Far beyond any imaginable expectation for a dive vacation
By Josh Comay
Komodo, As a seasoned diver, traveler, and photographer, I expect any liveaboard I book to provide delicious food and the opportunity to dive into the best diving a destination has to offer. With Arenui, my experience far exceeded any imaginable expectations in the amazing adventure on the Komodo islands.
The excitement was palpable as we transferred from the harbor dock to Arenui. All the guests were excited, as no one could have known how incredible the Arenui experience (Gallery link) was actually going to be. From the moment we boarded, everything felt so easy and accommodating.
Our cabins were ready and waiting for us to settle in and relax. A private tour of Arenui was offered and available on our individual schedule (See video). Walking around her, guests are surrounded by authentic works of art representing the wide and diverse styles from all over Indonesia.
While detailed and stylish wood carvings are found everywhere, be sure not to miss the amazing carvings in the staircase leading to the lower cabins. Many of these hand-carved wood wall panels contain intricate details and depict many of the important stories tied to the Hindu faith.
Arenui was built from 7 different types of wood (70% of which was recycled), and its natural beauty makes one feel relaxed and calm. No details were spared, and splendor can be found in everything from the large hand-made dining tables to the custom hinges and handles seen throughout. In the Sky Lounge area (upper deck), there is stunning handmade support that resembles a typical Balinese entryway you might see in front of a home.
Each room is spacious and appointed with unique art representing the different provinces of Indonesia. In addition to unique storyboard wood carvings, each room is also adorned with elegant textiles and handicrafts. Each cabin has its own theme, which can be experienced in the woven artwork and style of this magnificent private space for guests to relax. Whether in the dining room, the upper deck, or your stateroom, relaxation occurs without thought as one drifts away among the Indonesian dreamscape surrounding you.
A decadent ship deserves an even more impeccable crew, and team Arenui does not disappoint. To start with, the 22 serving crew members outnumber the 16 guests. If assistance is needed, whether in the dining room or the dive deck, there is always someone standing by to assist. The crew consistently goes out of their way to ensure the guests are completely pampered and satisfied. All the crew feels like mind-readers anticipating your needs and desires before you even realize them yourself,
Along with an excellent crew is a world-class kitchen prepared to cook for any dietary needs and lifestyle choices. Epic three- and four-course meals are served every day, accommodating all diets, including those who are gluten-free, pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, or have any other restrictions. Each meal is custom-made as the servers and chefs quickly come to understand individual guests’ wishes. In their tradition of indulgence, the Arenui serves the equivalent of Michelin-grade meals that far exceed the most demanding of culinary desires.
Everyone knows Indonesia is among the most bio-diverse places on the planet to dive. Diving from Arenui reflects that superbly during the Komodo trip. As each guest came back from each dive to claim “it was their best dive ever.” The itinerary contained everything from large schools of fish, huge mantas, a variety of sharks, the most vibrant corals, and crazy critters in the muck. The diversity of fish and coral is mind-bending, with sites like Crystal Rock and Castle Rock overwhelming even the most experienced diver. In addition, the dive guides are so in tune with the environment that they can predict animal behavior, guaranteeing things like Manta sightings. The guides also seem to have “bionic eyes” as their ability to spot super small critters is uncanny. It’s not uncommon for each dive to easily include a hundred or more different types of corals, fish, and nudibranchs.
Dive pangas go out with a guide and a group of just four divers at a time, giving everyone plenty of room on the boat and in the water. On the short ride out, guests relax in comfort while one of the staff puts on their fins for them. Before getting in the Komodo water, the team helps each diver don their dive kit. After the dive, the team assists divers by removing their weights and gear. They remove your fins underwater so an easy climb into the boat is all that is required.
When returning after a dive, the boat crew helps you remove your wetsuit and wash all your gear while you drink tea or hot chocolate. The gear is then hung to dry and “magically” reappears at your station when it’s time to suit up again.
As with everything on the Arenui, it seems the staff has thought of everything, creating an exemplary experience that has to be unparalleled by any other diving experience worldwide. In my opinion, this is 5 Diamond service, as Margo and Tom Peyton say. A dive trip on the Arenui is an experience like no other. The food, staff, diving, and boats far exceed the most discerning dive traveler. The quality and authenticity of the experience will undoubtedly satisfy all divers.
I believe that before departing on this trip, each guest contacted Margo and Tom, owners of Kids Sea Camp, and booked multiple returns. Arenui was Tom’s find, and it was an amazing one. This was Arenui’s first Kids Sea Camp, and for obvious reasons, for kids aged 14 and up that are certified divers. The coming itinerary with Family Dive Adventures includes Alor, Komodo, Raja Ampat, and the Forgotten Islands. Both empty nester adult trips and more KSC trips are available.
Arenui is a sure-to-please experience like no other. It’s no wonder these trips are often booked up to two years in advance. I look forward to sharing another incredible Arenui Adventure with families soon.
Please go to www.familydivers.com to the photo gallery to see more of the infinite critters and seascapes captured.