Phenomenal Philippines!
The Atlantis Dumeguete Boutique Resort
and
the Azores Live Aboard
September 6 – 20, 2015
“Arrive as a guest, leave as a friend” is the motto of the Atlantis Philippines and it is no joke. This is my new favorite place to dive! I recently visited the resort and toured the live aboard, and was totally blown away by every aspect of my experience. I have never been so spoiled, felt so cared for, fed so well, and astonished by the diversity and wonder of the underwater world as much as I was during this trip. I do believe this destination, and more importantly this company, creates the most amazing vacation experience imaginable. I suggest that this trip should be on everyone’s bucket list.
From many gateway cities, the arrival in Manila is late in the evening, so a stay at the well appointed Midas Hotel is a great way to get some rest and recuperate from the long plane ride. One of our favorite treats was to be greeted at the airport, given cold bottled water, and escorted to the van while our hosts retrieved and loaded our luggage. At the hotel we were checked into our rooms and had our bags delivered in record time. We enjoyed a nice breakfast the next morning before returning to the airport, and our short 45 minute plane ride to Dumaguete. Once again we were greeted, bags collected for us, and transported in our pleasantly air conditioned Jeepney to the resort. As we had our cold welcome beverage and resort briefing, the spa therapists gave us each a nice neck massage and then we were invited to start diving.
The dive operation is the epitome of EASY diving! After checking in, we were assigned a spacious cubby for all of our gear. We set our gear up the first time and never touched it again. It was magically set up, loaded on the boat and ready for us each time. Between dives we were able to travel the long 5 -10 minutes back to the resort for tea and water and cakes before returning to do it all over again. At the end of the day, our gear was washed and put up for us (my gear has never been so clean!). Dives are typically scheduled for 9:00, 11:00, 2:00, 4:00 and night, and really they are each so spectacular you don’t want to miss any of them (unless of course it is for a 90 minute massage…).
We have arranged for five days at the resort and then we will take the one minute dinghy ride out to our floating hotel, the Azores, for eight more days of supreme adventure at six different island destinations. This boat has the most opulent setup of any live aboard I know. Each cabin is serviced daily and has its own air conditioning controland ensuite bathroom. There are movies, flat screen TV, Internet access (when we are close enough to towers), and a lovely gathering area for the nightly marine life presentations. The spacious dive deck has plenty of room for setup, a dedicated camera table, two fresh hot water showers, and warm towels after each dive. The top party deck has chaise lounges, wet bar, hot tub, and a variety of sitting and relaxing areas.
Now we can’t get excited about a trip without some great food options! Both the hotel and boat offer a variety of freshly prepared meals and snacks all day long. We were impressed by having a choice of appetizer, entrée, and dessert at each meal. The food was well prepared, plentiful, and delicious.
This trip will be led by PADI Master Instructor and Certified Leisure Travel Specialist: Saralynn H Turner and accompanied by Staff Divemaster: Chris ‘Tater Belle’ Jones.
Trip fee includes:
Roundtrip airfare from Manila to Dumaguete
Ground transfers from Dumaguete to the Atlantis
5 days, 4 nights accommodation based on double occupancy
All meals at Toko’s Restaurant (breakfast drinks, Italian and specialty coffees are included)
Coffee, tea and filtered water
Unlimited Internet access
Unlimited scheduled boat diving (up to five dives per day)
1 day trip to ApoIsland with lunch and beverages
8 days, 7 nights boat accommodation based on double occupancy
All meals and snacks on board
Complimentary local soft drinks, beer and social servings of wine
All diving
Pre trip organizational meet and greet and water practice
Not included:
Airfare from US GatewayCity to Manila, Philippines
Airport/hotel transfers - $20 per person each way
Midas Hotel, pre or post stay - $140 per night for two
Extra baggage allowance for Cebu Airlines - $40 roundtrip
Nitrox - $225 (All divers must be Nitrox certified)
MarinePark Fees - $165 (may change at any time)
DAN – Evacuation/Accident Insurance (mandatory for Live Aboard)
Staff gratuities – about 10% the cost of the trip
Travel Protection Insurance (cost based on age of participant and cost of trip)
Trip Fee:
Garden View Room and Deluxe Boat Cabin
$4808per lucky traveler, based on double occupancy
$750 deposit per person due at time of reservation
Ocean Front Room and Deluxe Boat Cabin
$4935 per lucky traveler, based on double occupancy
$850 deposit per person due at time of reservation
Ocean Front Room and Master Boat Cabin
$5425 per very lucky traveler, based on double occupancy
$1000 deposit per person due at time of reservation
Please note: Your deposit is a promise to travel, reservations are confirmed and staff engaged, so please understand that trip deposits are non-refundable. Package price can change at anytime, so it cannot be fully guaranteed until deposit is made. Credit card and Pay Pal payments are subject to a 3% processing fee.
Easy Divers: 901-753-2926, ,