Villa Alba Dive Resort

Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia

The team at Villa Alba Dive Resort have carved out a seriously comfortable spot for divers on Lombok. Forget the crowded boat launches of the Gilis sometimes; here, it’s a more relaxed affair, often meaning fewer divers on the boat and better access to some cracking sites. We love that they focus on personalized service, which translates to longer bottom times and dive guides who actually ask what you want to see. Our favourite part is their proximity to the quieter dive sites around Lombok itself, like the Secret Garden. Drifting through those coral formations, spotting pygmy seahorses if you’ve got a good eye, feels miles away from the busier spots. We’d suggest going early morning for the best chance at hammerheads further out, though those dives can have some current. The boat rides are generally calm, but if you’re prone to seasickness, take a tablet for the longer runs. They run a tight ship on the PADI courses too, so if you’re looking to get certified or advance your skills in a less hectic environment, this is a solid choice.