LuxuryLive: Fenides Liveaboard in Indonesia
When the rare call of the intimate and truly special comes in, even the most seasoned luxury travel pro feel their heart beat a little faster. So it happened, so it was plotted (since last fall, believe it or not!) – and now: mission accomplished! Handpicked cruise and luxury travel experts met yacht travel insiders from Indonesia – on board a sleek, luxurious twist on the classic Indonesian phinisi.
Hop, hop! Our jet-setting luxury experts from the DACH region touched down on the Island of the Gods early – because why not? – and then hopped over to Flores with a quick flight that barely counted as a takeoff. Pro tip from the field: maybe don’t bank on the last flight of the day. Just saying.
Every corner on board is a love letter to good taste – right down to the cute little travel diary, perfectly prepped to catch all the wow-moments, splashy adventures, and sandy-toed memories this dream fam trip serves up. On board, underwater, or barefoot on the beach – no story goes unjotted.
All hands on deck! With the course set and spirits high, this small but seasoned crew of industry pros is more than eady to embark on a voyage full of unforgettable moments. Anchors aweigh: Robert and Gerlinde Liersch of M’Ocean and Fenides co-owner Moritz Drabusenigg (from left to right).
As the first light spills across the waves – sun already blazing, somewhere between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific – their home for the journey emerges in full force: effortlessly elegant, drenched in tropical glory, and seriously stylish.
Built in the style of a traditional Indonesian phinisi, this wooden yacht blends high-end barefoot living with cozy boho charm – like here, in one of the two upper-deck cabins, where laid-back luxury meets handcrafted detail.
The generous master cabin and two additional doubles lull their guests to sleep right at the waterline – complete with the gentle soundtrack of the sea. P.S.: Naturally, all five cabins come with their own ensuite bathroom.
Five days in West and Central Komodo, and boom – travel advisor dreams, made real: a bed that rocks you to sleep (in the best way), shoes ditched and forgotten, shady spots made for guilt-free napping – and all of it wrapped in Indonesia’s mind-blowing island magic. Epic selfie scenery up top, coral showstopper down below. Can someone please hit pause before reality calls?
Five days in West and Central Komodo, and boom – travel advisor dreams, made real: a bed that rocks you to sleep (in the best way), shoes ditched and forgotten, shady spots made for guilt-free napping – and all of it wrapped in Indonesia’s mind-blowing island magic. Epic selfie scenery up top, coral showstopper down below. Can someone please hit pause before reality calls?
But first: coffee. Early birds, rejoice – light breakfast is served from 6 a.m., because adventure doesn’t wait. Dive, snorkel, or shore excursion? It all kicks off at the crack of dawn.
Okay, safety first! Smiling yet very professional: during the mandatory dive briefing, the Fenides crew shows how safety and good vibes go hand in hand.
Dive first! Dr. Holger Wirtl from Exclusive Cruising is clearly all smiles – after a longer dry spell, he’s finally heading back into the blue, guided by true professionals.
"I’ll admit it: my expectations weren’t exactly sky-high. A wooden boat with just five cabins – and in Indonesia, of all places. But from the very first glance and the warm welcome on board – let alone everything that followed – I have to say: it couldn’t have turned out any better. The cozy cabins, the beautifully set communal table where all guests come together morning, noon, and night to enjoy fresh, local cuisine – and those unforgettable experiences in and around Komodo… simply a dream." Robert Liersch, Owner & Managing Director, M’Ocean · Germany
From the very first dive, it’s clear: the underwater world of Indonesia is nothing short of spectacular. Warm, crystal-clear, and bursting with life, it rolls out the red carpet for our divers.
Tiny, neon-bright clownfish dart between the corals, bold triggerfish make their territorial rounds, and then out of the blue manta rays glide by like flying carpets of the sea.
And just when you think you’ve seen it all… a big shadow appears. The kind that makes hearts skip a beat and dive masks fog up… shark!!! "Harmless," they say?!
Zip off in the dinghy and drop right into the middle of the coral beauty. P.S.: Fenides has all the gear lined up – the only thing the water junkies still need to do is… well, take the plunge.
Bechek bechek – Indonesian for "all good." Nailed it. Especially just under the surface in that turquoise-blue "reef cinema". Next up in your crash course: Hati-hati means…
"Watch out!" … Curious, not exactly small – and totally laid-back: chill turtles cruising straight toward you in a slow-motion underwater glide for a face-to-face meet-and-greet.
After first breakfast and second breakfast, the family table sounds the lunch bell – dressed up in the day’s color theme and sprinkled with just enough sea view under a shady sail to make you linger a little longer.
Tiny galley, huge temptation: the edible works of art our chef whips up from his pocket-sized kingdom can make even the most seasoned travel pros shamelessly cave in. Resistance is not an option.
Lunchtime = full-on relax mode – #officewithaview, of course. This favorite hashtag of globe-trotting, hard-working travel advisors hits peak season here. Jealous? Entirely understandable and allowed.
Sundowner o’clock! For Kim Guénier (Ultimate Yachts), Skye Russell (Ultimate Bali) and Loren Vazquez Zubieta (Fenides), the end-of-day hotspot is the crew-built-from-scratch beach bar – shaken, stirred, and set up right on the rosy sands of Pink Beach.
Sundowner o’clock! For Kim Guénier (Ultimate Yachts), Skye Russell (Ultimate Bali) and Loren Vazquez Zubieta (Fenides), the end-of-day hotspot is the crew-built-from-scratch beach bar – shaken, stirred, and set up right on the rosy sands of Pink Beach.
No words needed – Quek’s smile says it all. He’s everywhere at once and somehow appears right at that magical moment when you’re thinking "Wouldn’t it be nice if someone"… Bam – Quek.
It’s a good day when your favorite drink is already waiting: Florian Fohs (Roman Traveldesign) drops his request while still on board – and gets it delivered directamente to his beach chair.
Drink in one hand, smartphone in the other – Robert works the golden hour like a pro, crafting shots guaranteed to make his Facebook- and Insta-loving clients green with envy.
From cocktail to coffee: the alarm shows zero mercy – but if you’ve conquered the summit by 6 a.m., that caffeine hit feels downright heroic.
And those ice-cold towels? Carried all the way up by the crew – in this morning heat, they’re less "nice touch" and more "absolute survival kit."
Just wow! One look at this view and everyone knows exactly why listening to Moritz and ditching the snooze button for a pre-dawn climb was the right call. Worth. Every. Step.
“It was already a great pleasure for me to organize this fam trip and, in doing so, help raise awareness of the outstanding Fenides Liveaboard product. Once finally on board, I immediately felt as though I’d arrived in a temporary paradise: the combination of stylish design, attentive crew, and the breathtaking natural backdrop around Komodo had me enchanted from the very first moment. And by the time we sat down to our first dinner on deck, I knew this was a place where everything simply works – from the beautifully appointed cabins to the outstanding cuisine. Day after day, the journey takes us to new and fascinating dive and snorkel sites, where the incredible diversity of the pristine underwater world – from mantas and turtles to colorful corals and much more – never fails to impress. I can wholeheartedly recommend Fenides Liveaboard to any advisor looking to offer their guests something truly exceptional – rarely have I felt so pampered and inspired aboard a ship as I have here.” Dr. Holger Wirtl, Owner & Managing Director, Exclusive Cruising · Munich
This afternoon serves up a hearty slice of local flavor: a quick peek at Fenides’ own boutique hotel gem, the Kalimaya Dive Resort – then off to the neighboring village for a change of scenery.
By the time back on board, the crew is in full welcome mode – singing, clapping, smiling – and today, upping their game with a round of freshly rolled sushi. Dinghy arrivals don’t get much better than this.
Sundowner (yes, again) – this time in the snug aft lounge bar. The sky’s on fire, glasses are chiming, and the stories are flowing as freely as the Aperol. Cue the kind of laughter that leaves the advisors wiping away tears.
Support local business! Robert takes his time browsing the onboard maritime bazaar – set against a dreamlike ocean backdrop, with young merchants flashing their brightest smiles (and that cheeky look that says: Sure, go ahead and bargain... but you're buying anyway!).
Posing Deluxe: Sunglasses perfectly in place, stomachs heroically pulled in (not that the gentlemen have any, of course – purely for comedic emphasis!), the elegant phinisi posing right behind them, and a Maldives-worthy beach setting the scene. Sigh.
Next day, next highlight: in the group shot, there’s only one grumpy face – and it belongs to the komodo dragon. Everyone else is beaming, because these legendary locals only call this place home.
Next day, next highlight: in the group shot, there’s only one grumpy face – and it belongs to the komodo dragon. Everyone else is beaming, because these legendary locals only call this place home.
Just a little heads-up before setting foot in Komodo National Park: out here, "wild" means really wild – the kind that makes every step just a little more exciting.
The celebrity residents roam wherever they please – no fences, no enclosures. They’re fast, venomous, and more than happy to crash your photo.
Luckily, Vincen is on full watch duty alongside the local guide – armed with cooling towels and cabin-numbered water bottles to keep the whole crew in check.
"As travel professionals, we’re always on the lookout for experiences that truly stand out – and that’s exactly what this journey aboard the Fenides yacht in Sumbawa delivers. I’ve lived in Indonesia for 15 years and know most of the luxury yachts operating here – but I can say with full confidence: this is no ordinary charter. It’s masterclass ‘barefoot luxury,’ paired with a genuine, unfiltered spirit of adventure. Fenides combines stylish elegance with a relaxed, curated atmosphere – from design to service, every detail is executed with tangible care. What makes the experience even more special is the itinerary, which steers well clear of the classic tourist routes. Highlights like Banta Island, West Komodo, and North Sumbawa each offer their own magic, plenty of privacy, and that rare sense of wonder – with the feeling of freedom and discovery ever-present. For travel advisors looking to offer their clients a truly exceptional experience – one that blends the thrill of exploration with indulgence, comfort, and style – Fenides is a first-class choice." Kim Guénier, Ultimate Yachts · Indonesia
Two men, one mission, a dash of skepticism. Sunset means it’s time to test the wakeboard and water skis – with style, speed, and a good dose of saltwater. They made it!
But hurry back on board – because right on cue at 6 PM, the evening show begins: thousands of flying foxes take off in formation, heading toward their night roosts.
On the (sniff!) final evening, at the traditional dinner, our hostess Nafrani has the honor of ceremonially cutting the rice cake and sharing it generously all around.
Game night on deck: "Things men can’t do – but women can." Today’s contestant: our German host Moritz. He dares – and ends up being the only male athlete to pull it off.
The visionary couple behind Fenides, Nafrani and Moritz, enjoying their time on board – with top travel advisors, endless conversation, and a brand-new fan club in flip-flops.
A journey packed with heart-stealing moments wraps up – smiles in the eyes, a tug at the heart. Even the seasoned travel professionals are taking something home that goes deeper than the tan.
A journey packed with heart-stealing moments wraps up – smiles in the eyes, a tug at the heart. Even the seasoned travel professionals are taking something home that goes deeper than the tan.
Fenides at a Glance – Beyond the Factsheet
The Story – From Dive School to Icon: It all started with the very first dive school in Komodo – then came the first chartered boats, and in 2019, the first purpose-built yacht. Before a single guest stepped aboard, a full year was spent testing and exploring with typical German precision: sandflies, currents, tides, mosquitos, sundowner spots, dive sites, snorkel spots, anchor bays – every detail was checked, double-checked, and perfected. Fenides was, by the way, boat number 7 in the Komodo registry. Today there are over 500 – but this one remains something special. Every inch is designed, experienced, and built with passion.
The Yacht – Thought Through to the Last Corner: Five double cabins from 12 square meters (129 sq. ft.) upwards, with more storage space than you’d expect on a small yacht, plus TVs with Netflix & more (personal note: stayed off the whole trip!), a salon, two spacious sun decks, dive deck & camera room, a bar and lounge on the Captain’s Deck, air conditioning, laundry service, and excellent WiFi via Starlink.
The Cuisine – Light, Delicious, and Made with Love: Breakfast just the way you like it, ordered the night before – from light to indulgent. A particularly charming touch: freshly baked German bread. Lunch is creative buffet-style, and dinner is a relaxed set – with ocean views and a sea breeze as the best ingredients of all.
The Crew & Service – With Heart and a Handshake: Many of the eleven crew members have been on board since day one, some even connected by family ties – no wonder everything runs so smoothly. Water bottles and towels are numbered, and by day two, your personal bottle is magically filled with your favorite water (with a slice of lemon). Nothing needs asking twice.
The Underwater World – Exclusive and Unrushed: With Fenides, the reefs and pristine coral gardens are shared only with turtles, mantas, and colorful reef fish – the sites are almost always empty, no other boats in sight, and the crystal-clear water is as spectacular for snorkelers as it is for dive pros.
The Above-Water Experience – Local, Not Loud: For those seeking connection, there’s plenty to enjoy: remote villages, hikes on nearly uninhabited islands, deserted pink beaches you won’t find on any bucket list. And yes – a touch of the tourist program is part of the package: Komodo dragons, flying foxes, Manta Point. But always with style, never in a crowd.
Sales Points
- The Fenides experience is usually full-charter only. But – a few select dates each year open like a treasure chest for single-cabin bookings. In other words: move fast! Or team up with other travel advisors and market it together.
- What, When, Where? April to October = dragon-island vibes and a diver’s paradise in Komodo · October to November = cruising around the Spice Islands in the Banda Sea, then off to the most Instagram-friendly waters ever: Raja Ampat.
- Komodo Seasons: May = lush and green. From July onwards = sun-baked hills in rich gold and brown tones.
- Book your clients to Bali or Singapore before the cruise – for ease in and soaking up the sun. Not after! Otherwise, they‘ll go from tropical serenity straight into Bali’s tourist overload and full-on culture shock.
Any questions about Fenides Liveaboard?
Loren Vazquez Zubieta Senior Voyage Consultant Fenides Liveaboard
Email & Mobile Phone
Fenides at a Glance – Beyond the Factsheet
The Story – From Dive School to Icon: It all started with the very first dive school in Komodo – then came the first chartered boats, and in 2019, the first purpose-built yacht. Before a single guest stepped aboard, a full year was spent testing and exploring with typical German precision: sandflies, currents, tides, mosquitos, sundowner spots, dive sites, snorkel spots, anchor bays – every detail was checked, double-checked, and perfected. Fenides was, by the way, boat number 7 in the Komodo registry. Today there are over 500 – but this one remains something special. Every inch is designed, experienced, and built with passion.
The Yacht – Thought Through to the Last Corner: Five double cabins from 12 square meters (129 sq. ft.) upwards, with more storage space than you’d expect on a small yacht, plus TVs with Netflix & more (personal note: stayed off the whole trip!), a salon, two spacious sun decks, dive deck & camera room, a bar and lounge on the Captain’s Deck, air conditioning, laundry service, and excellent WiFi via Starlink.
The Cuisine – Light, Delicious, and Made of Love: Breakfast just the way you like it, ordered the night before – from light to indulgent. A particularly charming touch: freshly baked German bread. Lunch is creative buffet-style, and dinner is a relaxed set – with ocean views and a sea breeze as the best ingredients of all.
The Crew & Service – With Heart and a Handshake: Many of the eleven crew members have been on board since day one, some even connected by family ties – no wonder everything runs so smoothly. Water bottles and towels are numbered, and by day two, your personal bottle is magically filled with your favorite water (with a slice of lemon). Nothing needs asking twice.
The Underwater World – Exclusive and Unrushed: With Fenides, the reefs and pristine coral gardens are shared only with turtles, mantas, and colorful reef fish – the sites are almost always empty, no other boats in sight, and the crystal-clear water is as spectacular for snorkelers as it is for dive pros.
The Above-Water Experience – Local, Not Loud: For those seeking connection, there’s plenty to enjoy: remote villages, hikes on nearly uninhabited islands, deserted pink beaches you won’t find on any bucket list. And yes – a touch of the tourist program is part of the package: Komodo dragons, flying foxes, Manta Point. But always with style, never in a crowd.
Sales Points
- Exclusive: The Fenides experience is usually full-charter only. But – a few select dates each year open like a treasure chest for single-cabin bookings. In other words: move fast! Or team up with colleagues from the DACH market and market it together.
- What, When, Where? April to October = dragon-island vibes and a diver’s paradise in Komodo · October to November = cruising around the Spice Islands in the Banda Sea, then off to the most Instagram-friendly waters ever: Raja Ampat.
- Komodo Seasons: May = lush and green. From July onwards = sun-baked hills in rich gold and brown tones.
- Book your clients to Bali or Singapore before the cruise – for ease in and soaking up the sun. Not after! Otherwise, they‘ll go from tropical serenity straight into Bali’s tourist overload and full-on culture shock.