Guided encounter

With plenty of dives in the logbook, you are perfectly comfortable in the water. But sometimes, it’s nice to have a knowledgeable companion along as an extra pair of eyes, especially if those eyes have spent hundreds of hours in local waters, and know every hiding place of shy and rare marine life. That’s why you’ve booked a private dive experience manager for the day, and it’s already paying off.

Unusual and rare marine life such as the Denise’s pygmy seahorse are abundant on Wakatob’s reefs, and the guides are particularly skilled at finding them. Photo by Cor Bosman

On the morning’s first dive, your guide leads you right to a pastel gorgonian that you would have otherwise swam right past. Following his gestures, you look close, then closer, and suddenly the timely and perfectly camouflaged profile of a Denise’s pygmy seahorse is revealed.

“Having a private dive guide was a real advantage. He spotted many of the creatures we had always wanted to see, and was extremely helpful with our gear as well as being supportive and understanding of our skill level.”  Jen and Jeff Leopold

This is one of the top twenty “must sees” on your list. Your guide places a steadying hand on your shoulder, allowing you to ease in for a close up without disturbing this tiny reef dweller or its surroundings. Your day is off to a pretty good start.

Waterfront pampering

After five great days of diving and snorkeling, you decide to skip an afternoon boat and accept a bit of pampering from the resort’s spa staff. The Balinese Massage looks perfect, but with a twist. Instead of visiting the spa, you make your way to the beach, where a private table has been set in place for your treatment. Your therapist arrives, greetings are exchanged and you relax on the table as she begins a traditional series of treatments that includes gentle stretches, long soothing strokes, acupressure and muscle kneading, all with slow, fluid movements and a holistic attention to the entire body. After 90 minutes of pure bliss, your only ambition is to make it to the Jetty Bar to enjoy the sunset over the reef.

With a caring heart and a pair of well-trained hands, Wakatobi’s therapists will ease your aches or stresses and leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. Photo by Shawn Levin

Private tête–à–tête dinners in a romantic setting on the beach is a perfect memory for honeymoon couples and those celebrating anniversaries, but also an ideal way to turn any vacation into a special occasion. Photo by Wakatobi Dive Resort

Sunset and celebration

It’s been an incredible week of diving and relaxation at Wakatobi, and to celebrate your final evening at the resort, you have planned a special evening. After a final afternoon visit to the House Reef, you pay a bit more attention to your evening wear, and tell your spouse to do the same. On the way to the restaurant, you make a surprise detour to the water’s edge, where the serving staff has placed a full table setting just a few yards away from the water’s edge, complete with white table cloth and full place settings.

As the sun sinks low, you toast with a glass of wine, and await the arrival of some of your favorite dishes, prepared just the way you like it.

Before you go

On the way to Wakatobi, you were pleased by the way the resort’s Bali-based staff helped you breeze through the International arrival and transfer to the resort. Now, before heading home, you want to see a bit more of Bali itself, and with the help of the concierge staff, you’ve created a three-day layover that begins when a personal driver greets you at the airport and whisks you away to charming hotel.

Temples like the Klungkung Temple of Justice are some of the sights you can explore with your personal driver, all arranged by Wakatobi’s concierge team. Photo by Steve Rosenberg

All details of your stay and activities are meticulously planned, but with enough flexibility to allow you to pursue impromptu adventures should they arise. After a quick refresher in the hotel pool, you ready yourself for an authentic Indonesian dinner experience at a highly-recommended restaurant. You driver will pick you up, and will also be waiting in the morning to begin a sight seeing tour of the island.

To learn about a visit to Wakatobi contact our office at office@wakatobi.comor complete a quick trip inquiry at wakatobi.com. A guest experience representative will be in touch with you to answer any questions and provide information about your next dream dive vacation.