News
Wakatobi Announces Reopening
Plan Your Ultimate Wakatobi Dive Vacation With These Insider Tips
After remaining closed for more than two years through the global Covid-19 pandemic, one of the world’s most-loved dive resorts has announced plans to reopen on June 3, 2022. This news comes as Indonesia eliminates all quarantine requirements for inbound international travelers, and several airlines have now resumed their routes into Bali, which is the gateway to Wakatobi.
And while Wakatobi hasn’t been welcoming guests these past two years, the staff has not remained idle. The staff have kept busy refreshing and upgrading the property and preparing for reopening. Wakatobi’s ‘sprucing up’ efforts extended to many aspects of the resort and dive operation. All the dive boats have been updated; the property has seen a number of significant upgrades; the jetty has been widened and smoothed; and the airstrip received an upgrade under the supervision of a certified runway engineer. In more good news, Wakatobi founder Lorenz Mäder, reports that reefs are in prime condition, and a number of new dive sites have been added to the roster.
With bookings for 2022 and beyond filling up fast, now is the time to start planning your Wakatobi dive vacation. And while Wakatobi Resort is known as one of the world’s top diving and snorkeling destinations, there are still some things about Wakatobi that are not that well known. Some of these perks and opportunities are revealed on arrival but having additional insights ahead of time might make that trip of a lifetime even more memorable. To maximize the Wakatobi experience, here are a dozen insider tips offered by the resort’s staff.
COME BETWEEN THE HOLIDAYS. November and December are months where fewer people travel because it’s a period between major holidays. Airfares may be lower at this time and these months offer great diving and snorkeling conditions at Wakatobi.
DO THE AFTERNOON DIVE. The dive center offers three boat dives a day. After two morning dives, some guests just want to relax after lunch and finish with a shore dive. This often means fewer divers on the afternoon trips. An afternoon dive is also a great option for people who want to sleep in or linger over breakfast and still get in two boat dives a day.
TAKE A FREE RIDE. You can see more of the dive site that’s been called ‘the world’s best shore dive’ by hopping aboard one of the resort’s taxi boats, which will take you up-current for an easy drift dive along the House Reef ending right at the Jetty Bar.
MAKE NIGHT MAGIC ON THE REEF. Night diving is popular at Wakatobi, but you don’t need tanks to get in on the action. Night snorkeling on the House Reef is equally spectacular, and it’s available for all guests to experience.
THIS PLACE IS FOR THE BIRDS. In addition to the incredible diversity of marine life, Wakatobi also rewards nature lovers above the water. The island is rich in birdlife — including an endemic species! Just ask the front office to organize a Bird Watching session for you or other land tours around the island.
PLAY CASTAWAY — IN STYLE. Guests can channel their inner Robinson Caruso with a trip to nearby Sawa island, where they can watch the sunset on a deserted beach while enjoying a delicious aperitivo and hors d’oeuvres. Wakatobi’s concierge team can make the arrangements in advance of your visit.
GET A LOT FOR A LITTLE MORE. Spectacular water views and private dive guides are some of the perks you’ll get when you book one of Wakatobi’s Villas. What many divers don’t realize is that these premium accommodations are just a relatively modest up-charge from an Ocean Bungalow. If you enjoy having a private guide why not consider a Villa booking for a little more.
ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE. Wakatobi is known for the mouth-watering spreads prepared by our culinary team. But guest options aren’t limited to what’s on the table. The chefs are happy to prepare your favorite dish on request, including special dietary options such as gluten-free, low fat, or low sodium.
ENJOY LUXURY WITH A PURPOSE. Through sharing the benefits of sustainable dive tourism with the surrounding villages over the past two decades, the people of these local communities have come to see the value of the reefs in a different light, as a source of opportunity and connection. Through their experiences and pride, they have joined efforts to keep them pristine.
REFRESH YOURSELF ON THE HOUSE. Divers who have been out of the water too long and don’t want to jump right in won’t need to rehash their skills drills before coming to Wakatobi. They can take a refresher course right on our beautiful House Reef.
RUNWAY-TO-REEF-SERVICE. Did you know that Wakatobi provides a private guest flight from Bali to our own runway on Tomia Island? Our guest flights cut travel time from Bali to our remote island paradise to just 2.5 hours. This eliminates multiple air, land, and sea transfers, and you skip the crowds and long lines. Our guests also enjoy VIP lounge service at Denpasar airport, where they can relax with a full breakfast and a range of amenities before boarding the flight.
SAIL INTO SUMMERTIME. The months of June, July, and August are known for ocean breezes and slightly cooler temperatures. These are also the months where we offer kite surfing, which is something many guests are delighted to see and eager to try.
These are just a sampling of the special moments that await you at Wakatobi. Their team is known for outstanding service so don’t be shy about asking for something special no matter how big or small the request. If it is a special occasion trip — birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, graduation, or retirement – let them know, they will make your visit extra special.
For more visit the Wakatobi website.
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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