By Penelope Granycome
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Escaping from the whirl of life into the sublime warm waters and luxury of the Bunaken Oasis Dive in North Sulawesi is pure unadulterated bliss, and an experience not to be missed.
If seeking adventure with unparalleled five-star service, ethical sensitivity and care for the natural environment are factors that impact your travels, then this luxurious Resort and Spa undisputedly ticks your boxes. From diving Indonesian waters teeming with life out of the 5* PADI dive centre, to deep relaxation and pampering in a sustainable oceanside world, there’s something for everyone to dig their heels into.
From the minute of arrival at Manado airport, unparalleled levels of service greet each guest as they are transported to their private hill villa, overlooking the mangroves on Liang Beach. Here, guests will feel their jet lag fade while settling into the sumptuous 70sqm traditionally built space. Every creature comfort is considered as each villa is appointed with a luxurious indoor bathroom, organic products made in Bali, a Dolce Gusto coffee machine, Samsung tablet with Bluetooth speakers along with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and other requisites. With only twelve villas, including a larger two-story luxury villa, privacy and seclusion are guaranteed.
bunaken oasis aerial overview of villas
Among the many activities on offer, guests can choose whether to indulge in specialist spa treatments, lounge by the cliffside pool and multi-level, chill-out cocktail bar, or dive in the most voted dive destination in the world. Or they can contemplate undertaking all, as there are no limits on how far relaxation and exploration can be taken. Whether a beginner or experienced diver, a sunset cocktail under the stars can taste all the more sublime reflecting on the world-class diving experiences of the day.

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"With only twelve villas, including a larger two-story luxury villa, privacy and seclusion are guaranteed."

Bunaken Oasis is dedicated to being an ethical eco-resort, and a finalist in the Ocean Geographic Pristine SEE AWARD 2018’, and the Environment and Culture orientated Bunaken Oasis take pride in their ECO credentials. The extensive infrastructure is designed to minimize any impact on the precious environment, enhancing not only the resort but the wider Bunaken National Marine Park.
On arrival at the resorts private jetty, guests are each given their own drinking flask which can be refilled in every villa and all public areas, avoiding single-use plastic bottles. The water is tested monthly and comes from two fresh water-makers having gone through UV treatment. All plastics are kept to minimum and recycling a key issue. Bunaken Oasis combines luxury with philanthropy and supports BunakenCare, a local NGO which provides treatments and manpower for projects across the island; initiatives include education, employment and free freshwater for use by the local community.
dock reaching out into the ocean indonesia
For a memory and heart-melting experience like no other, visit the Oasisspecially designed turtle hatchery. Guests will be invited to visit this small faculty and if lucky enough, to release a turtle back onto the reef.The choice whether to dive in at the fully equipped PADI 5* dive center, or the spectacular fresh-water freeform infinity pool with stunning sea views is a tough one. Experienced divers may wish to dive straight in, exploring Bunaken Oasis’ world-famous walls, abundant with coral and marine life or to the sites seeking smaller magical creatures such as the entrancing pygmy seahorse. All dive guides are qualified to Dive Master or above, with no more than 4 guests allocated to a guide. The fleet of dive boats includes a very spacious 17.5m fiberglass catamaran, alongside five beautiful, traditional wooden boats. For those looking to expand into diving the vastness of unexplored deep-dive sites, an extensive range of technical courses are offered with Oasis Explorers. These are alongside opportunities in North Sulawesi for more detailed scientific surveys, and the first comprehensive mapping project beyond recreational depths.
boat passing over underwater coral reef indonesia

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"For a memory and heart melting experience like no other, visit the Oasis’ specially designed turtle hatchery."

Every need can be met here, whether that’s simply snorkeling, going deep into the blue of the ocean’s biodiversity, indulging in a passion for underwater photography, or simply sipping a cocktail with a book under the air-conditioned library. Then guests can soothe away residual aches and pamper themselves from top to toe in the spa. This spa offers a full range of luxurious treatments from qualified therapists and there’s no pressure, except to unwind.
bunaken oasis private suiteA
s well as the extensive range of fine wines and cocktails available at the chill-out bar, the nearby panoramic restaurant offers gourmet Asian and International cuisine. Dinner every evening is a la carte, with sublime dishes locally sourced from the day and gourmet dishes served at breakfast and lunch too.
From the minute of arrival at the private seafront and 140m private jetty, unforgettable experiences await travelers. Here, the warmth and wonder of Indonesia’s Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort and Spa infuse every part of their body and soul.