on 13 Jan 2022
The new dive centre, named The Hive, is four times the size of the old centre
The Hive, Misool Resort’s new dive centre
Misool Resort in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, has announced the completion of its new dive centre, named The Hive. The space features an open, airy design that replicates the look of the resort. A series of gables frame the 270-degree view from the Hive. The second floor features lounging areas and a terrace that overlooks the Daram Islands. The main floor is dedicated to diving and snorkeling, with spaces for storing equipment and getting ready for a dive or after a dive is done. The space is equipped with rinse tanks, showers and changing rooms.
Misool Resort has become famous as one of the world’s best and most successful examples of marine conservation through tourism. Founded in 2005, the resort is the work of Andrew and Marit Miners, who began a diving trip to the area only to discover a shark-finning camp. The Miners went to work building a luxury resort and convincing local villagers to create a giant marine reserve. The Misool Resort opened in 2008 and has since become widely known for its barefoot luxury chic, conservation work and as a world-class diving destination.
The Misool Eco-Resort is built on a former shark-finning site
on Batbitieru Island in Raja Ampat, Indonesia
The Raja Ampat is also now one of the world’s top destinations for visiting superyachts, as well as the many phinisi yachts that cruise the archipelago. Read: The mission at Misool: Inside an extraordinary eco-resort The Hive covers 700sqm, four times bigger than Misool’s old dive centre. The centre was built over the past two years, designed by Misool’s in-house architect, Setya Tantra. Carpenters in Bali built the furniture using sustainable rattan. The open-air structure eliminates the need for air conditioning. The roofing is constructed from traditional grass roofing material provided by the local community. Windows on the second floor using special glass to reduce heat intake, while rainwater is collected by the roof and used for showers and toilets. Waste water gardens treat the black and grey water using naturally-occurring bacteria. Solar heaters provide hot water for the showers. A team of over 90 people built The Hive over the past two years, while Covid restrictions have negatively impacted the work of Misool Resort. The Misool Foundation, which oversees the ranger programme that protects the 300,000-acre marine reserve, is mostly funded by revenues from the resort. In July 2021, the Misool Foundation sent out an appeal for donations to help fund its ranger programme. misool.info www.misoolfoundation.org