A five-day itinerary through the remote islands of Raja Ampat
With its emerald waters, pristine beaches and mushroom-like islands scattered across the sea, Raja Ampat is a sight to behold. And now thanks to social media, the remote island paradise is fast becoming the newest ‘it’ destination for luxury travellers being guided by the ‘gram.
Located in the West Papua province of Indonesia on the island of New Guinea, Raja Ampat (which means ‘Four Kings’) is an archipelago made up of over 1,500 islands. The sparsely populated region is part of the ‘Coral Triangle’ and boasts the richest marine biodiversity on earth, making it the ultimate divers’ mecca.
On land, Raja Ampat has just as much to offer including thrilling hikes, exotic birdwatching and up-close encounters with local villagers.
The last paradise
Raja Ampat is known as ‘the last paradise’ due to its remote location and lack of resorts, especially those of the luxury category.
Untouched by mass tourism (imagine Thailand or Bali 30-40 years ago), there are just two types of accommodation to choose from: local homestays or liveaboards—boats that allow divers to access far-flung dive sites without having to return to shore. And while liveaboards are convenient, they are often far from luxurious.
Enter Prana by Atzaro, the “world’s most luxurious liveaboard.” Brought to you by the owners of the prestigious Atzaro Hotels in Ibiza, Spain, the luxury yacht blends the glamour of Ibiza with the local flavour of Indonesia.