Named after the century-old acacia tree at the heart of the property, Solitude Acacia Resort is located amidst the world-famous muck dive sites of Anilao. It’s a critter-hunting haven, ideal for those interested in finding rare and endemic marine life on their scuba diving vacation. Underwater photography is a focus of the resort, with dedicated workshops and a 2:1 diver-to-guide ratio for personalized attention.
Aside from its exceptional dive facilities and highly skilled instructors, this Anilao dive resort is known for its authentic Filipino hospitality. The glass-walled restaurant is a highlight of the property, together with the waterfront pool deck. Solitude Acacia Resort’s contemporary rooms and suites are surrounded by tropical gardens, and many enjoy sweeping ocean views.
Anilao is home to a huge diversity of unique species, from colorful nudibranchs to mimic octopus and mandarin fish. Solitude Acacia Resort is also on the doorstep of healthy coral reefs, dramatic walls, and seamounts frequented by sharks, eagle rays, and the occasional manta ray. It can easily be accessed from Manila International Airport, which is around 2.5 hours’ drive from the resort.
Rooms
This Anilao dive resort features 25 spacious and well-appointed rooms designed to accommodate singles, couples, and families on their scuba diving vacation. They are spread amongst four blocks – two at the front of the property offering sea views and two nestled behind. All feature ensuite bathrooms, individually controlled air-conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as televisions and universal power points.
Sea View Deluxe Rooms: Located on the ground and first floors, the nine Sea View Deluxe Rooms offer incredible panoramas across the ocean and pool. At 31 square meters, they can accommodate up to three adults, with both king and twin-bed configurations.
Deluxe Rooms: Situated just behind the Sea View Deluxe Rooms are the 12 Deluxe Rooms, which enjoy convenient access to the restaurant and pool. While most have garden vistas, two have ocean views. At between 27 and 37 square meters in size, they can accommodate up to three adults with king, twin, or triple bed configurations.
Sea View Suites: Situated on the top floor are the four Sea View Suites and at 42 square meters, these are the largest rooms at this Anilao dive resort. They can be configured with either a king bed or twin beds, plus an additional sofa to accommodate up to three adults. All of the Sea View Suites offer wonderful views of the ocean and pool from their west-facing balconies.
Amenities
Aside from its oceanfront pool where you can relax in between dives, Solitude Acacia Resort features complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property. Guests can take advantage of the laundry service or book a babysitter for some adults-only time.
The friendly staff at this Anilao dive resort can help to arrange activities and tours, including island hopping adventures, beach barbecues, and hiking trips to Mt Gulugod Baboy.
Food
With its glass walls and ceilings, the atrium-like restaurant at Solitude Acacia Resort offers wonderful views and it’s here that meals are served in air-conditioned comfort. Alternatively, guests can dine on the alfresco balcony while enjoying the sea breezes.
The menu at this Anilao dive resort features both Filipino and international dishes crafted using fresh, local produce. Even on full-board packages, meals are served a la carte, with guests choosing from a wide choice of daily specials.
Just above the dive center is the Dive Bar where you can enjoy homemade cocktails, fruit shakes, and imported beers and wines, accompanied by uninterrupted ocean views.
Diving
Solitude Acacia Resort is within a short boat ride of Anilao’s world-renowned muck diving sites and some of the best critter experiences in the Philippines. Just a stone’s throw away is the Verde Island Passage, home to legendary dive sites such as Twin Rocks, Secret Bay, and Beatriz Rock. Additionally, Anilao has some incredible reef and wall dives with healthy coral gardens and occasional sightings of sharks and rays.
The onsite dive center runs daily trips and night dives, as well as offering both PADI and GUE courses in its purpose-built classroom. Training is conducted in the oceanfront swimming pool and the calm waters nearby.
Solitude Acacia Resort’s team of highly skilled dive professionals are adept at working with divers of all levels and are trained in handling cameras and tech gear. They work on a 2:1 diver-to-guide ratio for a personalized experience and to allow adequate time for underwater photography.
A full range of rental equipment is available on request and enriched air nitrox, or twin cylinders can be booked for a surcharge. The dive center boasts a state-of-the-art Bauer membrane compressor and a purpose-built compressor room for optimal air circulation. In addition to emergency kits and mobile phones on all of the dive boats, medical oxygen tanks are available at the dive center.
Other Activities
Non-diving family members and friends can explore the shallow waters of Anilao while snorkeling, with many of the area’s rare creatures visible without having to dive deep. Island-hopping boat tours are also available, or you can embark on a guided hike to the summit of Mt Gulugod Baboy.
As an underwater photography haven, Solitude Acacia Resort regularly hosts workshops to help improve skills, covering everything from technical settings to the art of storytelling and post-processing. Offered throughout the year, these workshops cater to all experience levels and cover both macro and wide-angle photography.