Diving Deluxe

Imagine yourself diving on some of the world's finest reefs. Then add some extras, like gourmet dining, awe-inspiring views, immaculate and indulgent service, and rooms that are sure to make your Instagram followers light up with envy. This is diving deluxe, and that's exactly what you can expect at these six select resorts.

This is the ultimate room-with-a-view experience. Acclaimed Jade Mountain perches on a rainforest-clad slope high above its sister resort of Anse Chastanet. Guests at this ultra-luxe property are treated to breathtaking vistas from open-wall suites where bedroom, living area and private infinity pools meld into the backdrop of the Piton peaks and the Caribbean Sea far below. The Jade Mountain Club showcases the culinary talents of James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser, and guests enjoy exclusive access to the boutique Kai en Ciel spa and fitness center. They also enjoy all the amenities and indulgences of Anse Chastanet, which include more premier dining options, private beaches, active land and water sports and the on-site dive center for daily shore dives and boat trips to many of St. Lucia's best dive sites.

An over-water bungalow set in a sparkling lagoon. That's the quintessential Bora Bora experience, and you'll find it at the Pearl. The resort sits on a small private island, where traditional Polynesian-style architecture and a tropical garden setting evoke the romance of the South Pacific, while a suite of first-class amenities and services deliver a truly indulgent vacation experience. The over-water bungalows are a favorite, but guests can also opt for spacious Garden Pool Villas and Beach Suites with personal jacuzzi tubs and sweeping views of iconic Mount Otemanu. Indulgences include a premier spa, fine dining and a wealth of land and water activities. Divers and snorkelers are particularly well cared for with on-site services provided by Top Dive, which is Tahiti's premier scuba operation.

Yes, there is such a thing as a six-star resort, and Dominica's Secret Bay earned this rating based not on going bigger and brasher, but instead focusing more selectively on creating unique settings and experiences for a fortunate few. There are just six footpath-connected villas scattered across a coastal rainforest, each strategically placed to deliver spectacular clifftop views of the ocean and mountains. Personalized indulgences include private plunge pools, dedicated villa hosts, on-call concierge, personal chefs and guides, secret beaches and a curated menu of unique experiences and adventures ranging from water sports and land excursions to yoga, cooking classes, in-room massages, private dinners and wine tastings with musical accompaniments. And divers aren't forgotten, as the resort partners with JC Ocean Adventures to provide small-group diving experiences in Cabrits National Park and beyond.

There are a number of private-island resorts in the Maldives, but few that come close to Kerudu in terms of amenities and options. The resort stretches more than a mile across the wooded island, which means there's lots of white sand beach to go around, plus big spaces for bike and walking paths, a soccer field and a golf course. Guests can choose from 14 bars and restaurants, refresh in a trio of ocean-view pools, and relax in two full-service spas. There is an equally wide range of accommodation choices ranging from comfortable and luxurious and decidedly extravagant. Snorkeling reefs begin right off the beach, and top-rated Prodivers Maldives is the gateway to more than 60 excellent sites, plus the always-available house reef. Divers will also appreciate the added peace of mind provided by the on-site hyperbaric chamber.

How's this for an ultimate dive vacation. You're sitting on the private oceanfront deck of an authentic Fijian bure, surrounded by a lush tropical garden and taking in a panoramic view of the Koro Sea. You'll be pampered by one of Fiji's finest all-inclusive resort experiences, and make daily dive trips to the famed sites of the Somosom straits. This is Namale, a 525-acre sanctuary where 19  luxury bures and villas are tucked into a setting of rainforests, tide pools and hidden waterfalls. It is home to Valeni Sasauni, which is Fiji's leading luxury spa. Accommodation plans include five-star dining experiences and activities that include both motorized and non-motorized water sports, golf, horseback riding, snorkeling and cultural experiences. Divers are equally blessed, as the on-site PADI 5-Star dive center provides easy access to thrilling dives at world-class sites like the Namena Marine Preserve, Purple Gardens, the Somosomo Straits and the Rainbow Reef.

Cozumel has plenty of moderate to mid-range resort options, but if you are looking to take your dive vacation to the next level, the place to go is the Presidente Intercontinental. A five-star lodging experience in a relaxing setting, with fine dining options, a wealth of amenities and first-class diving services from on-site provider Scuba Du. The resort benefits from a recent property-wide renovation and additions such as a new infinity pool, hot tubs, private palapas and an open-air Le Cap restaurant and beach bar. These upgrades complement existing amenities that include a premier spa, fitness center,  tennis courts and water sports. The Presidente's mid-island location puts Scuba Du's fleet of dive boats within range of all the most popular sites, from the southern reefs to Chakanaab and the signature Felipe Xicotencatl shipwreck, and the property faces one of Cozumel's best shore diving reefs.