One of the highlights of the family’s diving experience was the opportunity to witness mandarinfish performing their mating rituals. “I had hoped to see at least one display, and I saw four on one dive,” Cathy recalls. ”And the dive masters were just about as excited as we were to see mandarins, I love that they aren’t jaded about the experience.”

New Years is a particularly festive time at Wakatobi when resort staff and local residents share their traditions with guests. Photo by Walt Stearns

The high level of personal service and engagement provided by the Wakatobi staff made the Sanford’s Christmas and New Year stay especially memorable. “It began even before we arrived at the resort,” Cathy says. “My husband forgot to pack his contact lenses for this trip, and he has an unusual prescription that’s nearly impossible to find in Indonesia. The staff in the Bali office were somehow able to find the right lenses for us.” Once at the resort, the service was equally impeccable, she says. “The staff at every level anticipated our needs and exceeded our expectations.”

First time charms

Few people will ever forget their first scuba dive. And when that initial encounter with the underwater world takes place at Wakatobi, the memories are especially vivid. This was certainly the case for Spencer and Riley Tennant, ages 10 and 13. While on vacation at Wakatobi with their parents, Sean and Gabi, and grandparents, Howard and Patty Witkin, the youngsters were enrolled in a dive class. “They were thrilled,” says Gabi, “and it was such a great experience for us to do something so exciting with both my kids and my parents.”

Spencer and Reiley celebrated with mom, Gabi, on their very first dive at Wakatobi. Photo by Stephen Frink

“Our dive guide had a great attitude and demeanor,” Gabi says. “The whole week she kept asking what the kids wanted to see. Both had hoped to see a cuttlefish, but dive after dive we came up short. Finally, on our last dive, not one but four cuttlefish showed up! And we also found a pygmy seahorse, all on the same dive! Our guide was truly a precious stone among the many jewels at Wakatobi. She was not just doing a job, she loves and enjoys helping people.”

“Finally, on our last dive, not one but four cuttlefish showed up! And we also found a pygmy seahorse, all on the same dive!”

But first dives weren’t just the main focus for the Tennant family. Grandparents Howard and Patty had decided the trip to Wakatobi would be the perfect way for the whole family to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Howard is an avid underwater photographer, and was keen to test his skills on the local marine life. “It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event,” says Gabi, who describes the ambiance at Wakatobi as magnificent. “The staff made our family feel relaxed and happy,” she says. “Children can be fussy eaters, particularly away from home, but Spencer and Riley didn’t complain at all. They ate everything and loved it. The food was amazing.”

There are many more such stories about the special moments our staff has made possible for guests of Wakatobi. And when it comes time to creating your own special memories, we are ready to help. It could be something as simple as arranging a private tour of the House Reef, or as ambitious as chartering the entire dive yacht Pelagian for a custom itinerary with your family and friends. Whatever your wish, we’re here to make it a reality, and one of your life’s great memories.

Contact us at office@wakatobi.com or complete a trip inquiry at wakatobi.com. A guest experience representative will be in touch with you.

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