Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort and Spa

I've stayed at more than 40 dive resorts (and have been on a few live-aboards) over the past 50 years; and Bunaken Oasis without a doubt provided the finest, most extraordinary and memorable dive vacation I've ever experienced. Period. Bunaken Oasis is, quite simply; peerless. And my dive-buddy wife, Stacie, feels the same way. And for those of you who may have a non-diving significant other, fear not. This amazing Shangri-la will nourish the mind/body/spirit of anyone who stays here, whether you're diving or not. The resort itself is stunningly beautiful and reflects the insights, vision and intention of it's creators/owners, Elaine and Simon Wallace. The overall feeling is one of intimacy. Carefully carved into a hillside, it feels like being in a botanical garden by the ocean. The views from the cottages, restaurant, bar, pool or longhouse are a sensory delight. And the infinity pool and waterfalls provide yet another meditative and relaxing oasis within the Oasis. The Personal Touch- After you collect your luggage and step out of the Manado airport Arrivals terminal, you will be greeted by one of the Bunaken Oasis team members who will make you feel like a long-time friend---even if it's you're first time there! (That is also the last time you will lift a finger with your luggage or diver gear). Stacie and I were greeted by Andre, the front office supervisor, and his team. The transfer from the airport is a 2-stage process with a 30 minute car ride to the boat, then a comfortable 30 minute boat ride to the resort with refreshments served aboard. Even though we had a flight delay and arrived late during dinner time, the GMs, Kelly and Simon, were there to greet us at the longhouse, provide us with a detailed orientation, and welcome us aboard. As we quickly learned, Kelly and Simon are very "hands-on", humorous and helpful GMs who genuinely take great delight in insuring each guest has a memorable, hassle-free experience. They lead by example and, as a result, the entire staff exhibits the same friendly, helpful and "can do" spirit. As the week progressed, we truly began to feel like part of the "family". Diving- This is why we came, and the diving is absolutely amazing and unsurpassed. The Bunaken Marine Park has the healthiest reefs and most lush, abundant marine life we've seen in years. 'Truly made our hearts sing! Prepare to be pampered and spoiled by the valet diving service provided by the boat team; and know that there will be no more than 4 divers ever assigned to a dive master/reef guide. We had the good fortune to be assigned to Feibe; she was calm, patient, attentive, playful and had an incredible awareness of her surroundings. She spotted things we would have missed without her; and her passion for diving was evident, as was her professionalism & competence. She truly enhanced our diving experience. FYI: even though we keep our dive logs current, the Bunaken Oasis' dive team's attention to de

The best recommendation is it was our “third visit”! The staff is excellent—friendly and service oriented. Kelly & Simon manage the property. They keep it running flawlessly and are so welcoming. The food is delicious and you order off a menu — no buffets. Also tables for 2 in a beautiful setting overlooking the ocean. As for the diving, Sandy our dive master was fabulous. Safety is the top priority with few divers to a dive master. Plus, a multitude of dive sites within a 10 minute boat ride. Gorgeous wall dives and the most turtles you will ever see anywhere. Obviously we love this very special resort!