INDONESIA
POWER PLANT Divers planting coral, Raja Ampat
well as the camaraderie of a crew that felt like family: a team led by Lisa and Yeray whose passion and expertise elevated every aspect of the journey. This is indeed the epitome of pared-back, barefoot luxury with all guest requirements catered for and considered. For me, this trip represented more than a holiday; it was a lesson in balance, patience, and the beauty of taking life slow. It also gave me the opportunity to see how vastly different parts of the world, and the people who live there, remain. And the ability to engage with nature through dawn boat rides, scuba diving, stargazing, and hiking remote islands, along with the rewarding educational element means you leave a more rounded person with a greater appreciation of how the world is connected. Rascal Voyages offers something truly unique: a chance for families to switch off, appreciate nature, and contribute to something greater than themselves. For anyone looking to rediscover peace, adventure and purpose, this is the journey you’ve been waiting for. It could also be one of the best investments you make for you and your family, and you might just pick up another hobby that lasts a lifetime.
and drinks, ready to whisk you back to a warm shower in your luxury cabin, before cocktails. No detail is overlooked. However, this particular trip wasn’t all about us and having fun. The voyage was in fact just the first in a series of planned marine conservation expeditions with The Sea People. This is a wonderful collaboration that shows how much Rascal Voyages cares for the environment it operates in. By hosting the scientists on board, it gives guests direct access to learn about the importance of the coral reefs, and we also had the opportunity to dive into the reef restoration projects and coral gardens that Lynn Lawrance and her small local team are creating. This first-hand exposure to conservation is very powerful and will no doubt appeal to families who are able to participate in the restoration efforts and then follow the progress of their work online, after the trip. During our voyage, we saw first hand how The Sea People’s efforts are transforming lives. Cory, a local girl, has become a marine biologist and now leads coral replanting projects. Pete, once an illegal fisherman, is now the head coral gardener for The Sea People. Even Ronny, Rascal’s yacht captain, comes from a family of fishermen and now plays a key role in conservation efforts. These stories are a testament to the power of slow, deliberate change and the impact of Rascal Voyages’ partnership with The Sea People. As the voyage continued, I managed to do two more dives. Beneath the waves, and the rhythm of diving - the slow, deliberate breaths - became a lesson in mindfulness. The more I controlled my breathing, the more I could embrace the moment. It was a reminder to take life at a slower pace - a lesson not only for me but for children and young adults bombarded by the pressures of social media and modern life. I have no doubt I would not have grasped scuba in such a way had I not been a part of the Rascal Experience. The voyage also offered moments of unparalleled luxury, starting with the remoteness and lack of other tourists, as surely space is the ultimate luxury these days. There are no resorts, barely any other yachts and we really only met one other group of tourists in the whole week. Just add to that, a beach picnic on a deserted island, sunset cocktails and dinner under the stars, accompanied by local Indonesian songs, as
the lowdown
HOW TO GET THERE Direct UK flights to Jakarta from 18 hours, 56 minutes Flights Jakarta to Sorong from 4 hours, 5 minutes WHERE TO STAY Rascal Voyages, Cabin (2 people sharing) from £1,969 per night rascalvoyages.com GOOD TO KNOW Rascal Voyages run marine conservation-focused expeditions in Raja Ampat (private charter & cabin voyages). Spaces are still available for next departure
1-6 November 2025. rascalvoyages.com
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