16 Days - Five Star Indonesia

Welcome to Indonesia. Arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali, where you will be met in the arrivals hall by your private airport concierge. This service includes fast-tracked immigration assistance and porter support to ensure a smooth arrival experience. Once formalities are complete, your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to Ubud, located approximately 1.5 hours from the airport, depending on traffic.

Your destination is Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve tucked along the Ayung River, nestled within the lush rainforest and terraced rice fields of Ubud. This secluded property is one of the most prestigious addresses in Bali, combining Balinese village charm with refined luxury. Check in to your spacious suite or private pool villa, designed to reflect traditional aesthetics with rich teak furnishings, open-air spaces, and serene river views.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, settling into your surroundings. You may choose to stroll the grounds, take a dip in your private pool, or book a late spa appointment at the Mandapa Spa, which offers holistic treatments using local ingredients and healing traditions. Ubud’s tranquil natural environment provides a calming backdrop, perfect for easing into the journey ahead.

Dinner this evening is included at Kubu, the resort’s signature restaurant. Set in private bamboo cocoons beside the river, Kubu serves Mediterranean-European cuisine crafted from locally sourced produce and fine imported ingredients. Enjoy a multi-course tasting menu under soft lantern light, accompanied by fine wine or a carefully curated mocktail.

Return to your villa after dinner and unwind to the sounds of the jungle. This first night sets the tone for a tour focused on comfort, style, and deeply personal service. Rest well - tomorrow, your exploration of Ubud begins.

Begin the day with a peaceful breakfast at Mandapa, where the morning light filters through jungle greenery and the gentle sound of the Ayung River sets a calm tone. Enjoy a nourishing selection of tropical fruits, fresh juices, and warm dishes made to order. This slow start is a perfect match for the restful rhythm of Ubud.

This morning, experience a deeply restorative wellness treatment designed to relieve stress and tension. Using long, flowing movements and focused pressure, your therapist applies marma therapy and chakra balancing techniques to align your body’s vital energy centres. The treatment is enhanced with potent botanical blends, chosen for their active benefits, leaving you physically relaxed and energetically balanced. The session takes place in one of Mandapa’s serene riverside treatment suites, offering privacy and connection to nature.

After your spa experience, enjoy the afternoon at leisure. You might take a dip in your private plunge pool, read by the river, or explore Mandapa’s peaceful grounds, which resemble a traditional Balinese village complete with working rice paddies and shrines. The setting encourages reflection and presence, making it easy to disconnect from the outside world.

As night falls, prepare for an unforgettable dinner at Kubu, Mandapa’s signature fine dining restaurant. Set in private bamboo cocoons along the banks of the Ayung River, Kubu offers a magical atmosphere shaped by candlelight and the sound of flowing water. The Mediterranean-European menu focuses on sustainability and local ingredients, with the option of a seasonal tasting menu or à la carte selection. Every element of the meal is crafted with precision, from presentation to pairing, making this an ideal setting for a romantic evening or celebration.

Return to your villa after dinner for a quiet end to the day. The natural beauty of Ubud and Mandapa’s thoughtful design combine to create a sense of deep calm and connection - one of the defining experiences of this journey.

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast at Mandapa, taking in the early morning stillness of the jungle as the sun filters through the trees. Enjoy tropical fruits, warm pastries and freshly brewed coffee while overlooking the Ayung River. Today’s experiences will take you beyond the comfort of the resort and into the cultural heart of Bali through a journey designed to awaken each of your senses.

Begin with a guided walk through the surrounding rice fields, where you’ll feel the earth beneath your feet and witness the traditional Subak irrigation system in action. Along the way, engage with local farmers as they tend to their crops using time-honoured techniques. Learn how water temples, ancestral beliefs and agricultural wisdom come together in this UNESCO-recognised practice, which continues to shape the island’s rural landscape.

Continue to a nearby village where the rhythms of daily life unfold at a slower pace. As you explore, the scent of fresh herbs and spices will guide you to a hands-on herbal tonic workshop. Here, you’ll prepare Loloh Kunyit - a golden turmeric-based drink renowned for its healing and digestive properties. Made from natural roots, leaves and spices, it reflects the Balinese belief in wellness as a way of life.

Lunch is served in a traditional setting, where the flavours of Bali come alive in a feast of home-cooked dishes using local, seasonal ingredients. Each bite offers a balance of sweet, spicy and savoury, with techniques passed down through generations. Dining here is not only about taste, but about understanding the relationship between food, family and culture.

The afternoon offers deeper cultural immersion through dance, music and spiritual connection. Participate in a graceful Balinese dance session, where movement and expression tell stories of gods, nature and life. Then, listen to the layered sounds of a Gamelan orchestra and gain insight into its role in ceremonies and storytelling. Finally, receive a traditional healing session guided by a local healer. Using touch, energy and sacred intention, this experience aims to restore balance. The day concludes with a blessing ceremony, where the splash of holy water and the gentle chants of prayer leave you with a sense of renewal and spiritual connection.

Return to Mandapa in the early evening. After such a rich and engaging day, you may choose to unwind with a quiet dinner or reflect from your terrace under the stars.

This morning, begin your journey to Sumba with an unforgettable aerial experience. Depart Mandapa and head to the helipad where an Air Bali helicopter will be waiting to take you on a spectacular flight across the island. Soar above Bali’s iconic rice terraces, volcanic peaks, and sweeping coastlines as you take in the beauty of the landscape from a rare and privileged perspective.

Upon landing at Bali’s domestic terminal, you’ll be met on the tarmac and escorted directly to your private jet. Settle into a spacious cabin for the short flight across the sea to Sumba, where the luxury continues without interruption. The combination of helicopter and private jet transfers ensures the utmost comfort, speed and style, eliminating the usual hassles of travel.

Arrive in West Sumba and transfer by private vehicle to Nihi Sumba, your base for the next several nights. Consistently ranked among the world’s finest resorts, Nihi offers a blend of understated luxury, community engagement, and raw natural beauty. The setting is remote and wild, with villas perched above a long, empty beach and the Indian Ocean stretching to the horizon.

Built on the principles of sustainability and cultural respect, Nihi Sumba works in close partnership with the Sumba Foundation to provide clean water, education, and medical support to nearby communities. Guests are encouraged to explore the island’s traditions, from megalithic villages to tribal arts, while enjoying barefoot luxury in one of Indonesia’s most untouched and evocative landscapes.

Spend the afternoon settling in to your villa, complete with open-air pavilions and a private plunge pool. The pace is unhurried and the focus is on personal wellbeing and meaningful encounters with the land and its people. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the resort’s open-air restaurant, where the daily-changing menu reflects what’s seasonal, local, and freshly harvested. The night ends with the sound of the ocean and the scent of salt on the breeze.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, with time to explore Nihi Sumba and its remarkable surroundings. The resort offers a wide range of optional activities designed to immerse you in the island’s unique culture and rugged natural beauty. Adventurous guests can take a guided trek or horseback ride along the long stretch of pristine Nihiwatu Beach, or venture inland to discover traditional Sumbanese villages where ancient customs, handwoven ikat textiles, and megalithic stone tombs offer a glimpse into a way of life largely unchanged for generations.

For those interested in the ocean, paddleboarding, surfing, or fishing can all be arranged, with the resort offering expert instruction and access to some of the most exclusive surf breaks in Indonesia. Snorkelling trips can also be organised to nearby reefs, revealing vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters just offshore.

You might also join a guided walk through Nihi’s on-site organic garden, which supplies much of the resort’s fresh produce. Learn about sustainable farming practices and local ingredients that shape the daily menus. Other on-property experiences include Indonesian cooking classes, beach bonfires, and storytelling evenings hosted by the staff.

Lunch and dinner are served at the resort’s open-air dining venues, where meals are crafted from seasonal, local ingredients. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried, with views across the surf and a sense of absolute escape.

Return to your villa in the evening to unwind in privacy, surrounded by the sounds of the sea and the distant rustle of the island.

This morning begins with a journey to Nihi Sumba’s renowned Spa Safari, an experience that combines wellness, adventure, and the raw beauty of the island’s landscape. Just a short distance from the resort, guests reach the spa by either 4WD safari jeep or an optional guided trek that departs at sunrise. The walk winds through rolling hills, rice terraces, and quiet villages, offering a sense of place that is both grounding and energising. Upon arrival, the warm smiles of the Sumbanese team offer a heartfelt welcome, setting the tone for the day.

The spa’s open-air treatment bales are perched atop cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, with panoramic views that stretch endlessly in every direction. Here, the natural rhythm of the sea and wind replaces music, creating a meditative atmosphere that is entirely in tune with the surroundings. Before treatments begin, enjoy a refreshing swim or a nourishing breakfast cooked over an open flame, using local ingredients and traditional methods.

The Spa Safari offers a rotating menu of bottomless treatments that draw from Indonesia’s diverse healing traditions, delivered with expert technique and deep care. Whether you choose a massage, body scrub, or reflexology, each session is tailored to your preferences, inviting deep relaxation and connection to the land.

For those seeking something even more memorable, it is possible to arrive at the spa on horseback - a unique experience that must be arranged in advance and carries an additional fee. Riding through the quiet landscape of western Sumba adds a cinematic quality to an already extraordinary day.

After a full day of rest, rejuvenation, and immersion in one of the island’s most tranquil settings, return to your villa at Nihi. The evening unfolds at your own pace, with the ocean breeze and the sound of waves as your final companions.

Today is a day at leisure, offering the chance to explore more of what makes Sumba so culturally rich and visually striking. While your surroundings invite stillness and rest, there are also opportunities to engage with the island’s living traditions, particularly its renowned horse culture. Horses hold a special place in Sumbanese society - not just as working animals, but as status symbols and sacred figures deeply embedded in ritual and identity.

One of the most memorable ways to experience this heritage is through horse riding along the wide, empty stretch of Nihiwatu Beach. At low tide, the sand becomes a natural arena for galloping, guided rides, or simply walking the horses through the shallows. For confident riders, the resort offers the chance to take part in a Sumbanese-style ride, using traditional tack and methods passed down through generations. These rides are often led by local horsemen who can share stories about the Pasola festival and its dramatic displays of horseback spear-throwing.

Inland excursions can also be arranged to nearby villages where horse breeding is part of daily life. Here, you may see young boys learning to ride bareback, or elders tending to strong, stocky horses bred for endurance rather than show. Photography opportunities abound, with colourful sarongs, handwoven ikat fabrics, and the thatched-roof houses of the highlands providing striking backdrops.

For those staying closer to the resort, more relaxed options include cooking demonstrations, guided beach foraging, or simply enjoying the afternoon from your villa’s private terrace. The pace remains yours to set, with the same seamless service and thoughtful touches throughout.

As the sun dips low and casts golden light across the ocean, you might find yourself walking the beach with horses silhouetted against the sky - one of the many ways Sumba lingers in memory long after you leave.

Your day begins with a scenic overland transfer from Nihi to Tambolaka Airport, a journey of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours that takes you through the hills, grasslands, and traditional villages of western Sumba. Along the way, you’ll pass striking stone tombs, rows of pointy-roofed clan houses, and palm-lined roads that cut through the countryside. This final glimpse of Sumba’s distinct landscape is a fitting farewell to an island that feels both raw and refined.

From Tambolaka, board your private jet for a direct flight to Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores. The short journey delivers you in style, avoiding the complexities of domestic transit and offering uninterrupted views of the scattered islands and volcanic ridges that define this remote part of Indonesia. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the harbour where Sequoia, your private yacht and home for the next three nights, awaits.

Crafted entirely from sustainably sourced ironwood and teak, Sequoia is a 26-metre luxury yacht built with traditional techniques and a contemporary design ethos. With just three generous suites on board - each with air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, and panoramic sea views - the vessel offers the rare luxury of space and exclusivity. This is not a cruise in the conventional sense, but a highly personalised journey, supported by a full crew including a private chef, dive master, and expedition guide. Every detail is considered to suit your pace, preferences, and interests.

After a warm welcome, safety briefing, and refreshment on deck, Sequoia sets sail for Sebayur Island, just a few hours away. The water here is calm and inviting, making it the ideal place for a relaxed snorkel or introductory dive. You’ll encounter thriving coral gardens and vibrant marine life just metres from shore. For those who prefer to stay above the surface, paddleboarding or kayaking around the bay offers quiet immersion in this pristine marine park.

As the sun begins to set, return to the yacht for sundowners followed by a candlelit dinner prepared by your chef using fresh, local ingredients. Dine on deck with views of distant volcanic silhouettes and the sound of waves gently breaking against the hull. This evening marks the start of your immersive voyage through the protected waters and remote islands of Komodo National Park - an experience defined by elegance, seclusion, and a deep connection to one of Indonesia’s most extraordinary marine environments.

Wake to the gentle sounds of the ocean and the sunrise casting golden light across the hills of Gili Lawa Darat, one of the northernmost islets in Komodo National Park. This remote part of the archipelago is known for its rugged beauty and sweeping coastal views. Begin the morning with a guided hike up one of the island’s hills, a moderately steep but rewarding climb that takes approximately 45 minutes. From the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of surrounding bays, forested ridges, and the endless blue of the Flores Sea.

After your descent, return to Sequoia for a leisurely breakfast on deck. Your crew will then navigate toward nearby Gili Lawa Laut, one of the region’s premier dive and snorkelling locations. The protected waters here are home to rich coral gardens, large schools of tropical fish, and frequent sightings of blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles. Whether you choose to explore with a dive master or simply drift across the reef with a snorkel, the experience offers rare access to a thriving marine ecosystem.

In the afternoon, take time to relax aboard. Lounge on the top deck, read in the shade, or venture out on a paddleboard for a different perspective of the bay. The crew is on hand throughout to tailor the day to your preferences, whether that includes more time in the water, a short island walk, or quiet solitude on board.

As the sun dips behind the horizon, you’ll anchor in a sheltered bay. Tonight offers two options: a romantic candlelit dinner on board under a sky full of stars, or a private beach BBQ prepared by your chef on a nearby sandy shore. Either choice promises an atmospheric and memorable evening, enhanced by attentive service and the peaceful isolation of the Komodo islands.

Overnight once again on Sequoia, surrounded by the calm waters of the park and the gentle rhythm of the ocean - an ideal close to a day of nature, exploration, and pure indulgence.

Begin your morning with a fresh breakfast on deck as the yacht anchors near the rugged shores of Komodo Island. Known for its prehistoric atmosphere and dramatic volcanic landscapes, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the only places in the world where Komodo dragons roam free. Disembark at Loh Liang and meet your national park ranger, who will lead you on a guided trek through dry forest and savannah terrain. The walk typically lasts 1 to 2 hours, depending on your chosen route, and offers the chance to observe the dragons in their natural environment, along with deer, wild boar, and exotic birdlife.

After returning to the yacht, sail to the nearby Pink Beach, one of only a handful of beaches in the world with naturally rose-tinted sand. The distinctive colour comes from crushed red coral mixing with white sand, creating a beautiful shoreline unlike any other. Here, you can snorkel over shallow coral gardens rich with marine life or simply relax on the soft sand and take in the tropical surroundings.

In the afternoon, the calm bay offers ideal conditions for paddleboarding or kayaking along the coast. With the island rising behind you and the clear blue sea stretching ahead, this is a peaceful time to explore at your own pace. The crew will assist with equipment and refreshments to keep you comfortable throughout the experience.

As the sun lowers, return to Sequoia for a relaxing evening. Watch the sky shift into shades of pink and orange from the open-air deck, perhaps with a drink in hand as the chef prepares a locally inspired dinner. The calm waters and complete lack of crowds offer a luxurious sense of space and stillness, allowing the day’s unique encounters to truly settle in.

Spend another night aboard Sequoia, anchored in one of Komodo’s sheltered bays, with nothing but the sound of the sea to lull you to sleep.

Rise early this morning for a rewarding hike on Padar Island, one of the most photographed locations in Indonesia. The uphill walk takes about 30 to 45 minutes along a series of stone steps and natural trails. At the summit, you will be treated to sweeping views of Padar’s dramatic ridgelines and its three crescent-shaped beaches—each with different coloured sand: one black, one white, and one pink. It is a spectacular moment as the morning light casts soft shadows over the undulating terrain and turquoise bays below.

After descending, enjoy a light breakfast on board before venturing into the water. The surrounding reefs of Padar are known for their biodiversity and vibrant coral life, making them ideal for snorkelling or a relaxed dive. Visibility is generally excellent, and marine encounters may include reef fish, nudibranchs, and even the occasional turtle gliding through the coral gardens.

As the yacht begins cruising southward through the heart of the Komodo National Park, relax on deck with panoramic views of uninhabited islands, rugged coastlines, and the shimmering sea. The attentive crew ensures you are well taken care of as you savour a leisurely lunch with the islands slowly passing by.

In the late afternoon, the yacht approaches Manta Alley, a world-famous dive and snorkel site off the southern tip of Komodo Island. Known for its strong currents and nutrient-rich waters, this is a key feeding ground for manta rays. Depending on sea conditions and guest preference, you may either enjoy an introductory snorkel this evening or prepare for a morning experience the next day. Even if you stay aboard, you’ll feel the anticipation of what’s to come.

Dinner is served al fresco on the main deck, where you can dine under the stars surrounded by calm seas and the wild beauty of Komodo. Overnight, the yacht anchors near Manta Alley, ensuring an early and peaceful start for the next day's encounters.

Begin your day with an unforgettable experience at Manta Alley, a renowned site located at the southern tip of Komodo Island. Known for its consistent manta ray sightings, the area features cleaning stations and feeding grounds that draw dozens of these graceful giants. Dive or snorkel alongside them as they glide effortlessly through the nutrient-rich currents. Visibility is often excellent, allowing you to fully appreciate the size, elegance, and movement of these marine creatures in their natural habitat.

After this exhilarating morning, return to the yacht for a relaxed brunch as Sequoia begins its journey eastward toward the rugged coast of Rinca Island. Unlike the more visited northern ranger station, the southern coastline remains remote and wild, offering a chance to spot Komodo dragons in a less touristed setting. Keep an eye out for other wildlife too - wild boars, macaques, and Timor deer often graze near the water's edge, especially in the late afternoon.

With the yacht now anchored in a sheltered cove framed by steep cliffs and arid hills, you can choose how to spend your afternoon. Paddle through calm waters by kayak, exploring hidden inlets and shoreline caves, or simply lounge on the deck, taking in the dramatic volcanic landscape. This part of the park feels far removed from the outside world, offering a sense of peace and discovery.

As the sun begins to set, golden light washes over the hills and the silence of the bay deepens, broken only by bird calls or the splash of fish near the hull. Dinner is served on deck, a leisurely affair made all the more special by the natural beauty surrounding you.

Tonight, the yacht remains moored in this remote and rarely visited bay, offering calm waters for a restful night under the stars and a fitting close to another extraordinary day in the Komodo archipelago.

This morning, you’ll awaken to the striking silhouette of Sangeang Island, a brooding and active volcano that rises sharply from the Flores Sea. The approach to this uninhabited island is dramatic, with dark volcanic slopes and the occasional plume of smoke emerging from the summit, a reminder of its powerful geological presence. The underwater world here is just as compelling as the landscape above.

Diving or snorkeling at Sangeang offers a unique experience found in few places on Earth. Volcanic vents release streams of warm bubbles that rise from the seabed, creating an otherworldly underwater effect known as "bubble reef." The surrounding coral gardens are teeming with macro life - nudibranchs, frogfish, pygmy seahorses, and ribbon eels - all thriving in these nutrient-rich waters. Whether you're diving or snorkeling, the visibility and biodiversity are outstanding.

In the afternoon, visit a small coastal village on nearby Sumbawa, renowned for its traditional wooden boat-building techniques. Here, you’ll witness the craftsmanship of local shipwrights who have passed their knowledge through generations, building elegant phinisi-style schooners similar to the very one you're sailing on. This encounter offers rare insight into a centuries-old maritime heritage that continues to shape life in the archipelago today.

Return to Sequoia in the late afternoon to unwind on deck. As the sky turns amber and dusk settles over the sea, enjoy sweeping views of the volcano’s smouldering peak while sipping a cool drink and recalling the day’s adventures. Dinner is served al fresco, with the dramatic caldera as your backdrop.

Tonight, the yacht anchors near Sangeang, surrounded by the quiet expanse of sea and sky. The combination of volcanic scenery, remote culture, and rare marine experiences makes this one of the most distinctive and memorable days of your journey through Indonesia.

Today you cruise toward Satonda, a small and mystical island off the northern coast of Sumbawa. From a distance, it appears unassuming, but Satonda holds a quiet significance for many locals who consider it a sacred place. At its heart lies a saltwater crater lake, believed to have formed thousands of years ago following a volcanic eruption and tsunami. The island is protected and uninhabited, creating a peaceful and undisturbed setting for exploration.

Go ashore with your guide to visit the lake and the nearby wishing trees that line the trail. Covered in colourful offerings, ribbons, and tokens left by visitors, these trees carry the hopes and wishes of those who believe in the island’s spiritual energy. It’s a tranquil and reflective walk that invites a slower pace and a moment to pause in nature.

Back along the coast, the clear waters surrounding Satonda are perfect for a final snorkelling session or a leisurely paddle by kayak. Coral reefs ring the shoreline and support a diversity of marine life, offering calm, shallow waters ideal for a relaxed afternoon on and in the water. The setting is especially peaceful, with few other vessels in sight and the soundtrack of birdcalls and lapping waves.

As evening falls, return to Sequoia for a memorable final night on board. The chef prepares a special farewell dinner featuring local seafood, tropical ingredients, and the flavours of the region you’ve spent the past week exploring. Share stories with the crew, toast to your journey, and take in the serenity of your surroundings under a starlit sky.

Anchored in the quiet waters off Satonda, you’ll spend one last night aboard your private yacht - marking the close of an extraordinary voyage through Indonesia’s remote islands and marine sanctuaries.

This morning begins at a gentle pace as Sequoia makes her final voyage toward the harbour at Sumbawa Besar. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast on deck, taking in the quiet beauty of the coastline one last time. The morning light glints off the water as the crew prepares for your disembarkation, marking the end of your extraordinary journey through Indonesia’s most remote and beautiful waters.

Upon arrival at the harbour, you will be met for a private transfer by car to Sumbawa Airport. From here, your return to Bali is elevated by a scenic helicopter flight that offers panoramic views of the ocean, scattered islands, and volcanic peaks below. It is a fitting conclusion to a trip defined by exclusivity and immersion in Indonesia’s untamed landscapes.

As you descend toward Bali’s southern peninsula, the coastline of Jimbaran comes into view. On landing, a private car awaits to take you directly to your accommodation at Raffles Jimbaran, where your next chapter of rest and refined luxury begins. The hotel’s spacious grounds, elegant suites, and coastal setting offer a calming contrast to your days at sea.

Though your voyage aboard Sequoia has come to an end, the memories remain vivid: the manta rays of Komodo, volcanic underwater reefs, starlit dinners on deck, and the deeply personal encounters with nature and culture along the way. As you settle into your new surroundings in Bali, there is time to reflect on all you’ve experienced - and to begin dreaming of your return.

Enjoy a final morning in Bali with a relaxed breakfast at your resort, soaking in the tropical surroundings before check-out. Depending on your flight time, there may be an opportunity for a final stroll along Jimbaran’s golden beach or a quiet moment on your private terrace.

When you're ready, a private car will collect you for your transfer to Ngurah Rai International Airport. Your driver will assist with luggage and ensure a smooth arrival at the international departures terminal.

As you prepare to board your flight, take with you the memories of remote islands, untouched reefs, quiet villages, and the people who shaped your journey. From the highland rituals of Sumba to the wildlife of Komodo and the elegance of life at sea aboard Sequoia, this journey has shown you a side of Indonesia few travellers ever experience.

Selamat Jalan - safe travels, and farewell until next time.