WINTER OR WAKATOBI?
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
Photos: www.photobucket.com
While residents in most parts of the United States are pulling their heavy winter coats out of the closet, there is a destination that really requires only a swimsuit, dive gear, shorts and flip flops twelve months out of the year.
The destination is known as Wakatobi Resort. A half a world away from planes, trains, buses, cars and much of the stress of civilization, this vacation paradise is situated in a quiet corner of Indonesia, a little over 2 hours by private air service from Bali. The actual resort is on a small island called Tolandono, offshore from Tomia Island.
Imagine white powder beaches, clear pristine waters with magnificent reefs full of vivid colors brought to life and magnified with massive varieties of marine life. You are truly at one with nature and no other experience can even quite compare.
From the moment that you touch down in this quaint Nirvana, personalized service and humbling hospitality await you. Tourists are greeted by smiles of serenity and a desire to make your stay extra special.
It’s a dream come true as each villa and bungalow is nestled atop a low cliff just steps away from what seems like your own private beach. Relaxation is at a maximum as you step onto your isolated porch to take in the panoramic sights of all of nature within your grasp. Read a book, take a nap for now time has begun to stand still. Watch the sun rise and the sun set with not a care or a worry to concern you. Phones and laptops are put away so you may make the most of this tranquility.
Perhaps the main priority of this trip is a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure. With International Awards to its credit, Wakatobi Resort urges you to experience it for yourself.
* Scuba Diving Magazine – Editor’s Choice Award for Environmental Initiatives
* PADI Project Aware – Environmental Award
* Multiple World Travel Awards Nominations in 2007 and 2009
* First Choice Responsible Tourism Award – Best in a Marine Environment
* Selected by the Ocean Realm Society as their #1 Model Eco Resort
* Sport Diving Magazine – Readers’ Choice Award: #1’s Indo-Pacific Shore-Diving destination
The large private custom-made boats accommodate divers and snorkelers perfectly with enough space for cameras, rinse tanks, towels, beverages and snacks. It is easy to quickly become enamoured by the over four dozen dive sites within your reach. Capture on film the wonders of the sea such as clownfish, rays, batfish, crocodile fish, ghost pipefish, turtles, mandarin fish, schooling jacks, pygmy seahorse along with oversized gorgonians, delicate tunicates and a tapestry of out of this world coral.
Diving is popular both day and night with the resort’s famous House Reef which always holds surprises no matter what time it is. Dive under the moonlight to see the night creatures of the sea. Important to many divers is the availability of nitrox and advanced technical diving at the resort.
The reefs almost seem to be unchartered and unspoiled even though thousands of divers venture to these waters every year. This is largely due to the Reef Conservation Model that is followed. Sustainable conservation is the #1 goal of the founders of Wakatobi. With the tourist revenue brought in, the monies are channeled directly back to the community which protects the reefs by discouraging the fishing trade and thus the marine reserve is now a protected sanctuary. The reefs will remain intact for generation after generation to visit and enjoy.
After a memorable day, look forward to cocktails under the sparkling stars at the lounge-like Jetty Dropoff Bar while socializing with fellow travelers. Enjoy a romantic dinner of delectable delights paired with fine wines within an intimate setting.
For those travelers desiring the ultimate, opt for premium services giving you even more individualized attention. A private dive guide, a relaxing massage within your bungalow and a personal dive assistant are all at your fingertips as a particularly priced package deal.
This is the extraordinary vacation of a lifetime bringing with it memories to cherish forever. Get lost in the pleasure of this tropical hideaway. There is no time like the present to visit.
For more information, visit Wakatobi Resort
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