I was there last November with a group of 12. I'm probably not much help since the logistics was handled by the trip leader but I'll share what I can.
We had booked the 14 dive package and they knew some of us would be diving every available slot so we just showed up in time to analyze our nitrox tanks. There's usually someone there at the dive counter so you could probably just tell them the day before or maybe even up to the next dive time. Our gear was stored at the dock so we only carried jackets, drybag, and cameras to the room.
Our package included breakfast and lunch and I'm really glad it did. The food was decent and the staff was super friendly but mainly it was the convenience. Though it's only a 5-15 minute walk to town, it would have made for a tight lunch break between dive 2 and 3. Especially with all the time spent deciding where to go, what to order, paying, etc. It was nice to pop in and have lunch on the way from boat to room. The dining pavilion was directly on the path from boat to rooms. Plus we were there in November rainy season and it was pouring buckets several mornings until early afternoon. So glad not to have to go into town then. Only twice did we have rain in the evenings though. On those occasions we caught a taxi back to the resort.
We had the oceanfront villas. I don't think they were much more. Seems more private since the only ones that would be using the walkway in front of them are people staying in them. We usually left shoes and jackets on the porch. Some of the other rooms further in have foot traffic constantly going by.