At Lembeh Resort, we believe excellence isn’t a destination – it’s a journey. With that mission in mind, we’re always searching for the next step forward, exploring ways to expand, improve, and upgrade. Through careful planning, innovation and attention to detail, our beloved resort continues to evolve and grow, while also staying true to its roots and retaining its original character. 

This commitment can be seen in three of our recent projects: our newly upgraded Premium Luxury Cottages, which were completed in October 2025; the Spa, which opened its doors in February 2025; and our exciting new Dive Center, which will be built at the beginning of 2026.

In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes at Lembeh Resort for a closer look at what goes into each of these careful rejuvenation projects – through past, present, and future, to see how we continue to innovate and elevate our guests’ experience.

Introducing Our New Premium Luxury Cottages 

We’re delighted to announce the opening of our newest Premium Luxury Cottages – numbers 8 through 12 – which opened in early October 2025. Located on a hillside overlooking the Lembeh Strait, each cottage offers spectacular views, privacy, and stylish design features. They represent a major upgrade to our Hillside Luxury Cottages, which previously stood in this location.

Each of the new cottages benefits from more space, larger verandas, bigger bathrooms, and enhanced storage, offering our guests a more spacious, more elegant stay. The interiors are decorated in warm earth tones, with custom-made furniture adding a refined ambiance to the cozy interior. From here, floor-to-ceiling windows and doors open out onto beautiful views of the Lembeh Strait.

Look a little closer and you’ll find attention to detail has been central to the upgrade. Ergonomic touches such as discreet cable storage, conveniently placed charging points (including USB), and soft, warm lighting ensure that everything is right where you need it. The new, larger bathrooms feature innovative new amenities, including rain showers with convenient alcoves for towels and toiletries, completing the premium experience.

“We wanted to create a ‘home away from home’ feeling for our guests,” explains Tarkan Sever, Resort and Guest Relations Manager at Lembeh Resort, who also led the design and rebuild of the cottages. “We think guests will especially enjoy the spacious living area and veranda, with its daybed and lounge chairs – perfect for relaxing and soaking up those incredible views of the Lembeh Strait.”

Work on numbers 8–11 began in April 2025, following the successful upgrade of number 12 as a pilot project. All of the new and improved Premium Luxury Cottages (five in total) are now available for bookings. To inquire about availability, please visit our website).

The Vision and Realization of the Spa

The new cottages are just the latest chapter in our story of ongoing renovations at Lembeh Resort. Earlier this year, we unveiled another exciting addition: the brand-new Lembeh Resort Spa, which – at the time of writing – has been open for more than 7 months. This project was years in the making, intended to bring a new level of wellness experiences to our guests while blending seamlessly into the tranquil resort setting.

From the very beginning, the vision was clear: the healing power of nature, with a touch of luxury. So far, the feedback from our guests has been overwhelmingly positive, praising the design and atmosphere as much as the quality of treatments on offer. Here’s a couple of recent testimonials:

"New Spa: WOW!! It is gorgeously designed, light-filled, serene and fragrant. My husband and I both had massages by Agris, and as habitués of spas around the world, we can endorse her skills as transformative!" (Noel T)

“The new spa is absolutely stunning and offers some lovely treatments – the perfect way to unwind after a full day of diving.” (Sabine T)

“I treated myself to a pedicure and facial in the spa and it was luxurious!” (Laurie B)

One of the most popular features of the Spa is the manicure and pedicure area, which faces an indoor pond and water feature. Here, guests can enjoy a little pampering with a feeling of connection to nature – tropical plants and the soothing sound of water, complemented by calming music and a glass of wine.

“The Spa is our pride and joy,” explains Tarkan. “We put so much thought and work into it, and we’re delighted to see how it’s turned out – for many guests it’s a major highlight of their stay.” The Spa embodies our wider approach to renovations at Lembeh Resort: little touches of luxury, inspired by nature and designed with guests’ comfort in mind.

For more details about the facilities and treatments on offer at the Spa, check out this recent blog on our website.

Reimagining the Dive Center 

Looking ahead, we’re preparing for another major milestone: the complete rebuild of our Dive Center, scheduled to take place from January through mid-March 2026. The new and improved Dive Center will feature a brighter, more open design with expanded facilities, a more intuitive layout, and fewer stairs. 

Guests can look forward to brand-new changing rooms and rinse tanks, improved showers and toilets, and enhanced air circulation and drainage systems. Eco-friendly features such as rainwater harvesting and sustainable materials will ensure the Dive Center is both cutting-edge and environmentally responsible.

Photographers will benefit from a new Camera Room and Photo Center, designed for convenience and workflow. A new rooftop bar—connected to the restaurant via a bridge—will provide the ideal spot for enjoying sunset views after a day of diving.

Tarkan and the team have been working on designs since April 2025, to ensure the new Dive Center consolidates Lembeh Resort’s role as a pioneer at the forefront of diving in North Sulawesi, while also paying tribute to the heritage that brought us this far. “We’ve been refining the design carefully to align with the soul of the resort,” says Tarkan, who adds that the focus has been on “maintaining a touch of luxury throughout.”

Please note: Due to the expansive nature of this rebuild project, Lembeh Resort will be closed from 2 January to 13 March 2026. We can’t wait to share these new facilities with you in the Spring of next year!

Continuous Evolution, With Connection to Our Roots

From the Spa to our Premium Luxury Cottages and the upcoming Dive Center, Lembeh Resort’s ongoing journey has been one of thoughtful, continuous evolution. Each project reflects our commitment to innovation, comfort, and guest satisfaction, while preserving the unique character that has always defined the resort.

With careful planning, bespoke design, and an unwavering eye for detail, we’re proud to continue redefining what luxury means in Lembeh. And as always, every step we take is guided by one simple principle: Creating the best possible experience for our guests..

We look forward to welcoming you, and writing the next chapter in this story together. For more information, and to book your stay, please contact us by clicking the link below.