A number of our guests have described their time at Wakatobi Resort as a “once in a lifetime experience.” But that’s not always the case, because a fair number of those who come to our little corner of the Indian Ocean will eventually show up for a second visit… or a third. What brings them back? The answers vary, so we thought we’d let some of our guests speak for themselves, and share the things that keep them coming back to Wakatobi for more.

Many guests tell us that our social media posts and blogs help keep them feeling connected to their time at Wakatobi. Photo by Wayne MacWilliams

Shared connections

“We were there a couple years ago, ready for a return…” “Thanks Wakatobi, awesome photos. We’ll be back…” “We can’t wait to see everyone again…” We get literally thousands of comments like this on social media. The Wakatobi team puts a lot of effort into blogs and Facebook posts, because many of our guests tell us that these channels keep them feeling connected to their time at Wakatobi, and get them excited for their next visit. But we don’t just rely on social media to make connections, we also maintain some “old fashioned” traditions such as personal conversations. “Wakatobi’s web site provided a lot of information,” says guest Dennis Wagner. “But I had some unique questions, and was able to get immediate responses from Frank, my guest experience rep. His answers were honest and credible, not just a sales pitch. We chatted on email and the phone several times, and he assisted in all the arrangements.” This is typical of the service you can expect from Wakatobi’s guest experience team.  For booking, inquire here.

“It’s one thing to visit a destination with stunning beauty, but it really makes the experience complete when you have outstanding customer service and care from first contact through departure.”

Everyone on the team are divers, and they visit the resort and Pelagian on a regular basis to stay up to date on the latest developments. They also keep in touch with our guests at dive shows, club meetings, and local dive shops. In fact, guests often comment that it is the “above and beyond” attitude of our representatives that makes planning a return visit an enjoyable and easy process.

Ease of travel is a big factor in the decision to return to Wakatobi.  An exclusive charter flight with the Garuda Group brings guests to our island paradise in just 2.5 hours. Photo by Didi Lotze

Traveling right

Getting to a dream destination should not become a travel nightmare. And for many, ease of travel is a big factor in the decision to return to Wakatobi. “We travel to a lot of different places around the world,” says Angus McHaughton. “Compared to many places, getting to Wakatobi is simple, and the flight from Bali is seamless.” A big part of the Wakatobi travel experience is the personal service guests receive from our Bali concierge team. “It’s one thing to visit a destination with stunning beauty but it really makes the experience complete when you have outstanding customer service and care from first contact through departure,” recalls Shannon Weatherall. “You are greeted on arrival, and all details are taken care of, from driver service, luggage handling, providing a satellite phone and local money, and just having a personal contact on speed dial during the whole Bali stay. We’ve never been anywhere else like Wakatobi and we already have our next trip booked, this time we’re bringing friends.”

Ongoing improvements such as expansion and upgrades to villas and bungalows support our mission of providing the highest-level experience to every guest. Photo by Didi Lotze

Always improving

Guests who remember the early days of Wakatobi Resort are always impressed when they witness how the property has been transformed from a simple diving outpost to a world-class boutique resort. “We recently returned from our third trip to Wakatobi Resort, and it was even better than we remembered,” says John Kotovsky.

Private dive boats have become a popular option for guests who prefer to create their own itinerary for diving/snorkeling, with crew and gourmet meals included. Photo by Didi Lotze

“Each time we have visited we can see incremental improvements. They keep raising the bar on services, amenities, and the overall condition of the property.” Among these ongoing improvements are upgrades to our bungalows, expansions of our villas, and, most recently, the launch of a dive boat providing dedicated private charters. “We truly respect a professional operation that does not rest on its laurels, but continues to get better,” John says.

A common saying in hospitality is “you need only ask.” At Wakatobi Resort, the goal is to anticipate each guest’s needs and desires so that there may never be a need to ask. Photo by Didi Lotze

Service above and beyond

“There is simply nothing like Wakatobi service!” says Andy Bernat. “During our last visit we discovered two items that we didn’t realize we would need. I mentioned it when we arrived at the resort. Stijn from the Bali office found both items—one all the way from Singapore—and sent them over on the next flight to the resort,” he said.

“Tell them once what you need or can’t have, and you never have to mention it again. Wakatobi is truly a no-stress destination.”

The Wakatobi staff takes pride in creating a total service experience, before, during and even after the trip, says Julian Ritchey. “They are extremely attentive and seem to have thought of everything. The dining area and meals were fantastic as well, and they accommodated our many diet restrictions with ease. Tell them once what you need or can’t have, and you never have to mention it again. Wakatobi is truly a no-stress destination.”  The diving experience >