This might be the perfect dive vacation: Start with a visit to one of the world’s most iconic dive resorts, where you explore pristine coral reefs while enjoying impeccable service, world-class dining, and first-class accommodations. Next, you board a luxury dive yacht voyaging through the Banda Sea, visiting underwater landscapes known only to a few while enjoying the same exemplary level of services and amenities. This double dip of exceptional underwater experiences and topside relaxation is available exclusively to guests of Wakatobi Resort.

It Begins in Bali

Wakatobi is the epitome of “away from it all.” This idyllic beachfront resort sits on a small island in the waters of Indonesia’s Banda Sea, far removed from the everyday. But though remote, it’s surprisingly easy to reach by way of the resort’s direct guest flights and concierge-style transfer services.

It’s easy to reach Wakatobi by way of the resort’s direct guest flights from Bali Denpasar Airport.

When guests touch down at Bali’s international airport, they are met by Wakatobi representatives, who take care of all the details of arrival, transfers, and overnight layovers. The Wakatobi team can also help to schedule accommodations and excursions for guests who want to spend a few extra days in Bali before heading on to Wakatobi. On the morning of the flight to the resort, guests wait in a VIP lounge before boarding a large, 70-seat aircraft for a comfortable flight to Wakatobi’s own airstrip.

Resort Relaxations and Exceptional Diving

Wakatobi Resort is located within a private marine preserve that is home to some of the most pristine and bio-diverse coral reefs on the planet.

“Pristine reefs and tons of life everywhere. Our trip could not have been any better,” said Michael and Barbara Mayfield, who visited in September 2022.  Photo by Walt Stearns

Directly off the beach is the House Reef, which has been named the world’s best shore dive. Divers and snorkelers can explore this vast underwater garden day and night. Each day, a fleet of spacious, custom-built dive boats provides exclusive access to more than three dozen exceptional Wakatobi diving and snorkeling sites. Attentive dive guides provide personalized service at the dive center, on the boats, and in the water.

A sunset view from one of the resort’s two-bedroom villas. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

Ashore, guests can relax in traditionally styled bungalows set in an oceanfront palm grove, or take in sunset views from the deck of a waterfront villa. Accommodations blend timeless Indonesian charm with modern comforts to provide a relaxing vacation experience. Topside activities include water sports, bird watching, spa services, and activities such as village tours and Indonesian cooking demonstrations.

Paddleboarding across the House Reef provides unforgettable views above and below the surface. Photo by Wakatobi Resort

Wakatobi is known for providing the highest levels of personal service, and for its cuisine. The resort’s talented culinary team elevates the dining experience to gourmet levels, serving a tempting mix of international favorites and regional offerings, along with bespoke offerings for those with special dietary requests.

“Wakatobi is by far the best diving experience we have ever had. World class reefs, five-star staff and a wonderful resort, all in one place.” ~Michael and Kathleen Davis, September 2022

The staff can create a private candlelight dining experience on the beach or prepare a special picnic lunch. The resort offers a range of additional services such as private dive and snorkel guides or all-day charters on a private boat.

A Different Kind of Liveaboard

The perfect complement to a stay at Wakatobi Resort is a trip aboard the Pelagian. Seen from afar, this gleaming-white 35-meter vessel might seem like one of the private pleasure ships that line the quays of glamorous ports such as San Tropez or Newport.

Pelagian Dive Yacht

And unlike most liveaboard dive boats, Pelagian doesn’t cater to the masses and is configured to take a maximum of just ten guests. This allows for comfortable yacht-like accommodations more akin to a hotel room than a cramped cabin. The crew of twelve includes an executive chef and stewards, which allows for a fine dining experience and five-star service.   Continued on page 2