The best luxury dive resorts in SE Asia and the Indian Ocean

Diving is not exactly known for its glamour and sophistication – and if anyone tells you otherwise, ask them to squeeze into a wetsuit and BCD and try looking stylish.

So if you can’t look fabulous on the boat, what can you do? Well, you can always book a stay at one of these sumptuous resorts, safe in the knowledge that, whilst you might not feel elegant as you back roll off the boat, you can always look your barefoot-best at the beach bar in the evening.

Having travelled and dived throughout the region, our team of dive travel aficionados have identified seven of the most luxurious dive resorts in Asia – find your favourite below. 

• What makes Atmosphere so luxurious? An exceptional dive centre with an in-house marine biologist, luxurious suites and penthouse rooms, amazing spa, family pool and kid’s club.
• When is the best time to visit? October to June, but our favourite time is January and February.

Atmosphere is one of the Philippine’s most luxurious dive resorts and the ideal choice for couples, small groups or families looking for both amazing diving and an incredible holiday experience. The resort’s emphasis on first class amenities and exceptional service, combined with the warmest of Philippine hospitality, makes this spectacular resort one of ZuBlu’s top choices for a luxurious and relaxing dive holiday in Asia.

• What makes Four Seasons Landaa Giravaruu so luxurious? Stunning, Four Seasons luxury rooms and impeccable service, an award-winning spa, exceptional dive experiences with in-house marine biologists.
  
• When is the best time to visit? June to October around the full moon when the manta ray congregations are at their best.

The Four Seasons’ Landaa Giraavaru resort, set amidst the marine wonders of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, epitomises the very idea of Maldivian luxury. From this magical resort, you can explore Hanifaru Bay with its manta congregations, pamper yourself at the Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat, or simply relax on your private balcony and enjoy the peace of this pristine, remote atoll.

• What makes Papua Paradise Eco Resort so luxurious? A glorious location, with beautiful overwater bungalows lining a beautiful beach and easy access to the Dampier Strait’s incredible dive sites.
  
• When is the best time to visit? Our favourite time in Raja Ampat is early in the season, from October to January or February.

Built along a pristine white sand beach and with a backdrop of green jungle and coconut palms, Papua Paradise Eco Resort could be considered a picture-perfect tropical dive resort – and certainly one of Raja Ampat’s finest. The resort’s bungalows are both luxurious and comfortable, and offer glimpses of passing turtles, sharks and even dugong from their large wooden verandas, whilst Papua Paradise's location means the exciting dive sites of the Dampier Strait are just a short boat ride away.

• What makes Bunaken Oasis so luxurious? Consisting of just 12 rooms built around a beautiful infinity pool, this resort offers sophisticated service, a commitment to sustainability, and easy access to Bunaken’s incredible diving.
• When is the best time to visit? The best combination of great weather and good diving is normally from May to July and September to October.

Bunaken Oasis aims to redefine diving in Bunaken by providing a five-star experience whilst keeping its ecological footprint to a minimum. The founders conceived Bunaken Oasis with one overriding aim in mind: to create a dive resort whose every aspect meets our own exacting requirements for quality and service, both on land and on the sea. And it's safe to say, the resort does just that, offering sophisticated service and an amazing dive experience with just 12 rooms on site. 

Distilling their experiences from luxury (and not-so-luxury) resorts around the world, the resort's founders' refusal to compromise means that every guest – diver, snorkeller, photographer – can enjoy the treasures of Bunaken from a resort which anticipates and meets their every need.

• What makes Lembeh Resort so luxurious? Beautiful rooms and gardens, including a cliffside suite with private pool, fabulous service, an exceptional dive centre and photo centre, perfect location within the renowned Lembeh Strait.
• When is the best time to visit? Lembeh's diving is great year round, but our favourite time of year is September and October.

Lembeh Resort is one of the strait’s premier resorts, perfectly set up for divers and photographers alike. Voted the #1 resort in Lembeh Strait for numerous consecutive years, this iconic resort hasn’t stopped continuously striving to improve its standards of service and facilities. 

This property is also the only one in the area to have a full-service ‘Photo Centre’ on site – perfect for photographers that are looking for support during a trip – and the beautiful grounds and buildings continue to attract visitors who return to Lembeh Resort, year after year. If you are looking for the perfect base to explore the incredible marine life of the strait, Lembeh Resort should be right at the top of your list.

• What makes Menjangan Dynasty so luxurious? Unique, luxury ’glamping’ experience in a stunning location, beautifully-designed safari-tent accommodation, an exceptional dive centre and great diving at Menjangan Island.
  
• When is the best time to visit? The dry season runs from April to October and offers the best chance of beautiful dive conditions.

Perched on a narrow peninsula overlooking the calm waters of Banyuwedang Bay in peaceful north west Bali, Menjangan Dynasty is the island’s ultimate 'glamping' resort. This fabulous property offers a luxurious ‘glamping’ experience in safari-style tents built above the beach, as well as a beach club, infinity pool with fabulous views and a dive centre with a great range of activities for divers and non-divers alike. Perfectly located to explore the beautiful coral gardens of the nearby Menjangan Island, this unique resort is one of the best choices for divers looking for an exceptional dive experience in Bali.

• What makes Wakatobi Resort so luxurious? Exclusive luxury and first-class facilities in a remote and secluded setting, surrounded by untouched natural beauty.
• When is the best time to visit? Wakatobi is a great year-round dive destination. December to April is technically the off-season, but is also the peak period for pilot whale sightings.

Wakatobi Resort is nestled within an isolated archipelago in Southeast Sulawesi, surrounded by a beautiful biosphere reserve, promising the ultimate escape for adventure-seeking divers.

But, while Wakatobi Resort is certainly remote, visitors can expect to enjoy the highest standards of luxury throughout their stay. From the refined beachfront restaurant and boutique accommodation to the onsite spa and optional butler service, the facilities on offer here are sure to impress even the most discriminating of guests. Plus, with a huge house reef and beautiful biosphere reserve to explore, Wakatobi Resort’s onsite dive centre comes well-equipped for adventure, offering a dedicated camera room, nitrox fills, and rebreather support.