Top Ten Resorts to Learn to Dive

1. Six Senses Laamu, Maldives

Tucked in the Maldives' Laamu Atoll deep in the Indian Ocean, Six Senses Laamu is a tropical paradise surrounded by palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters. When it comes to learning to dive, this place has got you covered. With an excellent dive centre and three marine NGOs on the island, you can experience some of the best dive training in the Maldives alongside learning all about the wonderful marine life found here. And the best part? As the only resort in the Laamu Atoll, you'll have the waters all to yourself while you learn. Combine world-class instructors with the perfect marine classroom, and you've got a winning combo for learning to dive.

2. Small Hope Bay, Bahamas

Small Hope Bay is a spectacular family-run hotel on the sugar-white beaches of the Bahamas, and you'll struggle to find another resort in the region with such a friendly and lively atmosphere. This dive-focused resort is the perfect place to start your underwater journey. Boasting fantastic dive instructors, an excellent dive centre offering the PADI Discover Diving course, and an awards ceremony for divers every evening, it's hard not to love this place.

3. Mount Cinnamon, Grenada

Located on the serene southwest coast of Grenada with stunning views of the sparkling Caribbean Sea, Mount Cinnamon is in the perfect spot to learn to dive. This resort's coveted location is made even better by its five-star PADI dive centre. In small and personalised groups, you'll learn the basics of scuba diving with expert instructors and gain all the skills you need to explore Grenada's volcanic coastline and vibrant reefs.

4. The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, Egypt

Sitting at the edge of the Red Sea, the Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh is home to a private beach, a pampering spa, and, of course, world-class diving. With its very own certified PADI dive centre, this resort offers a plethora of diving opportunities and an outstanding coral reef. And when it comes to taking your first few breaths underwater, the Oberoi offers Open Water, Adventure and Rescue Diver courses. They even offer dive master instruction, so can cater for everyone from beginners to experienced divers.

5. Kempinski, Gozo

Less than a four-hour flight from London, Malta is the perfect short break dive destination, and for those wanting to learn to dive, look no further than the Kempinski Hotel. Close to Dwejera Bay, the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is surrounded by lush subtropical gardens and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. The resort's fantastic family-friendly facilities make it the perfect place for families looking to learn to dive together. From perfect summer conditions and excellent water visibility to safe shallows, it's the perfect diving classroom.

6. Pole Pole, Tanzania

Nestled among tropical jungle on Mafia Island, Pole Pole (meaning 'slowly slowly' in Swahili) is a luxury eco-lodge with stunning ocean views on the doorstep of Tanzania's first marine park. Perfect for those who are new to diving, thanks to its fantastic dive centre and excellent instructors, you'll be in safe hands when taking your first few breaths underwater. The calm, sheltered waters are the ideal place to learn the basics of diving and there's plenty to see when you're ready to dive in deeper waters.

7. Amun Ini, Philippines

This tropical beach resort is a hidden gem, combining the best of beach and jungle, with superb diving to boot. Beginners are in expert hands at Amun Ini; with an amazing dive team and small, personalised groups, it's the ideal place to learn the ropes. Once you have your 'underwater legs', the resort's stunning house reef (which is accessed by boat) is the perfect spot to kick off your diving adventures.

8. Siladen, Indonesia

Siladen is an enchanting dive resort set on a 59-acre island, complete with an idyllic white sand beach - a rarity in this part of Indonesia, where the majority of beaches are black. The resort's dedicated dive team offers a fantastic, personalised and friendly service, and the water conditions are dreamy for beginner divers. The hotel's expert dive centre is ideal for novices and experienced divers alike (plus, it's particularly great for children).

9. Hamanasi Dive and Adventure Resort, Belize

Set among lush rainforest on the southern coast of Belize, this family-friendly eco resort is a wonderful place to learn to dive. With its own PADI dive centre and team of experienced instructors offering everything from scuba taster sessions to a range of certification courses, every diver (beginner or not) is well catered for. The Southern Barrier Reef boasts plenty of shallow sandy sections that are perfect for first-time divers to observe marine life in a safe, calm environment.

10. Shangri-La Bar Al Jissah, Oman

Nestled between the rugged Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, Shangri-La Bar Al Jissah is a hidden gem just 15 minutes from the vibrant capital of Muscat. This is one of the best places for families wanting to learn to dive together, as its dive centre is ideally located in the resort and offers special programs for children who are too young to dive (those under ten years old). Once you've honed your skills, head out into the ocean and get ready to marvel at the incredible marine life that calls these waters home, including turtles and rays. Another added benefit is the resort's proximity to the UK, making it the ideal option for a week-long holiday.