If you have a spare $129,500 stashed away, Abercrombie & Kent has just unveiled a mouth-watering and unforgettable expedition to discover the 1500 islands of Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands in March 2025.
Billed as the “Amazon of the Seas” voyage both on the water and on land, the 14-day journey has all the bells and whistles of a super-luxe adventure with privately chartered yacht Aqua Blu which has an onboard spa and massage therapist on call; private chartered jet to Sorong in Indonesia; a team of experts including explorer and Emmy-award filmmaker Lawrence Blair of Ring of Fire fame; National Geographic photographer Andy Coleman who will provide one-to-one virtual coaching to guests and Australian restaurateur Benjamin Cross who has created 160 exquisite recipes to be served onboard.
And the best bit, guest numbers are limited to just 24 guests.
AS&K founder and chairman, Geoffrey Kent said that he had his sights on the pristine East Indonesian archipelago of Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands and had been planning on this expedition 10 years ago.
“The challenge of wanderlust is the more destinations you see, the more you want to see’, says Kent.
This pristine corner of Indonesia has the “most biodiverse marine ecosystem on earth. Now, after years in the making, Raja Ampat & the Spice Islands is possibly my most lavish journey to date.”
The Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands adventure will kick off with a gala dinner in Jakarta hosted by acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Nicola Russo. They will then fly by private chartered jet to Sorong to board the yacht – avoiding the multi-stop commercial flights that other travellers have to take.
Highlights of the Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands cruise
· Travel by canoe to Kali Biru, the Blue River, to swim downstream in crystal-clear water under the jungle canopy
· Snorkel and dive along mangrove-lined shores of Cape Kri in waters that hold the world record for most species sighted in a 90-minute dive
· Watch the sun rise over Wayag Island’s limestone islets, explore hidden lagoons by kayak and spot reef sharks in the waters off Figure Eight Rock
· Join the sea life traversing the Marine Superhighway, a renowned aquatic migratory route, and kayak the shallow reefs of Manawoka
· Explore Tomolol Cave, a spectacular water-carved cave system found in the One Thousand Temples group, and see ancient rock art and underground rivers
· Arrive at Pulau Banda to a greeting party of war canoes, stroll through history on a visit to the Dutch Fort Belgica, and learn the history of the spice trade that shaped the region
· Discover scenic fishing villages on Nusa Laut, looking out for the dugong, the Southeast Asian cousin of the American manatee.
Between meals, guests can gather at an open bar where their preferred brands and favourite tipple will be served to complement each day’s menu.
Kent and his team of experts will accompany the guests on their perfect blend of adventure, luxury, and discovery.
To find out more, click here.
