Bunaken Oasis Resort provided possibly the best dive resort experience I have had in 15 years of diving in Indonesia. From the luxury vehicle 30-minute airport transfer, and another 30 minutes on a lovely timber-trimmed boat (interestingly named after the owners’ horses) to arriving at the resort pier, I felt like a cherished guest.

Warmly welcomed by the management team, I was given a brief tour, deposited my camera into the huge camera room, and then escorted up a few flights of stairs to my standalone bungalow, where I had a great view of the lushly landscaped hillside of the Oasis, over the infinity pool and beyond to the sea from the comfortable deck chairs.

My room had everything one could desire, a beautiful fruit basket, a Nespresso coffee maker, lots of teas, hot & cold water, a mini-bar, wine, waffle robes or silky kimonos, lots of towels, organic body wash, soaps, shampoo and conditioner and a magic basket, where your laundry goes in and returns clean and folded. Importantly for me, WIFI was available in the room and throughout the resort.

I left the cocoon of my room to venture up to the spa for a blissful massage before wandering down to the impressively designed bar and lounge over 3 levels. As one looks around you can’t help but notice the many detailed design elements of the resort that are beautifully maintained. One morning I noticed a loose paving stone, but on my way back from breakfast one of the groundskeepers was already repairing it and inspecting others.

Meals were all ordered a la carte from an extensive menu for breakfast and lunch and a menu of the day for dinner. Fresh squeezed juices, baked pastries and fancy egg dishes and espresso coffees for breakfast; lunch ranged from salads, grilled fish, curries to burgers and exceptional house-made ice creams.

With a small number of guests, we all had dinner together with the resort owners and management team. One night we had a 7-course tasting menu where the chefs were flexing their creativity and impressive presentation skills, which occurs almost weekly. On the last night for some guests, we were presented with a concert of local and pop songs by some of the talented F & B team as a farewell.

The Bunaken Marine Park dives were a surprising treat, featuring wall diving, at times a comfortable drift and one for advanced divers with more challenging currents but all with very clear water and lots of marine life, both macro and pelagic. I had a tip to dive at Manado Tua, at the base of the volcano, and on request that was easily added to the itinerary.

The dive operation was top-notch too, with everything fastidiously managed, from the boats, to the dive prep area, camera room and even the compressor room. Two of the dive team were being certified to teach tech/rebreather diving, so they will have that option there by now too. I was lucky to be one of the only divers in a lull between 2 busy periods and I dived with the owners and one of the managers. But my dive guide and buddy Hentje Pontoh is a legend in Bunaken, having discovered a new pygmy seahorse species in 2008: Hippocampus pontohi. We had a lot of fun.

My experience at Manta Bay Resort in Yap, Micronesia was a mix of highs and lows, with some notable aspects to consider.

Firstly, the location is situated on the waterfront of Colonia, the tiny capitol of Yap, a short ride from the airport. The resort's unique Phinisi boat converted into a bar and restaurant added to the charm of the place.

The rooms at Manta Bay Resort were spacious and decorated with ornamental carved timber furniture, providing a comfortable stay. Daily housekeeping ensured cleanliness, and essential toiletries like shampoo and conditioner were provided. The availability of in room WiFi was a plus for staying connected.

When it came to meals, the breakfast options were simple but satisfying, with eggs cooked to your preference. However, some dishes like bacon were not up to par. Lunch options were limited on weekdays, requiring advance ordering or exploring cafes nearby. The dinner menu offered basic Western fare, with standout items like sashimi and burritos receiving praise. The staff was friendly, although service could be slow at times, averaging around 50-60 minutes for meals.

The resort's own microbrewery produced good-quality beer, enhancing the dining experience.

Diving with Yap Divers provided both excitement and disappointment. The manta rays at Stammtisch and the sharks at Vertigo and Yap Caverns were the standout dives. While the boats were comfortable and well-equipped, including amenities like water and hot wet face towels after dives on board, camera handling could be improved. The dive planning and execution, however, were a bit disorganized, with changes in plans not always communicated effectively. The mix of experienced and new divers on each boat, along with varying dive durations, could lead to inconsistent experiences.

Snorkeling options were available, although some practices, like snorkeling with dive groups at shallow sites, raised concerns about disturbing marine life, such as mantas.

Overall, Manta Bay Resort offers a unique experience in a tropical location, with room for improvement in areas such as dive planning and meal quality.

Located conveniently on the main road in the center of Palau, Palasia Hotel offers a mid-town experience with some notable strengths and areas for improvement.

The hotel is easily accessible by pre-arranged 30 minute shuttle from Palau/Roman Tmetuchi International Airport (ROR) in Koror. There is an excellent range of well priced restaurants within walking distance.

The urban environment of Palasia Hotel features a multi-storey structure, with public areas recently renovated but rooms showing signs of age. The hotel boasts two large pools, including a lap-sized pool, and a well-equipped gym. However, amenities like the sauna, steam room, and laundry facilities were reported as not working during my stay. It's worth noting that rooms facing the road can be noisy due to traffic, especially with a bar across the road open until 2 am.

In terms of accommodations, the hotel provides daily housekeeping and new towels, along with essential toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion. WiFi access is available, and guests are provided with slippers and robes for added comfort.

Meals at Palasia Hotel are budget-friendly, with a focus on Asian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the cafe. Options also include egg and sausage for breakfast, and burgers are available for lunch and dinner.

The hotel's bar serves espresso coffee, an elusive treat to find in Palau.

Overall, Palasia Hotel stands out for its friendly service and convenient location. However, improvements can be made in noise management for rooms facing the road and ensuring that all amenities, including the sauna, steam room, and laundry facilities, are in working condition for guests' comfort.

Palau Pacific Resort, nestled in the stunning Palauan landscape, offers a lovely tropical getaway. The resort's best features include its beautiful sand beach and cove, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts.

The environment at Palau Pacific Resort is serene, with extensive gardens and saltwater pools that often serve as habitats for fish and turtles undergoing rehabilitation. The resort offers various accommodation options, including water bungalows with direct access to the water, although some may be too shallow for swimming during low tide. The rooms are well-maintained, with daily housekeeping, a range of toiletries provided, slippers, robes, and WiFi throughout.

Meals at the Palau Pacific Resort were a bit mixed. While the breakfast buffet was extensive and delicious, offering a range of choices, the lunch and dinner options were lacking both in food variety and service quality. The resort's bar offers the same menu as the restaurant but with slightly better service, providing a pleasant atmosphere for drinks.

The long fixed jetty offered a secure and convenient pick-up point for guests and diving operators and other water sports.

Overall, Palau Pacific Resort's stunning beachfront location, well-appointed rooms, and excellent snorkeling opportunities make it a worthwhile destination. However, improvements in food choices and service during lunch and dinner would enhance the overall guest experience.