NOV/DEC

2014

THE ULTIMATE

HOLIDAY

GIFT

GUIDE

$50.00

AT SEA

SLOW TRAVEL IN STYLE

In a refreshing departure from contemporary superyachts, the beautiful Mutiara Laut is the
perfect charter yacht for exploring the far-flung islands of the Indonesian archipelago, an
increasingly popular destination among affluent travelers looking for exceptional diving and
breathtaking scenery far from the usual tourist haunts.

BY NICK WALTON

IDYLLIC DECK VIEWS / MUTIARA LAUT

Built and designed by Leo van Oostenbrugge, himself an acclaimed Dutch

remote communities while the culinary team creates bespoke menus based

boat builder and ships captain, the stunning Mutiara Laut has clearly mar-

on the freshest local and imported ingredients.

ried the traditions of his homeland with the maritime heritage of his adopted

Below are six of the Mutiara Lauts seven guest rooms. Each air-condi-

Indonesia. Built by the famed boat builders of Sulawesi in 2009, the 151-

tioned stateroom features a spacious bed, fine linens, double or twin beds,

foot, twin-masted Mutiara Laut is modeled on a 18th century North Atlantic

an additional pull-out bed, large portholes, and a luxurious tiled ensuite

schooner once favored by the Dutch, yet boasts distinct Indonesian accents

bathroom with a rain shower. For the ultimate perk, head aft to the separate

reminiscent of a traditional phinisi. In fact, the yacht embodies the meeting

VIP Suite; with its king-sized bed; comfortable window sofas; ample work

of east and west, of antiquity and modernity, with its blend of traditional lines

and walk-in storage spaces; and oversized bathroom.

and cutting edge technology, modern accents and old world charm.

ture comforts, with once-in-a-lifetime journeys including the world-class

charters through Indonesia, from Bali and Komodo east to Raja Ampat and

diving of Raja Ampat; the wildlife safaris of Komodo, home to the Komodo

Papua, she boasts a crew of 14 and caters for up to 14 guests. Much of any

Dragons; the Asmat Warrior Tribes of Papua; and the remote Spice Islands

charter cruise, including our recent voyage from Ambon to Komodo, is spent

of the Banda chain. The Mutiara Laut not only takes a lucky few to desti-

on the vessels spacious 645-square-foot main deck, where a custom-built

nations rarely visited by outsiders, but does so in style and sophistication.

dining table that doubles as a skylight for the deck below, is wreathed by sun

Two ships tenders ferry guests to shore, on dive or snorkeling excursions

loungers, making for an ideal spot for late afternoon cocktails and early al

with the yachts resident PADI-certified dive master, or on deep-sea fishing

fresco breakfasts.

outings, while a dedicated masseuse offering Balinese-style massage is the

The air-conditioned main saloon below is an elegantly appointed space

that boasts a lounge and entertainment suite as well as a formal dining ta-

perfect antidote after long days exploring new locales.

Weekly or per night tariffs include all meals, park fees, and excursions.

ble, made from a stunning piece of rescued ebony, that provides the perfect

Mutiara Laut is available to charter from US$11,000 a night.

spot for dinner parties after days exploring remote atolls and searching for

Contact: Leo van Oostenbrugge at Exotic Yacht Charter Bali,

pods of dolphins. In the lounge guests can come together over an aperitif and

62-361-919-77-97; loostenbrugge@gmail.com;

be briefed on the day ahead or listen to stories from some of worlds most

www.mutiaralaut.com

AMPLE INTERIORS /
MUTIARA LAUT

126

Of course, one travels on the Mutiara Laut for its itineraries over its crea-

Here tradition meets luxury and sophistication. Purpose-built for luxury

RUNNING / MUTIARA LAUT

ON-DECK OPULENCE
/ MUTIARA LAUT