Diving into Luxury with ScubaSpa
Watch our full podcast episode review of ScubaSpa here
Picture yourself sailing across the turquoise waters of the Maldives, surrounded by endless ocean and boundless possibilities. Welcome to a realm where luxury meets exploration, where every dive uncovers hidden treasures, and every moment is filled with wonder. ScubaSpa delivered exactly this for my Fiancé Taryn and I.
Discovering ScubaSpa
Taryn stumbled upon ScubaSpa through women's scuba groups on social media. The rave reviews intrigued her, especially the promise of a luxurious liveaboard experience combined with scuba diving adventures. It was an opportunity too good to pass up. We kept hearing that this would spoil all future liveaboards, as this was the best of the best, and as this was our first liveaboard, we can definitely see how that will be the case
Choosing the Perfect Package
ScubaSpa offers various packages catering to different preferences. A scuba only package with up to 17 dives, a spa only package with 8 spa treatments, and one that is a combination of the two. We opted for the scuba package, and decided we would do any spa treatments a la carte. Taryn did do a spa treatment herself which she loved. I decided to just focus on the diving and skip the spa. We booked the Ying boat, but it’s a mirror image of the other option, the Yang.
A tour of our room
We decided the dolphin suite was good enough for us, and we were very happy with it. After spending a week on board however, we realized that the sea star suites down below would have sufficed, as we’re actually not inside the room all that often. The only thing that we didn’t love about the dolphin suite was that there was only access to two sides of the bed from the floor (as opposed to three). So someone is going to be sleeping next to a foot wide shelf that butts up to the wall/window. The largest of the rooms, the Manta Suite, was gorgeous as well, and more spacious. It would be nice to stay in, but definitely we didn’t feel like we missed out by not having it.
ScubaSpa did a great job providing us a bottle of Prosecco to celebrate our Engagement (that just happened a few days before), as well as one of the nights the stewards made up our room with an awesome “Congratulations” in writing with reeds and flowers on our bed.
Setting Sail for Luxury
From the moment we stepped aboard, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. The crew, led by Brandon our Cruise Director and Briony, our Dive Master, made us feel right at home. One unique aspect of our experience was the no-shoes rule, which encouraged us to embrace barefoot living and feel closer to nature (but also to be safe on surfaces that get wet!).
After a brief confirmation of the information on our forms we were shown to our rooms where we unpacked, and they provided us individual bins for our dive gear. After placing all of our gear in the bins and leaving them outside of our doors they took them onto the Dhoni (the accompanying dive boat) and set everything up for us. We then had the afternoon to relax, had our first briefing of what to expect for the week, had dinner and then went to bed, as the first dives started as early as 6:30am.
A Sanctuary at Sea
Our cabin became our haven, providing comfort and serenity amidst the vast expanse of the ocean. Daily briefings brought together fellow adventurers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendship.
New Year's Celebration
Our arrival coincided with New Year's Eve (which ended up being day 2 of our trip), and we celebrated in style aboard the ScubaSpa. Despite the weather shifting our plans from a beach party to a boat party, the atmosphere was electric. Live music, cocktails, and dancing under the stars made it a night to remember.
Culinary Delights
Meals onboard were a culinary journey, with each dish carefully crafted to tantalize our taste buds. From fresh seafood to international cuisine, every meal was a celebration of flavors and ingredients. Every night was a different theme, or food from a different country, which really made for an enjoyable experience.
They make use of the “dinner bell” in a way I’ve never experienced before. They ring the bell before all meals AND dive briefings, and roam through the halls to let you know its time. You would think it gets annoying, but with how amazing the food is, you are always eager for either your next meal, or your next dive.
One our many amazing breakfast spreads we had every morning
Our setup for our New Years Eve dinner
Our desert spread during our new years feast
Educational Dive Briefings and Adapting to Changing Schedules
One aspect that stood out during our ScubaSpa experience was the detailed dive briefings. Each briefing was a lesson in marine biology and geography, providing us with valuable insights into the underwater world.
ScubaSpa's flexibility in adapting to changing schedules due to weather conditions impressed us. The crew, led by Brandon, efficiently communicated changes and ensured a smooth transition, allowing us to make the most of our diving excursions. Although weather for the most part was fantastic, we did have a few moments of downpour.
Just an example of a couple briefings
Exploring the Underwater World
As avid divers, we were thrilled to explore the vibrant marine life surrounding us. Guided by experienced dive masters, we marveled at colorful coral reefs and encountered majestic marine creatures. Each dive was a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.
Encounters with Majestic Marine Life
During our dives, we were fortunate to encounter incredible sea life, including whale sharks and mantas. Witnessing these magnificent creatures up close was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left us in awe of the ocean's wonders.
Sharks, Sharks, and More Sharks
Contrary to common misconceptions, encountering sharks during our dives was a thrilling and unforgettable experience. From nurse sharks to reef sharks, we observed these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, showcasing their beauty and grace.
Nurse Shark Haven
One highlight of our dive was a shallow dive among sleepy nurse sharks. These docile creatures cuddled and snoozed on the sand, unfazed by our presence. It was a heartwarming and surreal experience to observe these gentle giants up close.
Bonding Moments and Intimate Experiences
Throughout our journey, we forged lasting friendships with fellow travelers. From late-night swims to karaoke sessions, every moment was filled with laughter and camaraderie. The intimacy of the experience made it truly special. ScubaSpa did a great job curating what felt like one of a kind experiences. They even tried to makeup for the weather issue on NYE by giving us cocktails on the beach at sunset. All in all it was a fantastic experience.
The Ultimate Spa Retreat
The onboard spa offered a sanctuary of relaxation amidst our adventure-filled days. From massages to facials, the spa treatments were a luxurious indulgence. The attention to detail and personalized service elevated the experience to new heights. Taryn really enjoyed her treatment, and the rooms look out to the water.
Embracing Maldivian Culture
Beyond the luxury and adventure, we appreciated the opportunity to learn about Maldivian culture and history. The staff's genuine hospitality and willingness to share their knowledge enriched our experience and left a lasting impression.
A Journey to Remember
Our ScubaSpa experience was nothing short of extraordinary. From the pristine waters to the incredible marine life and the warm hospitality of the crew, every moment was unforgettable. It's a journey we'll cherish for a lifetime, and we can't wait to return to the magical shores of the Maldives.