News
Sunset House and Sunset Divers Celebrate Six Decades of Dive Excellence in the Cayman Islands
Dive resort offers great 60th Anniversary Special, launches new North Wall dive boat and re-introduces popular 3-tank North Wall Safari
Sunset House, the dive resort “for divers by divers” is marking a historic 60 years in the dive business of the Cayman Islands, and inviting others to celebrate by taking advantage of a discounted dive package available through December 21. The 7 Night dive package starts at $1435, based on double occupancy, and include 6 morning 2-tank dives, unlimited shore diving, made-to-order breakfast, a complimentary glass of bubbly, and a Sunset House Anniversary t-shirt.
The story of Sunset House began in 1958 when Miss Hebe (Briggs) Connors nee Bodden, an 8thgeneration Caymanian, and widow who lost her husband at an early age, began renting guest rooms in her seaside cottage to support her young family. Miss Hebe arranged to have dive pioneer Bob Soto, who had just started his dive operation, take care of her diving guests. The agreement included diving lessons for her 12-year-old son Adrien Briggs, who learned the business from the legend. Thus, began Cayman’s dive tourism industry.
Today, scuba diving is a multi-million-dollar tourism industry, and the Cayman Islands is a leading dive destination. Sunset House has grown into a dive resort that includes 36 air-conditioned units on lush seaside grounds; a full-service dive shop and training center; one of the most popular waterfront bars in the Caribbean – My Bar; the Sea Harvest restaurant, famous for West Indian and East Indian cuisine; and the resort is home to Cathy Church’s Underwater Photo Centre.
Only minutes from downtown George Town, Sunset House sits on the rocky coastline of southwest Grand Cayman, where it has drawn divers to the Cayman Islands during the past six decades with its excellent shore diving and great customer service. Miss Hebe, and her son Adrien, have both been honored by the Cayman Islands Government as dive pioneers and “Heroes of the Tourism Industry.”
“My mother was a strong woman who worked hard to support us at a time when tourism hardly existed, so she had to also be smart and creative,” said Adrien Briggs, who learned from Miss Hebe. “She would be excited to see how far Sunset House has come, and to know that her granddaughters, also strong women, are now running the resort.”
Sunset House has always been a family-run operation, with a welcoming laid-back atmosphere that keeps guests coming back year after year. Miss Hebe’s granddaughters Lisa Evans and Anne Briggs took over management of Sunset House earlier this year and are making their own mark on the resort with upgrades to the property and the dive operation. Recently added to the Sunset House fleet is Ocean Spirit, a spacious 50-ft, custom-built V-Hull with robust twin John Deere engines for comfortable trips to the North Wall.
Sunset Divers is also re-introducing its popular 3-tank North Wall Safari on Ocean Spirit every Wednesday on demand. The safari starts with a deep wall followed by two shallow dives. Nitrox is available, and lunch is included.
“Tourism is in our blood, and we are proud to carry on the family traditions of Caymankind. Our grandmother would have been excited about our improvements to the resort, especially our new tropical Caribbean colours,” said General Manager Anne Briggs. “Lisa and I are looking forward to a bright future for Sunset House with continuing upgrades to our property and brand-new dive boats which are being delivered later in 2018.”
The new managers want to remind guests, that even after 60 years, Sunset House Reef never disappoints shore divers, and they work hard to keep it new and exciting. In addition to the reef, divers can also visit the bronze mermaid sculpture, Amphitrite, sitting at 55 feet of water, the Sunset House Coral Nursery, and the wreck of the David Nicholson, a landing craft purposely sunk as an artificial reef. And My Bar, which faces the western Caribbean Sea, is still the best place to watch a spectacular Cayman sunset.
The 60th Anniversary Packages start at $1435 per person based on double occupancy and availability. To book contact Sunset House toll free at 1.800.854. 4767 or on Grand Cayman 1.345.949.7111. You can also e-mail Sunset House at reservations@sunsethouse.com or book online at www.sunsethouse.com/specials.
About Sunset House
Sunset House has been welcoming divers to the Cayman Islands for more than 60 years. It is the only resort in the Cayman Islands, designed by divers, operated by divers, for divers. It’s one of the only resorts on Grand Cayman that has its own coral reef, with the wreck of the Nicholson and coral nursery in shallow water right off shore. Underwater visibility on Sunset House’s reef can exceed 200 feet, and a remarkable variety of marine life to be seen there. Our own spectacular 9’ bronze sculpture of the mermaid Amphitrite is one of the most popular shore dive sites in the world.
The resort features 36 guest rooms, including 13 Courtyard rooms, 18 Oceanview rooms, 2 spacious Suites and 2 Apartments which include a full kitchen. All rooms are air-conditioned, with coffee making facilities and private baths. Free Hi-Speed Wireless Internet can be accessed throughout the property and a convenient computer station is located in the lobby. SeaHarvest Restaurant offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is famous for its Indian menu. My Bar a popular hangout for both locals and visitors, has been voted “Best in the Caribbean” by Caribbean Travel and Life and the Best of Cayman. Sunset House also features an inviting seaside fresh water swimming pool and ocean fed sea pool for relaxation. Sunset Divers, a PADI 5-star resort is on site to provide daily dive excursions and a full range of PADI courses.
For information or reservations:
- Call Toll Free: (800) 854-4767
- On Grand Cayman: 345-949-7111
- International: 001-345-949-7111
- Web: www.sunsethouse.com
- E-mail: reservations@sunsethouse.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sunsethousecayman
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sunsethouse
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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