DivEncounters Alliance, founded by Peter Hughes, has announced a new partner in Palau, the M/V Solitude One.

DivEncounters Alliance is an alliance of independent owners & operators offering the best destinations and best liveaboards worldwide, including the Galapagos Islands, Socorro and Guadalupe Islands, the Maldives, Indonesia, the Bay Islands of Honduras and now in beautiful Palau.

“As DivEncounters Alliance continues to attract world class operators in world class dive destinations, we are proud to welcome the M/V Solitude One to our Alliance family” said Peter Hughes, who set the bar for luxury live-aboard diving with over 45 years of experience in the recreational dive industry and 25 years of running his own live-aboard diving fleet.

The M/V Solitude One is a 171 foot vessel that was rebuilt and outfitted for diving in 2013.  With 10 carefully designed cabins, incorporating essential elements from the hospitality world and awareness of what discerning divers need and want, this large liveaboard vessel accommodates a maximum of only 22 guests.  All cabins include en-suite bathrooms, individual climate control and flat screen LCD TVs amongst the amenities.  Vessel features include an air-conditioned camera room that is an underwater photographer’s dream come true, on board Jacuzzi for luxury relaxation and a lounge with play on-demand Audio-Visual system.  With guests in mind, the M/V Solitude One underwent a complete makeover from her original form to set new standards in hospitality and professionalism.  Rebreather divers can be accommodated with advanced notice and the vessel can be reconfigured easily to provide for exploration and research expeditions as well.

Palau is a world class dive destination with year round diving.  Wrecks, walls, blue holes, caverns and the world famous Jellyfish Lake, a marine lake with non-stinging jellyfish, make for beautiful and dramatic photo opportunities.  Palau became the world’s first 100% shark sanctuary in 2009 and in early 2014 declared an end to all commercial fishing.  This will essentially turn Palau’s waters into a 230,000 square mile marine reserve, the largest of its kind in the world. A tiny nation leading by example!

When asked about the area, Hughes replied, “I had my first opportunity to dive Palau in 1992 and fell in love then & there with the marine environment, the island and its people.  I was privileged to be in the liveaboard business in Palau from 1994 – 2001 and it gives me the greatest pleasure to again have access through the M/V Solitude One to that which I love so much – PALAU!!”

“It is a tremendous honor that the Solitude One has been recognized by the Alliance and Peter Hughes for the work we do. It’s wonderful to be part of a group set on raising the bar and exceeding standards in this industry,” said Andrew Lok of M/V Solitude One.

Each member of the DivEncounters Alliance must meet strict guidelines on vessel safety and maintenance, have a proven track record of customer satisfaction, and is inspected and rated on a regular basis.  Their mission statement is simple: To provide a reliable, professional, and safe live-aboard scuba experience.  Ensuring your vacation leaves nothing to be desired and meets, or exceeds your every expectation.

Divers and guests who book with Alliance members automatically earn “Alliance Awards” for diving within the Alliance – discounts, free hotels, upgrades, FREE NITROX, and onboard boutique credits.

For inquiries on the M/V Solitude One, visit www.solitude-one.com.