I was dreaming of visiting Raja Ampat, an ancient and exotic paradise located near the northwestern tip of Papua, Indonesia. If you’ve spent enough time around diving, you’ve heard of this place, often spoken of with reverence and lust. Considered the crown jewel of diving destinations, Raja Ampat is an otherworldly paradise where marine biodiversity captivates even the most seasoned adventurers. I finally got a chance to see it up close last January, when my husband and I boarded the plane with eight of our closest friends. Fandis live board For a 10-day odyssey through the Maluku Islands, the Halmahera Sea and the majestic jungles of Raja Ampat. Fenidas, a ship that marries the historic charm of Indonesian maritime heritage with the uncompromising luxury of modern amenities, promises an unparalleled diving experience. Safari Experience a promise, I can safely say, it delivered.
Diving in luxury and adventure
From the beginning, Fenidis distinguished itself as a masterpiece of hospitality at sea. Its design, inspired by Indonesia’s traditional Phoenician ships, evokes a sense of adventure that is deeply rooted in the country’s maritime heritage. Stepping on board, however, one immediately enters a world where luxury and attention to detail reign supreme. In addition, Fenides’ commitment to eco-friendly behavior indicates a respectable harmony with the ancient environment it explores. For example, the ship recently installed a solar system to power onboard operations while carrying guests.
Pure delight on the high seas
Each day on Fenides began with the simple pleasure of sipping a warm, oat milk cappuccino courtesy of our ever-smiling host, Vianne. Vian and the other hosts consistently made sure that specialty coffee and other small luxuries — including onboard massages for weary adventurers — were always within reach. Of course, the culinary delights extended beyond our morning brew, with a pre-dive breakfast of fresh fruit and toast, followed by a breakfast of eggs, smoothies, pancakes, and other offerings to suit every palate and preference. do Our seated, multi-course lunches and dinners were always enjoyed al fresco on the sunny main deck, with feasts centered around the freshest catch of the day, straight from the hands of local fishermen. The kitchen’s attempts to accommodate my vegetarian diet, while delicious, unfortunately lacked variety as the meat enjoyed by others was replaced with eggplant or tofu. Still, I appreciated the effort and the beautiful plating. And not every meal was complete without a treat at the end – fresh tropical fruit at lunch and decadent desserts at dinner, including particularly memorable rich chocolate pudding and comforting apple crisp.
Beyond Diving: A Mosaic of Memorable Experiences
While diving was the heartbeat of our expedition, the Fenidays offered activities that enriched the overall experience. When we weren’t exploring vibrant coral reefs, swimming through large schools of fish, or hunting for alien-looking nudibranchs in a giant underwater cave, we were either lounging in one of the ship’s many stunning deck lounges. were relaxing at one of the or enjoying one of the many other pleasurable pursuits they provide. .
The highlight was probably our New Year’s Eve, spent on an uninhabited atoll where the staff set up a bar, dining table, and decorations for our party, fresh lobster and bonfire-lit dancing under the stars. was complete with They even set off our own personal fireworks display, which we cheered before heading back to bed, thankful that our morning dive had been pushed back so we could sleep. After this magical evening, our itinerary included hiking to breathtaking views. Ancient cave paintings, and sunset glides over crystal clear waters on a stand-up paddle board.
A haven of comfort and beauty
As hosts, my husband and I had the privilege of staying in the master suite, a haven of soothing, hushed sounds with a king-size bed, a desk (which we spent zero time at, of course), and a couch. A day bed. Reading in the comfort of AC in the afternoon. The only downside was its proximity to the anchor windlass, which we could occasionally hear raising or lowering at odd times. Our friends enjoyed equally comfortable accommodations in both the upper and lower deck cabins, each a haven of tranquility with en-suite bathrooms, and thoughtful amenities such as personal trip journals, sunscreen and sarongs. .
A service that exceeds expectations.
The staff of Fenides were the unsung heroes of our trip, turning extraordinary service into an art form. Their ability to anticipate our needs, from carrying a pack of refreshing, ice-cold towels to offering us fresh fruit juice and warm towels immediately after the dive at the top of our hike, was remarkable. . The meticulous preparation of our diving equipment and the thoughtful provision of Polaroid cameras to capture memories during the voyage exemplified the crew’s dedication to creating a seamless and unforgettable experience. The enthusiasm of our boat guide Matthias added to the spirit of camaraderie between guests and crew. Despite staying up late to plan his dives and activities and rising with the sun to prepare the crew, his positive attitude was unmistakable.
A journey of discovery and connection
In addition to finally experiencing the underwater wonders of Indonesia’s eastern waterways, I am extremely grateful for the connections developed on this trip. The Phenides served as our gateway to an untouched paradise. It was our home away from home and the scene of unforgettable moments shared among friends. It was an experience I will always cherish not only for the incredible diving, but for the opportunity to be enveloped for those ten days in a world where every detail was crafted and carefully considered. was done, so all that was left was an opportunity to connect more deeply. Make friends with friends and make memories that last a lifetime.
Credit : www.upscalelivingmag.com
