The best luxury dive resorts in Asia

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 feel elegant as you back roll off the boat, you can always look your barefoot-best at the beach bar in the evening.

Ready to find your perfect combination of glorious surroundings, impeccable service, and outstanding diving? Read on and discover this year's selection of the top luxury dive resorts in Asia and the Pacific.

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.

• Great for: An exceptional dive centre with and in-house marine biologist, luxurious suites and penthouse rooms, amazing spa, family pool and kid’s club.
• Best time to visit: October to June, but our favourite time is January and February.

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.

• Great for: Stunning, Four Seasons luxury rooms and impeccable service, an award-wining spa, exceptional dive experiences with in-house marine biologists.
• Best time to visit: June to October around the full moon when the manta ray congregations are at their best.

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. 

• Great for: A glorious location, with beautiful bungalows built over the water along a beautiful beach, access to the Dampier Strait’s incredible dive sites.
• Best time to visit: Our favourite time in Raja Ampat is early in the season, from October to January or February.

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.

• Great for: Just 12 rooms built around a beautiful infinity pool, sophisticated service, a commitment to conservation & sustainable practices, easy access to Bunaken’s incredible diving.
• Best time to visit: The best combination of great weather and good diving is normally from May to July and September to 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.

Lembeh Resort is 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.

• Great for: 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.
• Best time to visit: Lembeh's diving is great year round, but our favourite time of year is September and October.

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.

• Great for: Unique, luxury ’glamping’ experience in a stunning location, beautifully-designed safari-tent accommodation, an exceptional dive centre and great diving at Menjangan Island.
• Best time to visit: The dry season runs from April to October and offers the best chance of beautiful dive conditions.

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.

• Great for: Exclusive luxury and first-class facilities in a remote and secluded setting, surrounded by untouched natural beauty.
• 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.