Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

Ellaidhoo became a Chaaya property in 2004, and even then she was starting to show her few decades of age. During our summer 2015 visit, the property had a forgotten vibe, with visible wear and tear throughout. But the new Cinnamon group ownership should result in a fresh start, and guests staying at the resort in November 2015 reported some ongoing refurbishments to facilities. Still, it may be months (or years) before guests can expect a dramatic shift from what we saw, including harshly sun-bleached buildings with broken door handles, lights that refused to work, and moldy shutters -- remarkably, however, everything was clean overall. There's also the outdoor sports area, comprising a beat-up soccer field and volleyball court, that adds to the overall abandoned vibe. It's worth noting that the season has a serious affect on the Maldives' atmosphere and clientele, and that our visit happened during the typically somewhat vacant off-season. Regardless of season, though, there's a quiet beauty to the natural, verdant, and tree-filled setting of the island. Plus, its unique, convex shape lends to some truly one-of-a-kind snorkeling and diving for the couples and families who tend to come here. 

Ellaidhoo by Cinnamon is located on a small, private island in the Maldives' North Ari Atoll. Although guests can opt to reach the resort via a 25-minute seaplane ride, there's also a 90-minute speedboat ride available -- but guests should beware that this can be extremely (somewhat painfully) bumpy in rough waters. And, if guests choose the latter, that should be sure to bring a bottle of water as there's none offered on board. 

Ellaidhoo has 112 rooms across four categories. The priciest are Water Villas, overwater duplex units without direct access to the surrounding shallow water, but with small outdoor decks with wicker furniture; outdoor bathrooms with corner soaking tubs; and wooden wardrobes and chaise loungers inside. Beach Villas are extremely dim inside, with low-walled outdoor bathrooms and small porches; only some have tubs and not all have clear beach views. The most basic, quite dimly lit options are Standard Rooms, which have outdoor bathrooms, while Superior Rooms offer space for up to four guests, as well as loft-style second floors and verandas, some with beach views. Rooms are decorated in pastel beach colors, light wood and wicker furnishings, and fish paintings on the walls. All have safes, ironing facilities, minibars stocked with snacks and drinks (fee), coffee/tea facilities, two bottles of water, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi (fee). Bathroom lighting throughout rooms is bad, especially at night, and decor is showing wear and tear. Still, there are nice conveniences in rooms, like bathrobes, flashlights, life vests, raincoats, extra pillows, and large towels for comfort. 

Because of Ellaidhoo's location, it's particularly vulnerable to beach erosion. The resort has built several small sea walls that interrupt the panoramic views, but help maintain what little of the beach is left. One side of the beach is not very attractive, with only about two feet of sand and beat up loungers, barricaded by a crab-scuttling sea wall. However, the south side of the island still has some picturesque white-sand beaches overlooking a section of turquoise lagoon and coral reef. It's also common to see groups of baby reef sharks just off the Water Villa jetty. Plus, the unique convex shape of the island allows for underwater exploration of the reef to actually extend underneath the island. 

Unusually, Ellaidhoo only has buffet restaurants. Located by the pool and at the foot of the Water Villas, Malamathi serves up a short buffet of mostly Asian and Italian dishes next to a fresh salad station, and revolving dessert case. This spot is only for Water Villa guests who have assigned tables facing the pool and out to sea. Down in the southeastern part of the island is Madi, a buffet restaurant for the rest of the guests on the island. This is a large, covered, open-air spot with sand underfoot and varnished natural-wood four-tops. The buffet here feels slightly bigger, but only by a dish or three. No matter which restaurant or table guests are assigned to, there are strict and set meal times -- those with early departures may not get breakfast before leaving. Despite the casual vibe, swimwear is not allowed in any dining room. Breakfast is always included in the rate, and half-board, full-board, and all-inclusive plans are available. All-inclusive packages include beer, wine, spirits, and select cocktails at the bar; Premium All-Inclusive guests get branded drinks, some additional cocktails, and free minibar items. 

The Malamathi Bar is small with a wooden deck out by the infinity pool, but apart from the sunset views, it doesn't stack up to the larger Iruohsnee Bar, where the vibe is much more fun and social and there's an expansive deck where guests can sip drinks in the sun. Unlike the Malamathi Bar, which lacks stools and atmosphere, Iruohsnee has a large wraparound bar area with plenty of stools, more obvious drink specials, and afternoon tea. Also, while the Malamathi Bar has a definite closing time, Irouhsenee closes once the last guest leaves. 

Ellaidhoo has a plethora of features packed onto the island. While its most unique feature is the unique convex shape, the island offers plenty to do, even for guests who don't hit up the Dive & Sail school for dive, snorkel, or certification courses. Still, most people stick to the pool and beach areas. 

There's one pool on the island: a curved infinity pool on the western edge near the Water Villas, a superb sunset-watching or sunbathing spot for those who grab one of the few umbrella-shaded loungers on deck. Just beyond the pool is an outdoor sports area with a good-size gym with newer machines, weights, TVs, and exercise equipment; a tennis court; ping pong table; and fresh-feeling squash court. There's also a lounge-y billiards room in the same complex, as well as the resort's Chavana Spa on the second floor. At the spa, treatment rooms are spacious with hardwood floors and separation walls that don't fully reach the high, A-frame thatched roof. 

Just beyond the sports complex are the Asian-style greenhouse, kids' play area, and an open courtyard with shady trees. Heading toward the beach, guests will find the Sail & Dive dive center with snorkeling or diving excursions, and the option to get PADI certified for underwater scuba exploration. The dive center also has nighttime dives and sunset snorkeling, and rents out water sports equipment like kayaks. Other excursions available at the resort include island hopping, dolphin safaris, sand bank visits and picnics, and several types of fishing. 

The resort has an in-house medical clinic and doctor, and a laundry service. It also offers a welcome drink and cool towel to each guest upon arrival. Wi-Fi is for a fee and different packages are available.