Atlantis Dumaguete is in Dauin on Negros Island, the third largest island in the Philippines. The resort is just thirty minutes from the local airport, on a long peaceful stretch of beach surrounded by an amazing tropical garden hosting some of the rarest plants to be found in the Philippines. Dauin itself is a small coastal town on the Bohol Sea, the area is famous for world class muck diving so an absolute must see for all those critter crazy divers out there!
Atlantis Dumaguete is situated on a pristine black sand beach and offers guests the chance to indulge themselves in more ways than one. This beautiful boutique resort has just 40 rooms, all are ensuite and have climate-controlled air conditioning, fully stocked mini bar, adjustable ceiling fans, solar heated hot water, cable TV with free movie and sports channels, safety deposit box and wireless internet. If upgrading to a suite, you will also have coffee and tea making facilities, DVD player and flat screen LCD TVs.
The resort has a freshwater swimming pool surrounded by lush gardens, there is a shallow end and a deeper area for dive training. It is the perfect place to unwind listening to the melodic waterfall with a cocktail, whilst swapping stories with fellow divers. If you are in the mood for some serious pampering then take some time out in the newly renovated spa which features four private therapy rooms, a sauna and rain shower. There are many treatments to choose from including the one-hour Atlantis Signature Massage, Japanese Shiatsu, Atlantis Calming and Nourishing Facial, or ‘Create your Own Heaven’ with a bespoke spa package of luxurious delights.
The camera room at Atlantis Dumaguete is surely every underwater photographer’s dream! There are over 20 individual cubbyholes to store equipment, a work surface 70cm deep, plus floor space of over 21 square metres. There are several airguns positioned around the room, along with 2 and 3 prong power sockets in both 220 and 110 volts, paper towel dispensers for cleaning o-rings, a shelf running the length of the work surface for battery chargers and eight fluorescent under-shelf lights for additional illumination for the all-important o-ring check. The room is climate controlled for comfortable working conditions and has a 42-inch HD flat-screen TV mounted on the wall with both HDMI and USB connections, so you can show off all your photos after a great day of diving.
There is also an air-conditioned classroom available for groups doing dive instruction, photo workshops, group meetings and more. The room comfortably seats a large group and includes a flat screen TV with HDMI cable, DVD player, PADI library, and fast wireless internet. Finally, for the shopper, conveniently situated next to the front desk, there is a boutique shop stocking both souvenirs and essential dive gear. Highlights include unique silver dive jewellery and a selection of beautiful native art made from coconut wood such as bowls and vases. There are also practical items such as sunscreen, swim wear, sarongs and caps, and some fun stuff for kids as well as travel books, fish ID books and postcards.
Apart from the exceptional scuba diving, Dumaguete has plenty more to offer. Spend a morning bartering for produce at Malatapay Market, or take a City Tours where you can see The Botanical and Zoological Gardens, Ecological Park and Aviary, and other attractions. A Quad Bike Tour takes you to the natural hot springs of Baslay through tropical jungle, or if you are a bird lover then take a trip to Twin Lakes, Balinsasayao and Danao, a haven of pristine flora and fauna where you can see many species of sunbirds, kingfishers, flowerpeckers, to name but a few. You can also kayak around the sparkling lakes to the sound of these wonderful wild birds.