There are some places in the world you think you’ll never go, no matter how much their jaw-dropping beauty may appeal to your wanderlust. Sometimes they seem just too exotic, too far away – out of reach both logistically and financially. For me, the luminous seas and palm-fringed islands of Raja Ampat was just such a place. And then I discovered Prana by Atzaro, the new charter yacht that sails these waters and invites guests to join them on the journey of a lifetime.
Raja Ampat is part of Indonesia’s far-reaching island chain, though it sits all the way to the east close to the Bird’s Head peninsula off the western fringes of Papua. It’s home to some 1,500 islands, idyllic slices of sand and coral, forest and rock scattered amid the clearest, bluest waters you’ll ever see. Life teems here – the richest, most abundant and diverse marinescape on Earth – and there’s no better way to see it than by boat.
The yacht
To describe Prana by Atzaro as just a boat though is to do it a serious injustice. In my opinion it’s likely the finest charter yacht sailing anywhere in the world right now. Based on a traditional phinisi design – classic wooden two-mast Indonesian transport and cargo boats – but elevated to luxury status, it spreads across four decks and some 9,600 square foot (making it the largest phinisi in the world) and can house up to 18 guests in nine spectacular suites. Each en-suite cabin offers huge deep beds, rainforest showers, air conditioning and beautiful nautical design elements in smooth woods, muted palettes and soft textures.
It’s outside where Prana by Atzaro really shines though. Polished wooden decks are scattered with huge relaxation areas, soft daybeds artfully placed to take advantage of scintillating views and a top deck that doubles as yoga space and outdoor cinema. There’s an onboard spa with two masseuses on constant standby, indoor and outdoor seating to gorge on chef Fauzi’s amazing culinary creations – a heady fusion of local and western cuisines paired with a varied and cleverly curated wine list to match every taste. In total there are 18 crew on board, an extraordinary one-to-one guest to staff ratio that means you’ll never want for anything.
The diving
But for me the big draw sits at Prana by Atzaro’s stern – where the dive center invites you to explore Raja Ampat’s underwater paradise. Led by Cedric, our extremely affable and knowledgeable cruise director, and dive master Gustin, we took to the waters daily – often two or three times – to explore sites tailored to our skill levels and experience, expertly chosen depending on time, weather conditions and underwater currents to make sure we saw the most marine life and the fewest other divers.
From the shallows at Yenbuba where we floated amid aquatic forests to the world-famous Melissa’s Garden teeming with thousand-strong shoals of Fusilier fish, the diving was undoubtedly the best I’ve ever experienced. Hawksbill and leatherback turtles plod serenely along the seabed while black tip reef sharks flit erratically by. Giant Manta rays glide effortlessly on hidden currents while curious Batfish swim close enough to goggle eye to eye. Healthy, glowing corals spew forth tiny blurs of colour – the familiar orange white stripes of busy Clownfish, the almost synthetic yellows of Angelfish and Ribboned sweetlips.
The water sports
Out of our Scuba gear, the watersports keep on coming. We paddleboard at sunrise into the flat calm waters of Wayag to climb its rocky, precipitous cliffs to drink in the best views in Indonesia. Later, I venture out wakeboarding, a solo adventure through hidden bays and perfect lagoons where I laugh so vociferously at the sheer ridiculousness of it all that I faceplant in front of my fellow guests looking on from Prana by Atzaro’s upper decks.
That afternoon, after a spectacular beach barbecue, we speed out to a nearby ranger station where we hand feed hungry nurse sharks in the shallows, trying not to flinch as they snap and gobble in a frenzy around our exposed toes and fingers. Happily we emerge with all digits in tact.
The charter
Prana by Atzaro catches the Trade Winds of Indonesia all year round, shifting its focus with the seasons. From December to April it sails the seas of Raja Ampat and from May to October it heads to the Komodo National Park to visit the famed islands and their dragon-like inhabitants. In October and November and April and May it makes for The Banda Islands, also known as The Spice Islands.
Available for up to 18 guests, the Prana by Atzaro team will create unique itineraries based on exactly what you want to do – be it diving, sailing, exploring, wildlife, island hopping or simply indulging in the pure unadulterated luxury of the yacht itself.
Typically available for private full charter, rates range from $12,500 to $18,000 per night – and while that may at first seem eye-wateringly expensive, remember it includes all meals, a range of wines and other alcohol, all water sports (including as much diving as you can handle) and a level of service and luxury that surpasses almost anywhere else on Earth. Not bad for $1,000 per person per night. Individual suites can also be booked on request depending on availability.
For reservations contact sales director Vicente Guasch on info@pranabyatzaro.com or call +34 971 188 894 and find out more at pranabyatzaro.com.
