In the past, if planning a sustainable dive vacation was your top travel priority, you could kiss comfort goodbye. But, thanks to the rising interest in eco-friendly adventures, an increasing number of luxury dive resorts are cleaning up their acts, which is great news for eco-conscious divers and our marine ecosystems. These forward-thinking businesses are setting the stage for a whole new level of eco-conscious holidaymaking that promotes a sustainable future for underwater exploration and guilt-free, luxury stays.
Read on to discover 7 of the world’s best luxury dive resorts that are implementing eco-friendly practices into their stays.
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Six Senses Laamu, Maldives
This exclusive eco-dive resort sets the gold standard for sustainable luxury vacations by seamlessly blending indulgence with environmental responsibility. Situated on a pristine atoll in the southern Maldives, Six Senses Laamu features a stunning collection of beachfront and overwater villas made from natural, locally sourced materials. Guests can dine at one of six exquisite restaurants serving fresh, organic fare or relax at the open-air yoga studio and award-winning spa.
Six Senses Laamu is passionate about marine conservation and offers exceptional scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities. Witness majestic manta rays glide by as you explore the healthy house reef that encircles the island or venture further afield to discover the big pelagic magic for which the Maldives is renowned. You can also get involved in the resort's research and education initiatives, such as visiting the turtle hatchery.
While indulging in sustainable luxury at Six Senses Laamu, you'll also have the chance to give back to the Maldivian community. This eco-friendly dive resort partners with leading conservation organisations to protect the country’s fragile ecosystems by donating water purification systems and implementing zero-waste policies. As it strives for self-sufficiency, this sustainable Maldives resort shows that paradise and purpose can go hand in hand.
"From the moment we arrived at Six Senses Laamu, we knew we were in for a treat. The warm welcome from the staff, the stunning views of the turquoise waters, and the peaceful ambiance of the island all contributed to a sense of relaxation and tranquility.” - Olga (read more reviews here)
Best luxury dive resorts for a sustainable scuba vacation
The luxurious overwater bungalows at Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Misool Eco Resort, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Where shark finning camps once stood, Misool Eco Resort now welcomes guests to experience the spectacular marine environment of Raja Ampat in sustainable style. This remarkable transformation from environmental destruction to ecological conservation is thanks to the resort's non-profit foundation, which champions sustainability and community upliftment. Their tireless efforts led to the establishment of a 300,000-acre marine reserve in 2005, providing a safe haven where sharks, manta rays and turtles can thrive undisturbed.
Today, Misool has established itself as one of the top eco-dive resorts in Indonesia, with just a handful of thatched cottages and stilted bungalows perched amid the dramatic karst islands. Each was painstakingly constructed from reclaimed hardwoods, milled right on-site using an ingenious portable sawmill. This allowed the resort to rise organically from the lush jungle interior of the island, seamlessly integrating the accommodations into its environment.
The resort’s world-class PADI 5 Star Dive Centre (stocked with state-of-the-art gear) adjoins an airy, laidback lounge where divers can unwind after an exhilarating day beneath the water’s surface. For non-diving family members, snorkelling the house reef or kayaking through the maze of mangroves and lagoons are just as thrilling, with the above-water environment at Misool as spectacular as below.
“Misool is the most exceptional place my wife and I have ever stayed. First off, the diving is unparalleled. The accommodations are very comfortable, the resort is well organized, and the staff is wonderful.” - Steve
Best luxury dive resorts in the world
The whitewashed spa at LUX* South Ari in the Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
LUX* South Ari, Maldives
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful hideaway or an active adventure, you’ll find it at LUX* South Ari. This sprawling property boasts over three kilometres of powder-fine beaches and a crystal-clear lagoon open for exploration. When staying at this eco-friendly Maldives resort, you can choose from one of their spacious beach and water villas, all perfectly secluded and with free bicycles for getting around.
From the resort, you’ll have access to over 40 dive sites and the onsite PADI 5* dive centre offers a full range of courses suitable for all levels. New divers can test their skills in the protected lagoon while experienced underwater enthusiasts can come face-to-face with the Maldives’ incredible megafauna. Indulge in some deep relaxation during your surface intervals with massage and spa services, not to mention a stunning infinity pool complex and eight restaurants.
When it comes to sustainability, the resort has implemented numerous eco-friendly initiatives to minimise its environmental impact, including installing one of the world's largest floating solar power systems to generate renewable energy. In addition, island cruisers that transport visitors around the resort run entirely on solar energy, eliminating the need for over 260,000 litres of diesel fuel annually. LUX* South Ari Atoll is also committed to reducing plastic waste by replacing single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives while bathroom amenities across this eco-friendly Maldives resort are cruelty-free and made from natural ingredients.
"Everything was more than perfect.” - Muhammad (read more reviews here)
Best luxury dive resorts in the world
One of the luxurious suites at Denis Private Island in the Seychelles (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Denis Private Island, Seychelles
Nestled in a secluded corner of the Seychelles archipelago, Denis Island is a private oasis where luxury and sustainability go hand in hand. Located 50 kilometres north of the main island of Praslin, this tiny coral islet is home to an exclusive eco-resort striving for complete self-sufficiency. Whether participating in conservation projects, exploring the incredible underwater world or simply relaxing in luxury, Denis Island provides a one-of-a-kind sustainable island vacation.
During their stay, guests dine on farm-to-table cuisine featuring ingredients produced right on the island, including fruits, vegetables, meat and seafood. The resort's onsite carpentry workshop crafts custom furnishings made from locally sourced wood, which are beautifully presented in the beachfront villas. Throughout this eco-friendly Seychelles resort, an unplugged ambience prevails, with no TVs or radios in the rooms and limited WiFi access. This is the perfect opportunity to disconnect and truly immerse yourself in the marine environment
Denis Private Island’s dive centre offers trips to nearby sites teeming with tropical fish and marine life (from September to November, you may even encounter majestic whale sharks and manta rays). On land, guests are free to explore every inch of the island's pristine beaches, lush forests and winding nature trails, as well as participate in sustainability projects like woodland restoration and monitoring nesting sea turtles and giant Aldabra tortoises.
"Paradise on Earth!” - Vesna (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly luxury dive resorts
Sun loungers fringe the swimming pool at Denis Private Island in the Seychelles (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Oneta Resort, Fiji
Oneta Resort is a sustainable Fijian oasis nestled on 70 acres of pristine beachfront property along the shores of Ono Island. With no roads, this exclusive eco-friendly resort is only accessible by boat, heightening its remote and secluded atmosphere. While Fiji has no shortage of luxury resorts to choose from, we think Oneta stands apart for its commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.
Stretching along the expansive white sand beach are five Fijian-style bures and two elegant villas, all named after nearby dive sites and featuring their own unique charm. As a carbon-neutral eco-resort, Oneta is deeply committed to protecting the island's natural splendour through the use of solar power, recycling initiatives and other sustainability practices. Guests are warmly welcomed to engage with the local community by visiting villages and schools and participating in community development projects sponsored by the resort's foundation.
The crown jewel of Oneta is the spectacular Astrolabe Reef - one of Fiji's best-kept secrets. In-the-know snorkellers and divers come from near and far to explore this underwater wonderland while getting up close to manta rays, reef sharks and sea turtles. After a day of reef adventures, guests can unwind with a beachside massage at the open-air spa, which uses locally sourced coconut oil and Pure Fiji products for the ultimate in relaxation.
"Not just a holiday but the most amazing travel experience.” - Sherylee (read more reviews here)
Best luxury dive resorts in the world
Spectacular ocean views from a suite at Sudamala Seraya in the Komodo Islands (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Sudamala Seraya, Komodo, Indonesia
Upon arriving at this secluded sanctuary, guests are immediately transported into a Robinson Crusoe-esque paradise, surrounded by the unspoiled natural beauty of Seraya Kecil Island. The crystalline waters gently lap at Sudamala Resort’s pristine white sandy beach, which is dotted with just a handful of elegant thatched roof beach bungalows draped in magenta bougainvillea. This intimate setting exudes a distinctly romantic vibe, perfect for a rejuvenating couples retreat where sustainability is key.
Just offshore from this eco-friendly Indonesian resort lie vibrant coral reefs, offering unparalleled snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities for guests. You can enjoy complimentary use of kayaks to paddle around the island's secluded coves and inlets or simply relax in complete seclusion on your own private stretch of sand. The full-service spa at this eco-dive resort is set in an open-air bamboo pavilion and provides the ultimate indulgence with traditional Balinese massages and treatments using locally sourced ingredients.
Central to the Sudamala experience is a deep commitment to environmental sustainability championed by their dedicated green team, Sobat Hijau. An advanced sewage treatment plant enables water reuse while innovative biopores installations help preserve the island's diverse ecosystem. Energy-efficient sliding glass doors have been installed in every guest bungalow while LED lighting with auto-timers further optimises energy use. The sustainability team is also incorporating innovative solutions to eliminate single-use plastics across the resort and repurposes all organic waste as compost at local farms.
"A heavenly getaway! The location is spectacular, with a private beach, crystal clear waters and a house reef that you can snorkel right from the hotel jetty.” - Sonali (read more reviews here)
One of the luxurious villas at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Perched on the shores of Vanua Levu in Fiji, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is a pioneering eco-luxury escape where sustainability meets indulgence. Occupying the former site of a coconut plantation, the resort has transformed into a model for responsible tourism that preserves Fiji's fragile ecosystems while providing guests with an unforgettable tropical getaway.
Crystal clear waters teeming with marine life surround Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, offering world-class scuba diving and snorkelling straight from the beach. Guests can get their hands dirty helping local communities restore the area's vital mangrove forests and plant coral gardens underwater. For those seeking adventure on land, the resort provides guided treks through the surrounding rainforest, as well as opportunities to learn about traditional herbal remedies from knowledgeable locals.
After an active day outdoors, unwind with a relaxing spa treatment or savour locally sourced cuisine at one of the adults-only restaurants. Families are also catered to with the supervised Bula Kids Club that entertains young ones while parents enjoy couple time. Blending sustainable practices with luxury amenities and service, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort offers the ultimate eco-friendly island escape in Fiji.
“We loved JMC from start to finish. Beautiful resort and surrounds, delicious food, top quality activities, opportunities to dive and snorkel, including right off the jetty in front of the resort.” - Christine