Beneath the stirring waves, it's a different world. You're weightless, it's quiet, and the view is always changing. There's no better way to unplug from everyday stresses and just enjoy the moment!
Believe us, we know what we're talking about. Whenever Hideaways staff members travel to the ocean's edge, we spend a fair bit of time in the water—that is, when we're not researching the destination and its best Hideaways.
Whether you're a dedicated scuba diver or looking to experience something new, you'll find inspiration here as we share some of our favorite places to explore, above and below the waves.
1. Belize
Big adventures can be found in this postage-stamp-sized country, including snorkeling and diving with sharks and turtles on its beautiful barrier reef—the second-largest in the world—or exploring three of the Western Hemisphere's four coral atolls.
 Recommended hideaway: Turtle Inn
Intimate and inviting, most of Turtle Inn's 19 cottages and villas are strategically positioned to offer panoramic beach views. It's no wonder owner Francis Ford Coppola fell for this spot. Turtle Inn Dive Shop offers scuba diving, snorkeling, and a wide range of PADI certification courses for both the beginner and the more experienced diver. Their boats never feel crowded, their equipment is top of the line (and if you bring your own, they'll wash it and store it for you at no charge), and visibility between 40 and 100+ feet is the norm. Member-only perk: Thai massage for two.
Recommended hideaway: The Inn at Robert's Grove
Here, in one of the Inn's cabanas, you'll enjoy that peculiarly Belizean combination of laid-back atmosphere, lush au naturel setting, and luscious amenities. But as a sportsman, you'll also take pleasure in the Inn's waterfront setting and PADI Dive Center, with six dive and snorkeling boats and a staff of guides ready to take you to Placencia Peninsula's Inner Reef—home to crabs, shrimp, and coral—as well as the Outer Reef with lobsters, rays, turtles, and eels, and where visibility can be an impressive 120 feet.
2. Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is dive central, thanks to its warm water, stunning shipwrecks, and colorful coral reefs. We suggest you escape the crowds and snorkel or dive off Cemetery Beach, located north of Seven Mile Beach in the West End.
 Recommended hideaway: Coral Stone Club
This small, independently owned condominium complex features just 32 three-bedroom, three-bath units with views of the ocean. Use Coral Stone Club's central location (right on Seven Mile Beach!) as the launching pad for your diving and snorkeling adventures. Member-only perk: A bottle of wine per bedroom (3) and living room.
3. Harbour Island, The Bahamas
The idea that "it's better in the Bahamas" certainly applies to what you'll find under the warm waves here, from unique wrecks (like the 1865 Eleuthera Train Wreck, where you can explore the remains of a cargo ship that carried a locomotive and several railroad cars) to one of the most popular dive sites in the world—Current Cut—a "fast drift dive" where you can drift two-thirds of a mile in less than 15 minutes.
 Recommended hideaway: Valentines Resort & Marina
Nestled in a protected harbor, this 42-suite resort is a cluster of colorful clapboard buildings in tribute to the Caribbean of yesteryear, but with all the modern amenities. Here you'll find the Valentines Dive Center, offering daily excursions on its custom dive boats, full scuba equipment rentals, underwater scooters, and underwater camera rentals. We dare you not to love Valentines! Member-only perk: Bottle of sparkling wine.
Recommended hideaway: Pink Sands
This 20-acre resort, with just 25 pastel-colored cottages, is a haven of tranquility overlooking Harbour Island's famous three-mile pink sand beach. You can arrange scuba diving trips from the front desk, and snorkeling equipment is available on-site. Member-only perk: His & hers Pink Sands shirts.
4. St. Croix
This island has the largest living reef of any in the Caribbean, with at least 50 dive sites, including the wreck of the Rosamaria and a spectacular 13,000-foot drop-off on the North Shore. After the sun sets, we recommend you take your dive light to the Frederiksted Pier and enjoy superb night diving. Underwater pilings are blanketed with yellow, red, and orange sponges, which in turn provide cover for seahorses, octopi, baby morays, and iridescent tube sponges. You'll also see puffers, featherdusters, and parrot fish.
 Recommended hideaway: The Buccaneer
A standout on quiet St. Croix, this family-run full-service resort commands a beautiful spot overlooking the ocean. The Buccaneer offers a complimentary, two-hour Learn-to-Scuba pool class for guests ten years and older; after completing the class, you can opt for a shallow open-water dive another day, for a fee. Whether you snorkel or dive, you'll want to head over to nearby Buck Island Reef National Monument, the only underwater national monument in the world. Member-only perk: Twenty-five minute massage for two (min. stay of 5 nts.).
5. Red Sea, Egypt
You might never make it to the pyramids once you catch sight of the natural wonders below sea level in Egypt. The Red Sea is miserably named, as the water is a kind of vibrant blue you have to see to believe—and even then, you might think it's a mirage. This body of water is reported to have more species of fish than any other similarly sized sea (more than 1,000!), as well as rather extravagant coral reefs, spectacular plunging sea floors, and a tragic number of shipwrecks.
Recommended hideaway: Four Seasons Sharm el Sheikh
This resort is the epitome of luxury, clustered like a hillside village overlooking the Red Sea, with Middle Eastern charms and classic Four Seasons offerings. Located mere steps from the resort's main beach, the Sinai Blues Dive Centre—available exclusively for guests—offers an introduction to scuba diving for adults and children, equipment rental, and half- or full-day dives (including dramatic night dives); snorkeling arrangements also can be made.
6. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket's soft white sand beaches are beautiful, and a perfect mirror to the area's underwater beauty. You'll find abundant marine life here along with colorful coral and great visibility. As a bonus for snorkelers (and divers who would rather spend time in the water than on a dive boat), it's easy to find elaborate reefs just feet from the beach.
 Recommended hideaway: The Sarojin
With its spectacular spot on Khao Lak—a seven-mile-long stretch of white sand on the Andaman Sea—The Sarojin is one of Hideaways President Mike Thiel's all-time favorites for its seductive setting. This resort complements its beachfront location with spacious accommodations, a wealth of on-site and local activities, and a 4:1 staff-to-guest ratio. Its inspired "Imagineer"—who is more of a genie than a concierge—can plan a personalized snorkel or scuba dive excursion for you on the luxurious 38-foot Lady Sarojin. Member-only perk: A 60-minute traditional Thai massage per person (max. of 2 persons).
7. Riviera Maya, Mexico
Located about 40 miles south of Cancun, the Riviera Maya is the coastal fringe of the State of Quintana Roo, stretching from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen, with a history of Mayan influence and beautiful stretches of sugar-white beaches. Here, you'll find vast jungles with a impressive network of underground rivers, offering cavern (or cenote) diving. Offshore, the northern end of the Great Mayan Reef protects the coast and provides some of the most fabulous snorkeling and diving in the world.
 Recommended hideaway: Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort
This luxury beachfront resort's white adobe walls blend almost seamlessly with the Riviera Maya's powder-white sands, and each of its 88 elegantly appointed rooms, suites, and expansive penthouses has an ocean view and is mere steps from the resort's private beach. Visit Ceiba's Padi Dive Center to plan your diving or snorkeling adventure from its own boat, moored just off the pier, or take a scuba class in one of its gorgeous pools.
8. Indonesia
Earlier, we boasted that the Red Sea has more than 1,000 species of fish . . . well, Indonesia's waters are home to more than 3,000, from the largest whale sharks to barely-there seahorses. Beyond an impressive number of fish, you'll also find somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 percent of the world's coral reefs, 600-something coral species, and World War II wrecks, along with crystal clear water, fast drift dives, and steep walls.
Recommended hideaway: The Oberoi, Lombok
This exquisite beachfront resort can be found on Bali's lesser-known neighboring island of Lombok. Service is exceptional (think fresh-baked cookies in your room each afternoon), matched by its magnificent thatched-roof accommodations, some with a private garden and pool. Here, you can participate in diver training through The Oberoi PADI Dive Center, then use what you just learned (or already knew) on a dive tour; snorkeling trips also are available.
9. Australia
Technically, Australia is a continent, but let's just call it a really big island with more than 4,000 species of fish offshore, and an unparalleled underwater diversity. You can explore kelp-encrusted submarines off the Mornington Peninsular, snorkel with sea lions and dolphins on Eyre Peninsula, find your way along a maze of underwater caves on Tasmania's east coast, or find out what makes Queensland's Great Barrier Reef so great.
Recommended hideaway: Lizard Island
This super-luxe hideout has just 40 divine villas and nearly as many powdery-white beaches for you to stroll. Its location right on the Great Barrier Reef makes this the ultimate spot for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, as well as those who love stunning views along with superior service, all the creature comforts imaginable, and a long list of superb (and complimentary!) services like snorkeling lessons and equipment. Half- or full-day diving and snorkeling trips can be planned to the inner or outer reef; night diving and diving courses also are available.
10. Bonaire
The waters around Bonaire have been actively protected by its National Marine Park for more than 30 years. As a result, its reefs are pristine and its marine-life population is thriving—that, along with exceptionally clear water, warm temperatures, and great visibility, makes Bonaire one of the best diving destinations in the world. Take note: Before your first dive on the island, you will be required to attend a Bonaire National Marine Park orientation/briefing.
 Recommended hideaway: Harbour Village Beach Club
This inviting resort—tucked behind a line of swaying palm trees—has a terrific location on the leeward side of the island, facing the Caribbean shore on one end and an inviting marina on the other. Affiliated with Great Adventures, the resort lets you charter your own boat for an unforgettable underwater experience, or you can take your pick from a la carte dives and 6-day packages; equipment rental also is available, as are 11 diving courses (like rescue diving) and 13 specialty courses (like night diving). The resort also offers Harbour Kids, a supervised program for children 5 12 with educational adventures like SASY (Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth).
Ready to take the plunge?
Call a Travel Specialist at Hideaways Travel Services (800-843-4433). We'll help you identify your perfect dive destination and the best place for you to hang your flippers each night.
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