Hotel reviews: Chaaya Island Dhonveli

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

Around 200 islands of the archipelago are inhabited (recorded at the time of our visit in April 2010). Each hotel is set on its own island (unless you stay in the capital or Hulhule, the airport island). Among the 200 or so inhabited islands, few are inhabited by locals only - hotels and locals rarely mix unless in a work environment within a hotel structure. By this, we mean that there are no local villages on the same island as a hotel and vice versa. Tourism and local life are kept separate. This means that there are no cultural activities on hotel islands, although most hotels tend to organise excursions to neighbouring local islands for the day.

Upon arrival at the airport, everything may seem very confusing, with people milling around all over the place looking lost - you will notice a row of hotel kiosks, and a row of Maldivian Air Taxi or Trans Maldivian Airline kiosks behind the kiosks. When you come out of the arrival doors, just look out for your host who should be waving a Chaaya Island Dhonveli placard. Go with him/her. Your host will have to collect all the passengers heading the same way as you before checking you in and taking you to the speedboat jetty where you will board for Dhonveli.

Sri Lankan owned and managed, Chaaya Island Dhonveli is one of three properties belonging to the Chaaya Group in the archipelago. Dhonveli was originally a backpackers' island and although the clientele has changed to families and surfers, Dhonveli still looks more like hostel with a Maldivian twist rather than a luxury hotel. After the 2004 tsunami the hostel was completely destroyed and was rebuilt just before being taken over by the Chaaya Group.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

As you arrive at Dhonveli, you check in at reception which is located just opposite the arrival jetty. To the left of the reception is the beach and main accommodation area. Along the somewhat rough beach you will find the water villas. Further along, the beach gives way to a beautiful shallow lagoon. The bay is lined by beach bungalows. The garden villas are scattered around the island. If you walk all around the island you will notice a change in the landscape where the surf break is. Dhonveli is popular with surfers during the season which starts in April. The diversity in scenery makes a welcome change from the still turquoise lagoons that make up the bulk of Maldivian landscape.

The hotel has a decent pool and three well-located restaurants; guests never have to walk very far to be within reach of a drink or food. There are also tennis courts and a small spa.

For surfing, the break is located to the south end of the island, at 'Pasta Point'. Surfers hang out here watching the break from the Raalhu bar before getting in the water. Close surf points include 'Honkies', 'Sultans' and 'Jail break'.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

Accommodation here includes 44 Garden and Superior rooms, 40 Beach bungalows, 26 Water bungalows and 24 Over Water Suites. The accommodation is disappointing. The furnishings and decoration is cheap and garish, which is a real shame because the island itself is pleasant. The water accommodation is spacious and light, but the interior is in dire need of a refurbishment. Decorated in gaudy tones of blue and purple, the villas are also kitted out with worn carpets and dirty looking rugs which really need to be binned. The sofas are stained and the bed is rock hard. The furniture is chipped and dark. The land accommodation is unfortunately no better with equally garish décor. In terms of functionality the accommodation is fine. All is basic which nevertheless makes up half its charm.

• Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

There are three restaurants, two bars and a coffee shop here at Dhonveli. The Raiyvilla Bar is located by the pool and serves snacks and refreshments most of the day. The Koimala Restaurant is the hotel's main restaurant and serves a mix of international cuisine in buffet style. For something facing the ocean, there is the Rehendi bar and restaurant which offers an à la carte selection as well as a buffet for guests staying in the water villas close by. All guests can try out Maakana Restaurant which also serves international cuisine.

• Z Location
• TO KNOW
• Overview
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Beach
• Photos

The main beach area is situated to the left of reception, where you will find a bay lined by the beach accommodation. Here there is a clear and warm lagoon which is a little shallow for swimming but ideal for a refreshing dip or for relaxing next to. A good spot for children to play. The surf break is to the south point of the island. For diving and snorkelling it is best to take part in an organised excursion as the water directly around the island is not ideal.