PAID CONTENT FOR WAKATOBI PAID CONTENT FOR WAKATOBI
PAID CONTENT FOR WAKATOBI
Wakatobi SULAWESI, INDONESIA
WITH A WHITE-SAND BEACH AND DAZZLING SNORKELLING REEF, FIVE-STAR SERVICE AND FINE DINING, WAKATOBI RESORT IS THE PERFECT DESTINATION
Wakatobi is considered one of the world’s premier snorkelling and diving destinations. This iconic boutique property is located on a small island in the pristine waters of central Indonesia’s Banda Sea. This region lies at the heart of the most biodiverse marine ecosystem, home to more than 700 species of coral and thousands of species of marine life. Although the setting is remote, Wakatobi is
surprisingly easy to reach. Upon arrival at Bali’s international airport, guests are greeted by a Wakatobi representative who assists with all aspects of entry, baggage, transfers and layovers. On the morning of travel to Wakatobi, guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast before their representative escorts them to board a direct charter flight to the resort’s private airstrip. Upon arrival at the resort, guests are greeted by
name and provided with warm, attentive service throughout their stay. Wakatobi is renowned for offering a five-star guest experience, with a ratio of five staff members per guest ensuring the highest level of individual attention.
166 This content is brought to you by our sponsor. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. Resort accommodations include bungalows
set in a palm grove facing a white-sand beach, and oceanfront villas with sunset views of the reef. Buildings are hand-crafted in a regional Indonesian style from sustainable local materials and carefully positioned to ensure both privacy and views. Although traditional in appearance, these spacious accommodations offer a full range of modern comforts, including air conditioning, private verandas and features such as Asian-style outdoor showers. Many guests consider dining to be a highlight
of their Wakatobi stay. At the resort’s beachside restaurant, a talented culinary team prepares an ever-changing menu of both international and regional flavours, blending locally sourced ingredients with delicacies from around the world. Chefs and serving staff learn each guest’s personal preferences and are more than happy to fulfil special requests or dietary needs. Wakatobi supports one of the world’s largest privately funded marine preserves. The resort
is committed to a variety of programmes that provide proactive environmental protection and social benefits to the local community. Known as the Wakatobi Collaborative Reef Conservation Programme, this landmark initiative protects 12 miles of some of the finest reefs in the world, while also channelling a portion of guest revenue to fishers and residents of 17 area villages in exchange for honouring no-fishing zones within the marine preserve. These benefits extend to include infrastructure programmes that supply electricity and clean water to the local community, employment at the resort for over 100 residents, and more. The Wakatobi preserve encompasses more than
40 dive and snorkelling sites that have enjoyed proactive protection for over 25 years and remain in pristine condition. The centrepiece of the preserve is the house reef, which begins just offshore from the resort’s beach. This site has been awarded the title of the World’s Best Shore Dive by several international diving publications. While divers typically focus on the outer slopes and walls of the
house reef, snorkellers can explore the expanses of grass beds and patch reefs closer to shore, where they can glide over shallow formations without the encumbrances of tank and gear. New and casual snorkellers can enlist the help of a dedicated guide and are also under the watchful eye of a shore-based observer. A fleet of small taxi boats is available to reach more distant parts of the house reef. Wakatobi operates a fleet of custom-built 70ft
snorkelling and dive excursion boats designed for comfort, stability and spaciousness. Boats provide full-length roofs for sun protection, generous seating with ample personal space, deck-level bathrooms with full showers and mid-boat water-entry points. Divers and snorkellers can also opt for private boat charters for the ultimate scheduling flexibility. At most of the 40-plus sites visited by the resort’s
boats, reefs are mere feet from the surface. This creates opportunities for long multilevel profiles that often exceed 70 minutes, while the upper portions of these reefs are ideal for snorkellers. Wakatobi’s dive guides are expert underwater naturalists, adept at finding and pointing out the
many rare and intriguing forms of marine life found within the resort’s private marine reserve. Private guides are also available, and the resort’s dive centre offers a full range of instructional programmes for all ages. Wakatobi is considered family-friendly, with snorkelling opportunities for younger children, easy introductions to diving for ages eight and up and options for families to enjoy the reefs together. In addition to diving and snorkelling, resort
guests can enjoy watersports, spa time and a range of cultural experiences and land excursions such as birdwatching. The resort staff can also arrange bespoke experiences and programmes for guests celebrating special events such as a honeymoon, anniversary, or family reunion. A Wakatobi holiday can be further enhanced
by adding a cruise aboard the resort’s dive yacht, Pelagian. This 118ft luxury vessel carries a maximum of 10 guests on one-week explorations of the coral reefs in the Wakatobi Archipelago and the shallow sites of Buton Island, renowned for rare and unique marine life.
DON’T MISS Snorkel or dive with an expert guide around the house reef, just offshore from the resort and home to myriad tropical fish
167 Need to know
KEY FEATURES • Private beachfront • Beach Restaurant • Jetty Bar • Spa • Air conditioners • Medical centre
KEY ACTIVITIES • Traditional village tour • Reef protection and community development contribution
GET IN TOUCH
wakatobi.com T: +44 20 8393 8511 E:
robert.parrington@
wakatobi.com
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