Maldives, where reef sharks, turtles, and rays cruise past colorful coral gardens just meters from shore. With 112 rooms spread between beach bungalows and water villas, Ellaidhoo attracts divers, snorkelers, and couples looking for an authentic Maldivian experience without the ultra-luxury price tag.
Location & Access
Small island in North Ari Atoll, completely surrounded by a thriving house reef
25-minute seaplane transfer (20kg luggage limit) or 90-minute speedboat from Male
Compact layout - walk anywhere on the island in under 10 minutes
Located near some of the Maldives' top 100 dive sites including Fish Head and Maaya Thila
What Makes It Special
House reef ranked among Asia's best by Lonely Planet - accessible 24/7 from the beach
Five marked entry points around the island for safe reef access
Dive center partnership with Dive & Sail offering PADI courses and daily boat dives
Authentic Maldivian island feel with modern comforts after 2017 renovations
Ellaidhoo Maldives by CinnamonNorth Ari Atoll resortBest house reef MaldivesPADI dive center resortMaldives all-inclusive resortSpeedboat transfer Maldives
Standard Rooms
14 Standard Bungalows: Ground-floor garden-view rooms, 16 sqm, basic but comfortable
Private balcony or terrace facing tropical gardens
Budget-friendly option for short stays or dive-focused trips
Superior Rooms
28 Superior Rooms: Two-story blocks near reception, ocean-facing views
More spacious than standard, recently refreshed interiors
Good value for money with upgraded amenities
Beach Bungalows
46 Beach Bungalows: Most popular category, steps from the sand
Semi-outdoor bathroom with rain shower, private sun loungers
Units in the 300s between dive center and beach are prime spots
Water Bungalows
24 Water Bungalows: Duplex-style overwater villas on stilts
Private terrace with ocean views, open-air bathroom with corner tub
No direct lagoon access due to shallow reef location (conservation measure)
Exclusive access to infinity pool and Malamathi Restaurant
Room Amenities
Air conditioning, ceiling fan, LCD TV with satellite channels
Mini-bar, tea/coffee facilities, in-room safe, work desk
King-sized beds standard, twin configuration on request
Comfortable sofa seating area in all categories
Baby cots available free of charge (limited availability)
How to Choose
Beach bungalows ideal for families and direct beach access
Water bungalows best for couples seeking privacy and views
Request rooms away from main areas for quieter stays
Good to Know
Some beach areas have erosion barriers (black concrete blocks)
Best swimming beach is concentrated on one side of island
Water villas may have no water underneath at low tide
Room categories and amenities at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon vary by season. Beach bungalows consistently receive the highest guest ratings for space and convenience.
Main Restaurants
Madi Restaurant: Main buffet venue for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
International cuisine with live cooking stations and themed nights
Excellent seafood selection and authentic Maldivian curries
Beach dining option with sand between your toes
Specialty Dining
Malamathi Restaurant: À la carte menu for water villa guests
Seanic poolside restaurant with grills and lighter fare
Private beach dinners arranged on request (extra charge)
Special NYE dinners and celebration menus available
Bars & Refreshments
Beach Bar: Main bar with ocean views and sunset cocktails
Pool Bar: Casual drinks and snacks by the infinity pool
Happy hour specials between 4-5 PM daily
Wide cocktail menu (premium cocktails extra on standard AI)
Meal Plans
All-Inclusive: Buffet meals, snacks 3 times daily, house beverages 9am-midnight
Night diving and snorkeling trips (minimum 4 guests)
Sports & Recreation
Infinity pool exclusive for water villa guests
24-hour fitness center with modern equipment
Tennis court, beach volleyball, badminton
Indoor games: billiards, table tennis, darts
Water Sports
Free kayaks and windsurfing equipment
Stand-up paddleboards available
Catamaran sailing with instruction
Jet ski and water skiing (extra charge)
Guest Services
Free Wi-Fi throughout the island
Small boutique and gift shop
Medical clinic with resident doctor
Laundry service and currency exchange
Entertainment
Karaoke nights and cocktail parties
Traditional Maldivian cultural shows
Live music on selected evenings
Library with books and board games
Family Facilities
Children's playground near sports complex
Kids' club activities during peak season
Babysitting service available (charge applies)
Children under 12 need supervision at pool
Eco Initiatives
Coral reef protection program
Reduced single-use plastics
Desalinated water in glass bottles
Towel reuse program to save water
House Reef Exploration
Five marked entry points with depths from 3-30 meters
Daily encounters with reef sharks, eagle rays, and turtles
Coral gardens start just 20 meters from beach
Strong currents on outer reef - intermediate swimmers advised
Diving Excursions
Fish Head (Mushimasmingili Thila) - hammerhead spot
Maaya Thila - white-tip sharks and trevally
Orimas Thila - manta cleaning station (seasonal)
Madivaru Beyru - manta feeding area
Island Excursions
Hangnaameedhoo local island cultural tour
Male capital city shopping trip
Sandbank picnic with BBQ lunch
Sunset photo shoot sessions
Marine Adventures
Dolphin watching cruise at sunset
Manta ray snorkeling safari (May-November best)
Night fishing with traditional methods
Whale shark expedition (year-round possibility)
Special Experiences
Sunrise fishing on traditional dhoni
Private island hopping tours
Romantic sunset cruise for couples
Floating breakfast in water villa (extra charge)
All water activities at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon depend on weather conditions. Marine life sightings cannot be guaranteed but the North Ari Atoll location offers excellent year-round opportunities.
You have two options: a 25-minute seaplane transfer (operates only during daylight 6 AM-5:30 PM) with a 20kg luggage limit, or a 90-minute speedboat ride which is more economical. The speedboat operates as a scheduled service based on flight arrivals. Same-day transfers are available for arrivals before 3:15 PM and departures after 9:30 AM.
Yes, the house reef at Ellaidhoo is consistently rated among the best in the Maldives. The reef completely encircles the island with a dramatic drop-off from 3 to 30 meters. You'll regularly see reef sharks, turtles, rays, and hundreds of fish species. The reef starts just 20 meters from shore with five marked entry points. Note that currents can be strong on the outer reef.
Standard all-inclusive covers all buffet meals, snacks three times daily, selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from 9 AM to midnight, and use of non-motorized water sports. Premium all-inclusive adds fresh juices, premium spirits, two excursions per stay, spa treatment, and special beach dinner. Note that room service and premium cocktails cost extra on standard AI.
No, the water villas at Ellaidhoo don't have direct lagoon access as they're built over a shallow, tidal part of the reef. This is actually a conservation measure to protect the coral. At low tide, you might see exposed reef beneath your villa. Water villa guests have exclusive access to the infinity pool and can easily walk to beach entry points.
Yes, though it's more popular with couples and divers. Beach bungalows work best for families as they offer direct beach access and more space. There's a playground, kids' menu, and babysitting service. Children under 12 need supervision at the pool and when snorkeling due to currents. The shallow lagoon areas are perfect for young swimmers.
The house reef is excellent year-round, but conditions vary by season. December to April offers calmer seas and better visibility (up to 30 meters). May to November brings more plankton which attracts manta rays and whale sharks but reduces visibility slightly. Water temperature stays between 27-30°C throughout the year.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the island and works reasonably well for browsing and messaging. Connection is strongest near reception and restaurants. Video calls can be inconsistent, especially during peak evening hours. If you need reliable internet for work, consider purchasing a local SIM card at Male airport.
Famous Dive Sites
Fish Head (30 min): One of Maldives' top 10 sites, grey reef sharks guaranteed
Maaya Thila (25 min): Protected marine area with white-tips and turtles
Kudhimaa Wreck (40 min): 30-meter purposely-sunk cargo ship, great for photos
Orimas Thila (20 min): Cleaning station with mantas May-November
Local Islands & Resorts
Hangnaameedhoo (20 min): Local fishing island with authentic culture
Mathiveri (35 min): Larger local island with shops and cafes
Male Capital (90 min): Fish market, National Museum, shopping
Hulhumale (85 min): Artificial island with beaches and restaurants
Natural Attractions
Multiple sandbanks perfect for picnics within 30 minutes
Dolphin corridor where spinner dolphins feed at sunset
Manta feeding areas active during southwest monsoon
Whale shark aggregation points (year-round but unpredictable)
Transportation Hubs
Velana International Airport (MLE): 42km northeast, main arrival point
Seaplane Terminal: Adjacent to main airport for transfers
Speedboat Jetty: Located at airport for boat transfers
Male Ferry Terminal: For trips to the capital city
Check-in & Check-out
Check-in time: 2:00 PM (subject to room availability)
Check-out time: 12:00 noon
Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability and charges
Express check-out available to avoid queues
Credit card required at check-in for incidentals
Transfer Requirements
Flight details must be provided 72 hours before arrival
Seaplane baggage limit: 20kg checked + 5kg hand luggage
Excess baggage charged at $5 per kg on seaplane
Transfers operate 6:15 AM - 4:00 PM only
Late arrivals require overnight stay in Male
Payment & Charges
Accepted cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express
Cash accepted: USD, EUR, GBP (notes must be post-2009)
10% service charge and 16% GST added to all bills
$6 per person per night green tax (government fee)
Deposit or pre-authorization required at check-in
General Rules
Minimum age for spa treatments: 16 years
No pets allowed on the island
Drone usage requires prior permission
Alcohol cannot be taken off resort premises
Dress code: Casual beach wear, shoes optional
Cancellation Policy
Varies by booking rate and season
Peak season may require full prepayment
Transfer fees often non-refundable
Travel insurance recommended
Health & Safety
Doctor available on-island
Nearest hospital in Male
Diving medical certificate required if needed
Reef-safe sunscreen encouraged
Children Policy
Children of all ages welcome
Kids under 2 stay free
Child rates apply 2-11 years
Adult supervision required at pool/beach
Policies at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon may change seasonally. Always confirm current terms when booking, especially regarding transfers and payment requirements.
Best Time to Visit
Dec-Apr: Dry season, calm seas, 30m visibility, perfect for beginners
May-Nov: Southwest monsoon, more marine life, manta season
Jan-Mar: Peak season with best weather but highest prices
Sep-Nov: Great value, fewer crowds, good diving conditions
Ideal Duration
4-5 nights: Minimum to enjoy house reef and one dive trip
Customized meal arrangements and cocktail receptions
Audio-visual equipment available
Wi-Fi upgrade for business needs
Festive Seasons
Christmas: Decorated tree, Santa visit, gala dinner
New Year: Countdown party, fireworks, DJ
Easter: Egg hunts for kids, special brunch
Valentine's: Romantic packages and special menus
Photography Services
Professional photographer available on request
Underwater photography for divers
Drone photography (with permits)
Printed albums and digital packages
Planning Tips
Book special arrangements 2 weeks ahead
Inform resort of celebrations when booking
Premium dates (Dec 20-Jan 5) book early
Group rates available for 10+ rooms
Special events and packages at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon can be customized. Contact the resort directly for detailed planning and current package prices.
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