Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

Diving in Vaavu Atoll: Wrecks, Channels, and Sharks

Vaavu Atoll is one of the Maldives’ best-kept secrets for divers. The atoll’s outer reef drops into deep channels where currents bring in nurse sharks, eagle rays, and schools of barracuda. Cinnamon Velifushi’s dive centre runs daily trips to sites like Alimatha House Reef, where you can drift along coral walls covered in soft corals and anemones. The resort’s boat takes you to the atoll’s famous wrecks—some intentionally sunk to create artificial reefs, others the remains of cargo ships that met their end in these waters. Visibility often exceeds 30 metres, and the dive team tailors each trip to the group’s experience level, from first-timers to technical divers.

For those who prefer to stay closer to shore, the house reef is accessible from the beach. Snorkellers can float over shallow coral gardens where clownfish dart between anemones, while divers can descend to the reef’s edge to watch reef sharks patrol the drop-off. The resort’s marine biologist leads weekly reef walks, explaining how the atoll’s ecosystem works and what guests can do to help protect it. If you’re lucky, you might spot a turtle resting on the sand or a moray eel peeking out from its crevice.

Spa: Treatments Inspired by the Ocean

The spa at Cinnamon Velifushi is designed to feel like an extension of the island itself—open-air treatment rooms with thatched roofs, the sound of waves in the background, and therapists who use local ingredients like coconut oil, sea salt, and frangipani in their massages. The menu includes classic Maldivian therapies like the ‘Bodu Beru’ massage, which uses rhythmic strokes to mimic the beat of traditional drums, and the ‘Hitha’ body scrub, made with crushed coral and seaweed to exfoliate and hydrate the skin.

Couples can book side-by-side treatments in the overwater spa villa, where the floor is glass so you can watch fish swim beneath you while the therapist works. For something more active, the spa also offers yoga sessions on the beach at sunrise, with mats laid out on the sand and the instructor guiding you through poses as the light turns pink. If you’re travelling with kids, the spa team can arrange babysitting while you enjoy a treatment—just let the front desk know when you check in.

Kids Club: Marine Life and Island Adventures

The kids club at Cinnamon Velifushi is one of the few in the Maldives that focuses as much on marine education as it does on fun. The club is open to children aged 4 to 12, and the daily schedule includes activities like snorkelling lessons in the lagoon, feeding sessions at the resort’s shark nursery, and arts and crafts using shells and driftwood collected from the beach. The club’s staff are trained to teach kids about the atoll’s ecosystem, from how coral grows to why sea turtles nest on these islands.

For older kids, the resort offers junior scuba courses, where they can earn their PADI Bubblemaker certification in the shallow waters of the lagoon. The dive centre provides all the gear, and the instructors keep the groups small so each child gets individual attention. Parents can join the sessions or take the opportunity to dive the atoll’s deeper sites while their kids are occupied.

Evenings at the kids club often feature movie nights on the beach, with blankets spread out on the sand and popcorn served under the stars. The resort also hosts family-friendly excursions, like sunset dolphin cruises or visits to nearby sandbanks, where kids can run around in shallow water while parents relax with a cocktail. If your children have dietary restrictions or allergies, the kids club team will work with the kitchen to ensure they’re served meals they can enjoy.

Water Sports and Excursions: Beyond the House Reef

While the house reef is the star for many guests, Cinnamon Velifushi also offers a range of water sports and excursions for those who want to explore further. The resort’s water sports centre provides kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and windsurfing gear, all included in the stay. For something more adventurous, you can book a jet ski tour around the atoll or try your hand at kitesurfing—Vaavu’s consistent winds make it one of the best spots in the Maldives for the sport.

Excursions are where the resort’s location in Vaavu Atoll really shines. The atoll is home to some of the Maldives’ most dramatic marine landscapes, from the underwater caves of Miyaru Kandu to the manta ray cleaning stations at Fotteyo Kandu. The resort’s team can arrange private speedboat trips to these sites, with a marine biologist on board to explain what you’re seeing. For a more relaxed outing, the sunset dolphin cruise is a favourite—spinner dolphins often leap alongside the boat, and the crew serves champagne as the sky turns gold.

If you’re travelling with a group, the resort can also organise private sandbank picnics. The boat drops you off on a tiny island with nothing but white sand and turquoise water, and the staff sets up a shaded area with cushions, a grill for fresh seafood, and a cooler stocked with drinks. It's a property that feels tailor-made, even though the resort arranges it regularly.

Dining with a View: Private and Group Experiences

While this page focuses on experiences, it’s worth noting that Cinnamon Velifushi’s dining options are designed to complement them. The resort’s main restaurant serves buffet-style meals with a mix of Maldivian and international dishes, but the real highlights are the private dining experiences. You can book a table on the beach for a romantic dinner, with lanterns lighting the sand and the chef preparing a seafood platter with lobster, crab, and freshly caught fish. For families, the resort offers beach barbecues with grilled meats, salads, and desserts like banana fritters drizzled with honey.

If you’re returning from a dive or excursion, the poolside bar serves light bites and cocktails throughout the day. The bartenders are happy to whip up a custom drink based on your preferences—just tell them whether you like sweet, sour, or strong. For a post-spa treat, the café near the reception offers fresh juices, smoothies, and Maldivian short eats like fish cutlets and samosas.